In 2012, the WRU launched a fully funded campaign to recruit and train more volunteers and in tune with the St John’s vision of having a First Aider on every street. The campaign continues today as clubs seek to upskill as many volunteers as possible with vital life saving skills.
“The WRU has funded training for over 2,000 first aiders in the last two years, on its bespoke ‘St John Cymru Wales Rugby Emergency Aid’ course, and we aim to have as many designated first aid volunteers attached to a team and supporting teams as possible,” said Mr Lewis.
“We encourage as many volunteers as possible form our game to take this course because you never know when they will be called upon to save a life.
“I am extremely grateful to accept the honour of becoming a Member of the Order of St John and do so on behalf everyone at the WRU who has helped develop our association with St John’s and particularly those staff in our Club Operations Team and medical departments who have made a real difference to people’s lives in Wales by championing this scheme.”
St John Cymru Wales is the country’s leading first aid charity and its collaboration with the WRU has produced a rugby specific version of its first aid course – which was only recently credited with helping save the life of retired building worker Mel Jones, who was resuscitated by passing Colwyn Bay rugby club man, and course graduate, David Jones in North Wales in the spring.
Jon Phillips, director of training at St John Cymru-Wales, said at the time: “We are delighted that the targeted first aid we offer to rugby clubs in Wales was able to be used by Mr Jones to save the life of a casualty away from the pitch.
“It’s another example of the importance of first aid, and how being prepared for incidents like this can be the difference between life and death.”
The Charity last year held its second Organ Donation Awards Ceremony at the Millennium and credits Lewis as being the driving force in ensuring St John Cymru-Wales has been given every opportunity through the WRU to promote its vision.
The WRU/St John Cymru-Wales Rugby Emergency Aid course is a bespoke course for rugby club volunteers. Clubs can apply to the WRU for funding to host courses as part of the ongoing volunteer training – interested clubs should contact: CColeman@wru.co.uk
