Confidence gained from a Heartstart course encouraged Workstart student Shannon Watmore to intervene to help man who collapsed in the street.
Shannon (18) from Carronshore was walking in Falkirk Town Centre two weeks ago when she spotted a middle-aged man who was taking a seizure. Remembering her Forth Valley College Heartstart training which she received in December, she immediately swung into action taking control of the situation.
She gave instruction to others who had stopped to help on how to put the man in the recovery position, made sure he was OK as someone else called the ambulance.
Workstart students, under the guidance of lecturer Marguerite McCreath, are put through the two hour Heartstart course as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award training, just in case they come across a situation like this either on their expeditions, or in any life situation.
Shannon, who hopes to go on and become a make-up artist has applied for a NC qualification in this subject at the college, said: “The training gave me the confidence to take charge of the situation and the people who had gathered round the man. Once he came round I stayed with him until the ambulance arrived and man who was ill thanked me.”
“I feel really proud of myself for doing something to help him. If I had been there and not had the training I would have felt terrible not being able to do anything. I would definitely recommend the Heartstart course and other First Aid courses at Forth Valley College to anyone. I personally found them to be really interesting and enjoyable and they equip you with basic skills that could save someone’s life.”
FVC Business and Communities Lecturer Marguerite McCreath, said: “Shannon`s ability to use her life saving training proves that any basic first aid training is a must. It is a great life skill to have and Shannon has proved this. I am very proud of her and her confidence to use her Heartstart training, and urge more students to attend first aid training such as Heartstart.”
Anyone looking to find out more about the first aid courses currently available at Forth Valley College should call 01324 403000 or visit https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/courses/first-aid