Recently members of EEAST volunteered their time to join The Gateway Academy in Tilbury to help train their Special Educational Needs (SEN) department in first aid.
Back in October a number of our staff and volunteers were kind enough to help out on Restart A Heart Day, teaching students in secondary school CPR.
Darren Jensen, Senior Technician based at Basildon Station in Essex was one of those staff members who visited The Gateway Academy in Tilbury.
Following on from the success of the day, Darren was contacted by the head of the academy’s SEN department, who was interested in finding out if we provided a package that could cater for the school’s pupils, who have a wide range of special educational needs.
With the support of Karyn Cambell-Woodwood, Area General Manager (AGM) and Penny Bootle, Locality Operations Manager (LOM), Darren put together a tailored session that would be inclusive for all pupils.
Darren revisited the school along with Susan, Community First Responder (CFR) to deliver the session.
Andrea McCann, Manager at The Gateway Academy, said: “Darren delivered a first aid day Friday 16th April here at the Gateway Academy it was part of our deep learning day for our nurturing groups, the day was amazing all of the students engaged and enjoyed it.
“Prior to the visit, Darren wanted to know about the students and what would be the best way to deliver the first aid training. He came fully prepared with lots of visuals and hands on learning.
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Darren and Sue for making it so enjoyable and giving up their time both were amazing.”
Darren said: “For me it was great to be involved with students that have extra needs as events like this helps people in our job have a bit of a broader insight into learning disabilities, and how to manage patients with them in the future.”
If you want to speak to Darren regarding the content of his session, you can email him on Darren.jensen@eastamb.nhs.uk.
Following last year’s success, we will be once again participating in Restart A Heart day for 2019. If you know of any secondary schools interested in taking part in our region, you can find more information and register on our website.
