WATCH: Girl Guides learn lifesaving skills at First Aid Competition

Each team was first taught basic first aid principles before being presented with simulated emergency scenarios.

July 8, 2025

Ntombikayise Letlepo 1 minute read

Learning how to assist someone who has just got burnt with a smile is Boikanyo Letholo, Melody Cloete, Oarabile Seena, Lerato Radinne and Melody Lotz.

Learning and fun were the order of the day at the Girl Guides South Africa premises in Morehill when young members took part in a first aid competition on July 5.

Children aged between four and 10, known as Teddies and Brownies, along with older members of the Guides, Rangers, Youth and Trefoil groups, participated in a hands-on event designed to equip them with crucial first aid knowledge.

Participants came from areas such as Benoni, Boksburg, Edenvale and Bedfordview.

The competition was held in scheduled sessions according to age groups. Each team was first taught basic first aid principles before being presented with simulated emergency scenarios.

Acting out a scenario in which they had to assist a friend who was struck on the nose by a ball is Stella van der Linde, helping Amber Sidyiyo, alongside Mark van der Linde. They are with their assessor.

A member of the Teddies and Brownies, ties Sarah Sprich with bandage during the children’s First Aid assessment.

Under the watchful eyes of assessors, participants demonstrated their ability to assess injuries and administer appropriate care, testing their practical knowledge and decision-making under pressure.

Parents stood by proudly, watching as their children confidently responded to scenarios, learned how to make emergency calls, what they should do if they get lost at a mall, and practised treating minor injuries.

Event organiser Lynn Evans said the initiative was aimed at boosting the children’s first aid capabilities from an early age.

“Every child, as soon as they can use a phone, can help in a first aid situation by calling emergency services or alerting an adult. The more knowledge they have, the more empowered they’ll be to help others,” she said.

Evans shared a remarkable story of a Girl Guide who, three years ago, pulled a friend from a burning building and applied the correct first aid for burns.

“The child doesn’t have scars today because of that quick action. We’ve also had girls who have called fire stations in emergencies.”

This year marked the first time Evans hosted the competition, but she hopes to make it an annual event.

Proudly holding their First Aid badges are some of the participants who attended the First Aid Competition on July 5 at the Girl Guides South Africa premises in Morehill. Here are Mark van der Linde, Lynn Evans, Amber Sidyiyo, Stella van der Linde and Amelia Sprich.

Giving a thumbs up after a well-organised and educational First Aid Competition are members of the Girl Guides (Teddies and Brownies) with their assessors.

“I’d love to see more units from across the region join in. It’s a fun and powerful way to get our girls prepared for real-life situations,” she said.

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