Temporary emergency measures serving to assist and maintain the victim of sudden illness or injury until more skilful treatment is available.

Feeling faint or looking pale? Who do you call when mommy is not around? First Aid assistance could not only save your life but is the most vital help you could ever receive.

This year has been an enjoyable and interesting one. The majority of the aiders are a bunch of new and keen faces, who have been a pleasant edition to the first aid family. The winter season started with level 1 and 2 training to equip the first aiders with skills that they will need to utilise on the sports field.

One of the memories shared is the first time we needed to put what we had learnt into practice. Anita and Chelsea were the summoned two who, when a rugby player needed assistance, were the first to run in. All the first aiders started cheering for them (proof of how crazy we can get). This endorsed and formed what we call the “Baywatch Babe” style of running  (it’s the style which Anita and Chelsea ran that day, naughty girls!).

The winter sporting season was an eye-opener as we dealt with new experiences and injuries, from nose bleeds to concussions, we dealt with them all. Just like doctors in their white coats, we first aiders of 2009 in our white jackets and were eager to help all that were in need. One of the highlights for us was the first team sports dinner. For most of us it was our first time at this prestigious dinner and in our minds we were thinking “the benefits keep getting bigger and bigger ..”. Another example would be the free cooldrinks at derbys, that are much appreciated and, last but not least, would be the sponsored gazibos from Klinicare, thank you so much for protecting us from the harsh UV rays of the sun, not forgetting the rain!

2009 has definitely been a funfilled experience for all the first aiders. The adrenalin rush that one gets when attending to an injured patient is a feeling that leaves you feeling like a true Victorian. We all joined first aid without ever knowing each other’s names, but we turned out to be a huge family that works closely together.

Lastly, to our mama bear, Mrs Moodley. Ma’am thank you for being our everything for creating a free environment where we can express ourselves openly with happy hearts. Thank you for the patience and support you’ve given us. You have been a real pillar!

Anita Nyangaresi, Sibongile Nobebe and Siviwe Jack

Recent years have witnessed immense growth in the different disciplines of sport at Victoria Park High School. Matches are being played every afternoon and almost all Saturdays of the winter season are devoted to derby fixtures with other schools of Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape. The number of fixtures with overseas teams has also been on the increase.

While our sports heroes and heroines are displaying their talent and expertise on the field, there is a team of hardworking and well-equipped First Aiders who sacrifice their time and energy to make sure that immediate and professional help is close at hand.

The Good Samaritan role of the VP First Aiders is integral to the smooth running of the sports program at VP. We have a team of fifteen qualified students who are eager to tackle any casualty. They have provided invaluable service on the sports field as well as at school.

In recognition of his involvement with First Aid for the past four years, Marc Fabre was given the award for Outstanding Service to the School. Marc Fabre and Wesley Littleford are Matric pupils who will be sorely missed next year.

Every year I have seen my team members grow from fresh trainees to full-fledged First Aiders. They have worked alongside paramedics at school and have assisted them outside school and during their emergency drills. A few of our pupils have pursued careers as paramedics. First Aid has not only involved many pupils as an extra-mural activity but has also taught them life saving skills which make them invaluable members of our society.

I have been privileged to work with the First Aiders at Victoria Park High School for a number of years. I have seen the team growing from strength to strength. I am proud to be handing over a team of confident, well-trained, reliable and enthusiastic pupils who can handle any emergency situation, to my successor, when I leave VP at the end of the year.

I thank the First Aiders for the invaluable role they play at school and wish my successor the very best in the years to come.

Proud to be a Victorian First Aider.

Mrs. B. Johnson