First aid is one of the most valuable life skills young people can learn. At Sea Cadets, cadets develop practical knowledge, confidence and leadership through training, exercises and national competitions that challenge them to stay calm under pressure and work effectively as a team.

This National Cadets Week, we're celebrating three cadets whose training helped them respond to real-life emergencies.

Amelia's quick thinking helps save a life

While attending a party with friends, Royal Marines Cadet Amelia came across a young girl who had collapsed and was unconscious.

Recognising that the casualty was unresponsive and not breathing normally, Amelia immediately called 999 and began CPR, following instructions from the emergency call handler.

Thanks to her calm and decisive actions, the casualty regained consciousness before the ambulance arrived.

Amelia remained with the casualty, reassuring her and monitoring her condition until paramedics arrived. She then provided a clear handover to the ambulance crew, explaining what had happened and the treatment she had given.

Her actions demonstrated the real-life value of first aid training and the confidence to act when every second counts.

Daniel springs into action on a busy high street

Fifteen-year-old Lance Corporal Daniel was on his way to the gym when he came across a woman who had suffered a serious fall.

The casualty had sustained severe injuries, including a deep wound to her leg and a broken hand.

While others looked on, Daniel immediately took charge, calling 999, obtaining first aid supplies and helping stem blood loss while keeping the casualty reassured and comfortable.

Hospital staff later learned that the casualty had already been stabilised at the scene thanks to Daniel's actions.

Daniel said:"I just focussed on helping and using the training I'd been given. I'm glad I was able to assist and the first aid training from cadets prepared me to stay calm and know what to do."

Lily-Mae helps during a medical emergency at school

Able Junior Cadet Lily-Mae put her training into action when a teacher suffered a seizure during an after-school session. 

When the teacher collapsed, many pupils were understandably unsure what was happening. Drawing on first aid knowledge gained through Sea Cadets, 12 year old Lily-Mae recognised the situation was serious, guided her classmates out of the classroom, sought help from another teacher and helped keep pupils calm until staff arrived.

Her actions helped protect both the teacher and her fellow pupils during a frightening situation.

In recognition of her actions, Lily-Mae was later invited to meet her local Town Mayor.

She said: When I realised something wasn't right, I went to get a teacher straight away. Afterwards I was a bit shocked by what had happened, but at the time I just wanted to help and make sure everyone was safe.

Sea Cadets has helped give me confidence and taught me what to do in emergencies."

Skills for life

These stories are a powerful reminder that first aid training is about far more than qualifications.

Whether performing CPR, helping an injured member of the public or responding to a medical emergency at school, sea cadets are developing the confidence, leadership and practical skills needed to make a difference.

This National Cadets Week, we're celebrating the young people whose training has helped them step forward, stay calm and help others when it mattered most.

Picture: Lily-Mae taking part in first-aid training at Sea Cadets