17-year-old Rachel Cunningham was on her way home from volunteering at the Rhyl Air Show when she was approached by a stranger for help.
A woman nearby had collapsed, she was having a seizure and needed urgent medical attention.
Rachel, from Deeside, had just finished a shift helping to provide first aid at the air show when the incident happened and after confirming whether an ambulance had been called, rushed to the scene and immediately put her skills to use.
“I explained that I was a volunteer with St John Cymru and I helped the lady as much as I could,
The lady was slipping in and out of responsiveness so after making her comfortable, I rang for an ambulance again.
I made sure there was plenty of space around her and I helped her as best I could.”
Rachel Cunningham
Rachel stayed with the woman for over an hour to ensure she was not alone, until the emergency services arrived where she confidently handed over to them before helping to assist them put the lady into the ambulance.
Gianne, Rachel’s mother, was also at the scene.
“Rachel remained calm, focused and professional the whole time.
Her only concern was for the welfare of the lady involved."
Gianne, Rachel's mum
“We’re so proud of Rachel and we can’t praise her enough for being there and acting quickly when the lady needed her the most.
We need more young people like Rachel to learn first aid so they can also step in and help save more lives.”
St John Cymru Deeside and Mold Cadet Leader, Tracy Sankey-Jones
Throughout September, as Wales’ leading first aid charity, we're are offering communities across Wales the opportunity to learn vital first aid skills which could one day be used to save a life. To empower yourself with lifesaving first aid skills register your free place at one of our Save a Life Septmember sessions here.
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