When 17-year-old Emma Williams took part in a St John Ambulance Cymru community first aid session at Glynllifon College in Caernarfon, little did she know that she would have to apply her new skills just 48 hours later to save her sister’s life.

17-year-old Emma from Uwchmynydd is studying a Foundation Course which aims to support young people with social or educational needs, so that they can progress onto mainstream education or employment. Along with her fellow students, Emma underwent a basic first aid awareness course with St John Ambulance Cymru , taught by community trainer Ryan Cawsey.

Just two days after the course, Emma put her skills into action as her six year old sister began choking on her dinner. She remembered what Ryan had taught her and bravely dislodged the food from her sister’s mouth, allowing her to breathe again.

Emma said, “At the time I just automatically followed what Ryan taught me. But thinking back, I now feel very proud to have saved my sister’s life”.

Ryan commented “It is extremely rewarding and encouraging to hear Emma’s story. Knowing we’ve been able to pass on these lifesaving skills through our community training programme, makes our role as community trainers feel all the more worthwhile.

It demonstrates the incredible importance of learning these vital first aid skills.”

“Emma has done exceptionally well in using what she learnt the right way. We are all incredibly proud of her at St John Ambulance Cymru.”

Alun Ellis, Emma’s teacher, explained how thankful Emma and her family are, to both her college and to St John Ambulance Cymru.

“The training St John Ambulance Cymru provide is invaluable for the learners, their families and the wider community. In addition to furnishing the learners with lifesaving skills it also builds confidence, self-worth, and respect” claimed Alun.

We are all extremely proud of Emma for saving her sister’s life.

This proves how invaluable the training provided by St John Ambulance Cymru within the educational setting actually is.”