Life-saving training night
Delivered in September by volunteers from St John Ambulance, an evening of life-saving training was an energising and important way for the Reading Referee Association (RRA) to engage with its members at the start of the new season.
The evening was part of a refreshed programme shaped by a member working group and was inspired by RRA member Michael McDonagh, named ‘Match Official of the Year’ by The FA, after his quick actions and application of CPR helped save a life on the pitch.
Ben Atherton, RRA’s Welfare Officer, who organised the event said: “It was a real pleasure to host an outstanding evening of learning and practical development. With the brilliant volunteers from St John Ambulance, we were trained on CPR and defib application and how to have the confidence to step up and act at the most vital of times. It was also a highlight to interview fellow match official Michael and learn more about his experience putting these skills into use on the pitch.”
It was noted by members that the St John Ambulance team worked across all walks of life on top of their volunteering roles, highlighting that anyone can make the difference with the right training and willingness to step in during an emergency.
“It was fantastic to see so many people attend the session and get involved in practising CPR. The enthusiasm and engagement from everyone made it a very rewarding evening for us.”
KaMan Cheung, Lead for West Berkshire St John Ambulance
Members were encouraged to donate to the St John Ambulance charity to round off an engaging event full of camaraderie and support, which is what the association is trying to build and encourage across its programme this season. Those members who could not attend in person were directed to further online resources such as the British Heart Foundation’s 15-minute RevivR course or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest course on the England Football website.
