It was a winning night for East Kilbride at the Scottish First Aid Awards as group of volunteers were awarded ‘Corps Company of the Year’.
Members of the local company, who all volunteer with St Andrew’s First Aid - Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity - were recognised for their efforts to support their community during the pandemic.
They were also given plaudits for being prepared for any emergency first aid situation and to find ways to deliver vital first aid training via virtual platforms.
Unable to meet in person or carry out any of their usual activities, the volunteers met virtually each fortnight and established a programme of events to ensure they had contact with each other and could check in to make sure everyone was okay.
Work within the community also continued, with more than 1600 hours being given to support vulnerable individuals and those needing to shield, providing a source of comfort and company to many during a particularly difficult period.
Fundraising events were carried out to raise money for St Andrew’s First Aid as its usual sources of income were cut off and each member kept up their training and learning through online sessions.
Commandant of East Kilbride corps company, Susan Adamson, told Lanarkshire Live : “East Kilbride Company is not just a company within the organisation, it is a second family to members, while providing vital support to the charity to meet its vision that no one should suffer or die as they needed first aid and didn’t get it.
“Covid presented a raft of new challenges for us, but we came together and established ways we could continue to support each other as well as our community through a very difficult time. I am extremely proud of everyone and delighted that we have been recognised in this way.”
Close to 400 people attended the Scottish First Aid Awards which were held at Radisson Blu on Cambridge Street in Glasgow on March 11 and hosted by Jane McCarry, best known as Isa from Still Game.
More nominations than ever before were received, recognising first aid heroes across the 12 categories.
Two young brothers from Chapleton were named ‘Scottish Young First Aid Heroes 2022’ for their amazing actions which saved the life of their two-year-old sister, Erica after she choked on a 10p piece.
Callum and Fraser McAteer, aged just nine and seven, were recognised at the event.
Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, told us : “Our East Kilbride company is a worthy winner of this award for everything its members have achieved and delivered during the pandemic.
“Many of the volunteers have been with the company for a long time and the high level of retention is testament to the positive ethos and spirit they radiate. We are delighted to present them with this award in recognition of their efforts.”
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