A TEENAGER used first aid skills learned as a young Army cadet to save the life of a motorcyclist after an accident.

Bradley Knight, 18, an apprentice car mechanic from Stanley, was studying at New College Durham when he took his morning break and heard a loud bang and scraping sound on the nearby busy A167.

Bradley ran over the embankment to find an injured man who had come off his motorbike with fuel leaking all over the road and a heavily pregnant lady at the scene.

Bradley’s first aid training immediately kicked in and he took control of the situation.

He has now been shortlisted in the St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes Awards and is a finalist in the Guy Evans Young Hero of the Year Award.

Simon Dunn, regional director, St John Ambulance North, said: “We believe that no-one should suffer for a lack of first aid, and the actions of our finalists prove that first aid really can be the difference between life and death.”

The casualty was conscious after the accident on February 13 last year and had already removed his helmet, but after assessing him, Bradley knew he was in shock, was concussed from a head wound and had sustained lower leg and collarbone injuries.

Bradley laid the casualty down, supported his leg and raised the non-injured leg to treat for shock.

He supported the injured leg and advised the casualty to keep his arm still.

He placed his coat over him and supported his head.

After reassuring the man, he also checked the lady motorist who was in shock and rang for an ambulance.

He stayed with them until a first responder arrived on scene.

The injured motorcyclist was later taken to the University Hospital of North Durham for further treatment.

Bradley has previously treated an army cadet who had been knocked down and just a few days after he found out he had been shortlisted for an Everyday Heroes Award, on June 14 he was first on scene of an accident involving a man who came off his bicycle on a roundabout outside a garage in Swalwell.

He checked for injuries and then noticed an elderly lady on the ground surrounded by pedestrians.

He assessed her, asked for a blanket, reassured and kept her calm until a nurse arrived and took over.

The awards ceremony are on September 7 at The Grange St Paul’s in London and will be hosted by Myleene Klass.

She said: ‘I’m looking forward to meeting all of the inspiring finalists and hearing their stories. It’s going be an incredible evening.”