A TEENAGER who became a first aid volunteer after watching a schoolboy die has been shortlisted for an award.

Bernadette Rhodes, known as Bernie, was on her school bus in November 2007, when 13-year-old Alexander Ramsdale-Launder came off his bike and was hit by a bus in Layer Road, Colchester.

Just 15 at the time, the crash struck a chord with Bernie, who vowed that if she witnessed such a tragedy again, she wanted to be able to help.

She joined St John’s Ambulance as a cadet, and has since gone on to become one of the Colchester unit’s top cadets, racking up 1,500 hours of voluntary service, providing first aid cover at public events.

Bernie, of Ventura Drive, Colchester, is now down to the final 15 in the Essex Police Young People of the Year competition.

It is the third time the competition has been held in Essex and aims to give the younger generation a fairer image and encourage more young people to give to the community.

Bernie, 17, said: “It’s not nice seeing someone in pain and knowing you can’t do anything. I felt guilty and decided if this ever happens to me again I wanted to be in a position to do something to help.”

She has risen through the ranks from ordinary cadet to corporal and is now poised to become Leading Cadet, the highest rank for a young person in the medical movement.

The teenager is also working with three adult St John members to raise £4,000 to buy two bicycles and provide them with first-aid equipment so they can attend accidents in congested parts of Colchester quicker than ambulances.

Bernie wants to become a professional paramedic, and is currently studying public services at Colchester Institute.

She said: “I like working with and getting to know people from the fire, police and ambulance services, and want to be a paramedic myself.

“It’s great to know you have helped someone and changed their life for the better. It’s kind of rewarding.”

As a finalist, Bernie is competing for prizes ranging from £50 to £1,000, from a prize pot of £2,300 put up by Essex Police and other sponsors, including Runwood Homes for the elderly.

She was nominated by John Nicholls, a manager with the East of England Ambulance Service. Bernie and John regularly work together, managing medical cover at Colchester United’s home games.

In recent months, Bernie and her colleagues have attended serious incidents, as well as being able to help with minor injuries and illnesses.

John said: “Bernie has stared death in the face several times. She has treated people with cuts, bruises, broken bones, intoxication, life-threatening conditions and attended those who need her the most.

“What makes us proud of her is she always comes back for more.”

For more information, visit www.yopey.org