Just before Christmas, we were delighted to welcome paramedics from Role 1 Medical, led by Andy Edmunds, who delivered potentially life-saving training in the use of a Defibrillator to our students, all of whom had volunteered to attend. 

Organised in partnership with the Ivybridge Rotary Club, students from across the College received advice in a series of workshops, gaining knowledge and confidence in giving first aid support to a patient and how to use the equipment.

Students were told that statistically, someone in their group will find themselves in a  situation where they will have to administer CPR at some point in their lives.  Speaking as part of the session, Mr Edmunds spoke some sad truths that for every minute a patient doesn’t receive this, their chances of survival reduce by 10%.

He added, however, that there was nothing more ‘gratifying’ for an ambulance crew than to see a community-minded individual, already giving a patient CPR when they arrive at an incident, and ensuring the best possible chance of survival when they reach hospital.

Sixth Form Pastoral Lead Sharon Terry, who also attended the training, said that she was very ‘impressed’ and thought that the sessions were ‘very informative’.

Whilst many of the attendees resided in Ivybridge, there were many others who lived further field and the College is proud to have provided some vital skills to its ambassadors, which they may be able to use in their own neighbourhoods across the county and potentially save someone’s life in the future.  

Ivybridge Community College would like to thank Role 1 Medical and Ivybridge Rotary Club for their help in arranging the sessions and hope that they will be able to offer similar, potentially life - saving training to more students in the future.