Teddies get better thanks to St John (+ photos)

Nevaeh Scott, 7 (left), Kaydince Keogh, 8, and Nadya Scott, 9, tried on the uniforms at Rotorua St John. Photo / Stephen Parker

There were lots of poorly teddies in Rotorua yesterday - and St John managed to treat them all.

The Pererika St station held an open day to "normalise" emergency care for children and give the community a better idea of what services they offer.

"People are surprised at the range of things that we do," said Hilary Morrish-Allen, Lakes territory manager for Rotorua St John.

"We've been bandaging teddies, listening to their hearts. We've had dragons, horses and a kangaroo. The more children can come and play in ambulances and equipment, such as oxygen masks, the less scary it is when we need to turn up for real."

Image 1 of 9: Hilary Morrish-Allen, Lakes territory manager for Rotorua St John, helps Noah Fisher, 7, understand CPR.

Among those who went along were Nevaeh Scott, 7, Kaydince Keogh, 8, and Nadya Scott, 9, who tried on the uniforms.

"Kaydince is part of the St John youth group, so we took a friend of mine and her daughters. Now she wants to become a volunteer," said Chrissy Jenkins.

"Kaydince showed them what St John was all about, she was very excited. They loved it - it's not every day you get to try on these uniforms. They all learned CPR - it's a handy skill to have.

"My friend was very surprised at what was on offer, so now she's going to one of the seminars on how to become a volunteer."