THE Holsworthy Army Cadets tried out their new first aid training kits recently.

The new kits were provided by Devon County Councillor Barry Parsons through his locality grant.

The application sought funding to provide equipment to help the cadets become more useful to their local community as young citizens.

Cllr Parsons visited a special training evening set up to familiarise the senior cadets with the equipment — they can then use this knowledge for practical training of their peers.

The equipment purchased was a large quantity of ‘special effects’, which allow the creation of realistic wounds. This helps to deliver more realistic first aid training, which in turn helps the cadets be prepared for any eventuality they might come across.

Also purchased was a ‘choke simulator vest’, a simple but clever piece of equipment that allows cadets to practice dealing with a choking patient on a live subject — but protects the subject from harm.

Cllr Parsons spoke with the cadets and potential instructor (PI) Summer, who is also a former cadet, who delivered the session about the kit during his visit.

He said: “Since becoming county councillor I have been privileged to see and support some of the fantastic work being done by Lt Jim Harvey and his colleagues at the Holsworthy Army Cadet Force.

“The youngsters, alongside this mentor take real pride in their work, much of which is of huge value not only to them personally, but, to the community as a whole.

“Watching our cadets practice with simulated wound materials was brilliant. These cadets were having great fun with their learning of such valuable skills.”

Lt Harvey said of the grant: “I would like to thank Cllr Parsons for his generosity and support of the detachment.”

First aid is just on of the many interesting and useful skills young people from age 12 and up can develop as part of being an Army Cadet.

For more information and photographs search ‘Hoslworthy ACF’ on Facebook or contact Lt Harvey on 07812495229 or by email at [email protected]