Taunton Teen Named St John Ambulance's South West Regional Cadet of the Year
A teenage volunteer from Taunton has been honoured as St John Ambulance's Regional Cadet of the Year for the South West, following a demanding national competition that rigorously assessed his exceptional first-aid knowledge, leadership, and communication skills.
National Competition Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Sixteen-year-old Aronas Jankauskis was selected to represent the South West after being chosen from more than 35 of St John Ambulance's most outstanding cadets from across the country. All participants had previously won county competitions to earn their place at the national final. The competition, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, took place between February 27 and March 1 at Ingestre Hall near Stafford. It brought together young volunteers for a weekend of challenging assessments designed to test their first aid skills, leadership, and commitment to volunteering.
During the competition, cadets engaged in a series of exercises including first aid scenarios, teamwork and problem-solving tasks, presentations, interviews, and group discussions. These were all evaluated by an experienced panel of judges. Many of the challenges were based on real-life situations that cadets might encounter while volunteering in their communities.
Aronas Jankauskis: A Multifaceted Achiever
Aronas is currently a student at Bishop Fox's Community School and volunteers at the Taunton Cadet unit. Outside of school and St John, he serves as an NCO in RAFAC and enjoys teaching cadets a range of skills from adventure training, leadership, cyber, radios, and flight basics. He is an avid hiker, having completed Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh hikes, along with numerous other hiking trips. He also enjoys trail-running from 5-15km and has competed in athletics competitions for high jump, triple jump, 800m, and 1500m.
His achievements extend further: he has served as Head Prefect and School Council Chair, participated in the Flying Start Challenge, and completed Ten Tors (35/45). Additionally, he has earned NNAS Bronze and Silver awards, Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards, qualifications in cybersecurity, Piano Grade 4 equivalent, first place (81%) in a university-based Scholars Programme essay, multiple gold and silver awards in maths challenges, and first place in both a baking competition and a school art competition.
Real-Life First Aid Application
Many competitors have already applied their first aid skills in real emergencies, assisting with conditions such as cardiac arrest, seizures, fractures, heat-related problems, major bleeds, and severe asthma attacks. During a Ten Tors event, one of Aronas's teammates suffered an asthma attack in a marshy, signal-free area. As team leader and the only first aid-qualified member, Aronas kept him seated, monitored his breathing, reassured him, and, after two ineffective puffs of his inhaler, guided him to take up to 10 doses as trained. With limited options, Aronas remained composed and focused on keeping the casualty safe. Once stable enough to move, the team shared his pack, stayed close, and supported him uphill to reduce exertion, progressing steadily to the next checkpoint. There, Aronas provided a clear handover on symptoms and inhaler use, leading to further assistance; the casualty was later evacuated by helicopter.
Reflections and Leadership Praise
Reflecting on being named Regional Cadet of the Year, Aronas said: "Being Regional Cadet of the Year means a humongous deal to me. It's an honour to be able to represent St John Ambulance at such a level and to give back to a community I'm glad to be a part of. Additionally, I'm so proud of everyone that competed and I look forward to seeing what the whole team will achieve this year."
Rear Admiral Simon Williams CB CVO KStJ, Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, commented: "I am immensely proud of every cadet who took part in this year's National Cadet of the Year competition. As we mark the 40th anniversary of this award, it is inspiring to see such high levels of skill, confidence and compassion among our young volunteers."
Shona Dunn CB, Chief Executive of St John Ambulance, added: "The cadets demonstrated not only outstanding first aid ability, but also leadership, teamwork and a genuine commitment to helping others. They represent the very best of St John Ambulance, and I have no doubt they will continue to make a real difference in their communities and beyond."
Ambassador Role for the Coming Year
The National Cadet of the Year, supported by a team of eight Regional Cadets of the Year, will act as an ambassador for St John Ambulance over the coming year. This role involves representing young volunteers at events and royal engagements, supporting youth involvement across the organisation, and championing the importance of first aid and volunteering in communities nationwide.
