Winning first place in the annual St John Ambulance National Schools First Aid Competition was just what the doctor ordered for a team of pupils from a New Malden school.

The team members from Holy Cross School were presented with a commemorative plaque and gift vouchers, following the competition at London Zoo last Tuesday.

Twenty two teams from across the country were judged on their ability to perform first aid on casualties at a staged, but realistic accident. All of the competitors learned their first aid skills through the St John Ambulance Young Lifesaver Scheme, which is taught in schools.

Nic Suggit, head of training at St John said: "The level of entries this year was very impressive. The children showed a great understanding of first aid and tackled the accident scenarios set for them with great skill and expertise."

July 12, 2002 10:30