Cadet’s lifesaving actions recognised

A cadet from 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force (ACF) has received recognition at the Scottish First Aid Awards.

The lifesaving actions of Cadet Company Sergeant Major (CSM) John Bremner, from Halkirk Detachment, earned him the Young First Aid Hero for 2025 from St Andrew’s First Aid at the ceremony held on 28 March in Glasgow.

CSM Bremner (17) sprang to the aid of his father after he accidentally injured himself. His dad was laying carpet when he badly cut his forearm. The wound was bleeding profusely and, without hesitation, John applied pressure, elevated his arm and lay him on the floor all while offering reassurance. He also called an ambulance.

When the ambulance arrived, CSM Bremner went with his dad to the hospital, continuing to provide comfort throughout the journey.

CSM Bremner said: “I’m honoured to receive this award, but more importantly I’m just glad I could be there to help my dad when he needed me most.

“First aid is a hugely valuable skill, that you never know when you might need to put into practice. I’m really glad I was able to use my skills to help my dad in this stressful situation and also very thankful to the Army Cadets for providing these skills.”

He has also been praised by his Detachment Commander for his calm and composed efforts on April 1, 2024.

Captain Stephen Mezals said: “CSM Bremner is a credit to the ACF and has grown into a fantastic role model for those around him.

“Being able to administer first aid on anyone who has such a horrific injury was an amazing feat in its own right, but to do so with the added pressure of the casualty being a loved one, and to be able to remain so calm and professional, shows great courage.

“First aid is one of the core skills that we teach in the ACF, with cadets gaining various first aid qualifications up to the standard of a First Aid at Work course. These are real-life practical skills and it’s always a profound moment when we see them being put into practice and having such positive outcomes.”

The Scottish First Aid Awards, now in their 12th year, are organised by St Andrew’s First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity. Of the 13 finalists in the Young First Aid Hero category, 11 of them were cadets. More than 350 people attended the awards held at the Radisson Blu hotel.

Stuart Callison, Chief Executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “I would like to congratulate John on his well-deserved award. His actions on that day were nothing short of heroic, and his calm, mature and timely response makes him a true example of what a young first aid hero embodies. He is a credit to himself, and I’m sure his family are beyond proud of his efforts.”

Huge congratulations also to Sergeant Instructor Neive MacFarlane, of Angus and Dundee Battalion ACF, who was a finalist at the awards. The Battalion expressed its pride in her nomination, saying what a great role model she is to the cadets.