The First Aid Group meets on Monday evenings from 8.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. During the Monday evening meetings there is a variety of events. Some of these involve a talk (with a guest speaker), or an opportunity to practice or advance your first aid skills, using realistic casualty simulations where possible. Some of our first aiders also take part in competitions, where teams pit their first aid skills against teams from elsewhere in the region. There is often a party at the end of each term: the Christmas Dinner draws guests from all over Hampshire.

Skills training includes First Aid, Manual Handling, use of an Automated External Defibrillator, Advanced Resuscitation, Anatomy and Physiology, Trauma Management, and Working with the Emergency Services. Members may enhance their skills to the level they choose, but can progress to crewing an ambulance.

The group participates in first aid duties. These include: May Fairs, football and other sports competitions, Yateley 10km runs, Reading Half-Marathon, theatres, fireworks, fetes, motor sports, horse shows, the New Forest Show, and Southampton Festival. Our ambulance crews also help provide cover at events.  You can choose how many you go to, though a minimum of 10 hours per year is asked for (easily done).

We are also on hand to assist the Emergency Services in the event of a major incident. In times of conflict or disaster we may be asked to give local support to our international (ICRC) colleagues.

During Red Cross week (the week including 8 May) people are asked to help in the house-to-house or street collection for the Red Cross.

In short, it's a good group to join, as you can learn useful skills and take part in an enjoyable pastime. Training is free to members. It costs nothing to join the group. Why don't you come along and see for yourself?