JUNIOR first aiders from St Joseph’s Primary School in Malmesbury proved they have their finger on the pulse when it comes to emergency care.

A first aid team of Year 5 and 6 students from the school has been selected to represent the whole of the South West at next week’s final of the St Johns Ambulance National Schools’ First Aid competition and is in with a chance of winning £750 for their school.

St Joseph’s took three teams of junior first aiders to the South West regional final in Portishead, proving themselves a cut above the rest finishing in first, second and fifth place.

Actors staged emergency scenarios in the regional final, with teams working together to administer the correct first aid care.

Tegan O'Connor, 11, Emily Jones, 10, Madeleine O'Dwyer, 10, Madigan Brady, 11, and Rifka Owen, 11 from St Joseph’s scored highest on the day and will proceed through to the final.

Headteacher Lizzie Christopher said: “The teams all did really well. We are so proud of them. The students are so excited to have made the final. Our business manager Elaine Pearce has been working with the teams this year at lunchtimes and before school to get them prepared for the competition.

“Our young first aiders help out in the playground if anyone hurts themselves so they put what they learn into practice. We believe it is vital that students learn this life skill early on. They are all really keen and it has really inspired them. Some are talking about going on to become doctors and nurses.”

* The national final will be held at Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth on Wednesday, June 26.