We use cookies to enhance your visit. By continuing to browse you are agreeing to our use of cookies. About Our Cookies 
We use cookies to enhance your visit. By continuing to browse you are agreeing to our use of cookies. About Our Cookies
Posted On: 4th Mar 2015
Fixer Bethany Watson
Fixer Gina Thomas
Bethany during the broadcast shoot
Concerned about the time it can take emergency services to reach those living in rural communities, Bethany Watson and Gina Thomas think more people learning first aid could save lives.
Their story was shown on ITV News Tyne Tees on Wednesday 11th March.
Sixteen-year-olds Bethany and Gina, who are from Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria and Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales, say it takes them an hour to get to their nearest hospitals.
They feel that equipping young people with basic first aid training would allow them to play an active and helpful role in the case of an emergency.
‘I’ve seen how important first aiders can be after they helped my dad and grandmother,' explains Bethany.
‘It was reassuring to have somebody there saying everything would be okay.
‘This is crucial in isolated areas like ours where the hospitals are quite far away.
‘Many people don't consider first aid until they’re in a situation where they need it. So it’s important we encourage more to learn, which is what we aim to do.’
In the broadcast piece, the pair take part in a training exercise where they’re taught how to perform CPR.
‘Even something as simple as knowing what the recovery position is can make all the difference,’ Gina says.
‘Those moments before an ambulance arrives could be crucial.’
With Fixers, Bethany and Gina are working on a campaign to encourage others their age to enrol on first aid courses.
Bethany adds: ‘The sessions are really useful and teach you how to stay calm under pressure.
‘You never know when having a little bit of knowledge may come in handy.
‘What if you’re able to save someone’s life? There’s nothing better than that.’
Sandy Campbell and his team are calling for more support for those
living in rural communities. Watch their Fixers film.
Fixers are excited to announce the inaugural Youth Advisory Board.
This film is based on a real life story about how anxiety affects pupils in the classroom.
Emily hopes her film will help people understand Alzheimer's and support families more.
Students are educating their peers about the prevalence of food poverty in the UK.
Sam used to be homeless and hopeless. He's turned his life around and wants others to know they can too.
Ciarán wants students to keep a lookout for vulnerable people in their midst on campus.
A group of aspiring actors are calling for better roles for black and Asian people.
Care leaver Julia is raising the aspirations of teenagers growing up in foster homes.
Ben Simms and his group from Watford FC are encouraging those with disabilities to work in sport.
Layne wants people to shun celebrities and choose real people as role models.
Welsh students want to reduce the stigma surrounding free school meal provisions.
A group of students from Worcester Uni have made wristbands promoting mental wellbeing.
Sarah wants to turn her driving test failures into motivation for disheartened learners.
Jacob wants those with disabilities to be encouraged to pursue a career in sports.
Rural First Aid Story On ITV
