Volunteers from St John Cymru provided medical assistance across the Royal Welsh Show at two of the event’s busiest locations; the Young People’s Village and the event’s Help Point, which was new for 2019.
Just half a mile from the main show, the Young People’s Village provided a home to over 4,000 young people for the duration of the event, with first aid volunteers providing assistance from Saturday 20th July until Thursday 24th July in order to ensure those who needed it, received prompt medical assistance.
Situated in Builth Wells town centre, the Help Point followed the same model of its sister, which was launched in Swansea in 2014, whereby it acted as the initial contact for those needing medical support, including first aid. Patients are seen promtly and if required are transported to hospital for further treatment.
Together, the support provided at the Help Point and the Young People’s Village from St John Cymru and other volunteer organisations, saw just 14 people transported to hospital from the 359 who sought medical assistance.
“We were delighted to have been a part of such an iconic, national event and that we could be on hand to help provide first aid assistance at two key locations across the Royal Welsh Show this year.
The figures recorded show that the additional support provided at the event greatly reduced the strain which would otherwise be placed onto local services.
We’re very grateful to have been able to support the event and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers and staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure we were able to deliver this service to a very high standard, throughout the show.”
St John Cymru Director of Operations, James Shaughnessy
As the warm weather continues, St John Cymru is urging people to stay safe in the sun by following some simple steps:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Apply a four-star UVA blocking sun cream with a minimum SPF 15
- Wear loose clothing to help avoid overheating
- Wear a hat which shades
- Stay out of direct sun exposure when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am-3pm)
For more first aid advice, information about first aid training, fundraising for St John Cymru or how you can volunteer, visit: www.stjohn.wales