Boris learns first aid from Cadets

NHQ Boris learns CPR

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, was given an impromptu lesson in how to save a life by St John Ambulance Cadets on a recent visit to Buckingham Palace.

Celebration of youth

Mr Johnson attended a garden party at the palace on 16 July to recognise the work of the young people in youth organisations and officially launch a collaborative youth partnership called YOU London which hopes to broaden nationally.

He was very good for a beginner and we hope he's gone away with some basic knowledge of how to save a life.

Seeta Shah
St John Ambulance Cadet, Harrow
Life saving lesson

Mr Johnson was visiting all the youth groups present but when he arrived at the St John Ambulance stand the enthusiastic Cadets couldn’t help but pass on their knowledge. They presented Mr Johnson with a manikin and showed him how to do chest compressions which he carried out energetically.

Seeta Shah, 16 from Harrow, helped teach Boris vital CPR skills. She said: 'He was very good for a beginner and we hope he's gone away with some basic knowledge of how to save a life. He asked if we used our skills in day to day life and thought it was great that we used them to benefit others.'

Youth activities

Around 1300 young people including 150 St John Ambulance Cadets attended the garden party and met Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. As well as enjoying delectable treats such as cucumber and mint sandwiches and scones, the youngsters showed activities they get involved in such as inflatable sumo wrestling, climbing and sign language.

The Prince called for youth organisations to work together nationally in partnership to maximise adventure and community opportunities for young people and to raise recruitment levels of adult volunteers. 

Partnership working

Sam Lawday, 17, St John Ambulance National Cadet of the Year, said: ‘It’s been a fantastic, once in a lifetime experience. I’ve learnt a lot about other youth organisations and can definitely see us working together more. All organisations have skills which are easily transferable. Cadets can do an assault course with the Army Cadets and we can share our skills with them – I’ve already seen Army Cadets with first aid badges which is a sign the partnership is working.’

Nine organisations in the YOU partnership were present: St John Ambulance, The Scout Association, Air Training Corps, Girlguiding LaSER, Boy’s Brigade, Prince’s Trust, Air Cadets, Sea Cadet Corps, Volunteer Police Cadets and Army Cadet Force.