A GROUP of young cadets from Chirk have gone one step closer to being qualified first aiders after completing a course recently.

Chirk Air Cadets received in-house training to achieve their HeartStart badges.

Senior cadets and staff, as well as 11 junior cadets, all achieved their blue HeartStart badges for their uniforms after completing the course.

Chirk Air Cadets adjutant Janos Barber said it is a good start in the journey to becoming first aid qualified.

He said: “[The course] was taught by our members of staff here as they’re qualified to teach it.

“It’s the first rung on the first aid ladder – it was a two-hour course that taught the basic life-saving skills.

“They will be looking at going on to do their Youth First Aid badge, which is a 12-hour course run by cadet instructors.”

He added that it is vital to have as many people as possible qualified in HeartStart.

“It’s a very important life skill. The more people who are qualified and can do it, the better.

“We’re in a very fortunate position in the Air Cadets where we are able to provide the training free of charge to cadets and staff members.

“The qualifications stay valid for three years, so every three years the cadets will do refresher courses to keep them up to date with the training and legislation.

“It’s something they can take away to the workplace, regardless of what career they go in to.”