SIXTEEN Cub Scouts from Oxford put theory into action when they visited an ambulance station and learnt life-saving measures.

Leader of the 2nd Oxford Scouts, Sarah Thompson, organised the visit to Churchill Way to help the group qualify for their emergency first aid badges.

The mother-of-two said she thought the visit gave the children an invaluable insight into the work of the emergency services.

She said: “Events like this really are so important for the Scouts because it teaches them important life skills and gives them an understanding of the job.

“I had one parent get in touch to tell me that his daughter had gone home and put him in the recovery position.”

Mrs Thompson lives only 500 metres down the road from the scout hut in Ridgefield Road, Cowley, and has been leading the group for more than five years.

She said: “The cubs have got a whole range of badges they can collect, for going on hikes or for undertaking various challenges in the county.

“We’re lucky enough to run our own programme for eight- to 10-year-olds so we can pick and choose the activities the children do.

“It wouldn’t be great to stay stuck in a scout hut all the time, so the more we can get the kids out the better.”

Ambulance care assistant Sandy Taylor said staff enjoyed showing the group around on Monday.

He said: “It was fantastic to have so many enthusiastic and interested cubs from the 2nd Oxford Pack visit Oxford City station.

“Myself and my colleagues really enjoyed showing the cubs around our ambulances and demonstrating the equipment we use.”

He added: “Once we got down to the training, the cubs really listened and took everything in as they all completed it with flying colours.”