A TEENAGER has been praised after her quick thinking helped a woman who was having a seizure.

Rachel Cunningham, a St John Ambulance volunteer from Mancot, was on her way home from volunteering at the Rhyl Air Show when she was approached by a stranger for help.

A woman nearby had collapsed, she was having a seizure and needed urgent medical attention.

Rachel, 17, had just finished a shift helping to provide first aid at the air show when the incident happened and after confirming whether an ambulance had been called, rushed to the scene and immediately put her skills to use.

“I explained that I was a volunteer with St John Cymru and I helped the lady as much as I could,” she said.

“The lady was slipping in and out of responsiveness so after making her comfortable, I rang for an ambulance again.

“I made sure there was plenty of space around her and I helped her as best I could.”

Rachel stayed with the woman for more than an hour to ensure she was not alone, until the emergency services arrived where she confidently handed over to them before helping to assist them put the lady into the ambulance.

The Coleg Cambria 6th form A-level student joined St John Ambulance four years ago and is hoping to train as a youth leader for the organisation when she turns 18 next year.

She was also named St John Ambulance Flintshire county cadet of the year in November last year.

"It is something I am passionate about," she added. "It is very rewarding."

Describing the incident which followed the Rhyl Air Show, she explained: "I have been trained for four years on how to deal with a situation like that.

"It is the second time I have done first aid outside the St John Ambulance - it is like something switches on in your brain and it becomes second nature.

"All of us cadets are appreciative of the time and effort our leader and staff give us. Without them we would not be able to help people in the way we do.

"More people should join us - first aid is important and I would recommend it to anyone."

Gianne Cunningham, Rachel’s mother, was also at the scene.

She said: “Rachel remained calm, focused and professional the whole time.

“Her only concern was for the welfare of the lady involved.

"It gives you a funny feeling, to see your child jump into action like that. "But I knew she had been trained for it - as all of the cadets are very well trained - and I am very proud."

St John Cymru cadet leader for Deeside and Mold, Tracy Sankey-Jones, said: “We’re so proud of Rachel and we can’t praise her enough for being there and acting quickly when the lady needed her the most.

“We need more young people like Rachel to learn first aid so they can also step in and help save more lives."

Throughout September, Wales’ leading first aid charity, St John Cymru, is offering communities across Wales the opportunity to learn vital first aid skills which could one day be used to save a life.

To register for a free place go to: www.stjohn.wales/savealife