The Importance of First Aid Training

In our fast paced world, emergencies can happen at any time and being equipped with the knowledge of first aid can be the difference between life and death.

First aid training is not just a tick in the box, it's about stepping forward when the worst happens and helping someone and ultimately saving lives.

It's a life skill that empowers individuals to act confidently and affectively in critical situations.

In this blog we will explore the importance of first aid training and why investing your time in acquiring these skills is invaluable.

Immediate response saves lives

Every second counts when it comes to accidents or medical emergencies.

First aid training equips you with the ability to provide immediate assistance until the healthcare professionals arrive. Whether it's performing CPR, dealing with fractures or a severe bleed, your fast response can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome.

Quick first aid treatment can prevent minor injuries escalating into major situations. That's why during the Covid pandemic, we were able to still deliver courses. The idea was first aiders could deal with minor situations, taking pressure off the NHS at a critical time.

For example applying cold running water to a burn will prevent the injury from worsening, reduce or eliminate scarring to the area.

First aid training builds a culture of safety not just in the workplace but it extends into the home and community. That's what so good about first aid training, it's not limited to the office it can quite literally be used anywhere.

I always say to people if you get the chance to complete a first aid course, do it. As it's one of those skills you learn in life that can save a life.

When more people in the workplace are trained in first aid, the overall safety awareness increases which creates an environment where everyone is prepared to respond to emergencies.

First aid training isn't limited to healthcare professionals, it's a skill everyone, regardless of age, occupation or gender should learn.

That's why we go into schools and deliver basic life saving skills to primary aged children.

I've previously mentioned, first aid training isn't just a skill or a tick in the box, it's a responsibility we owe to not just ourselves or workplace but to our family and community.

I often go into workplaces where an accident has happened where someone has become injured and no one knew what to do....because the first aider on shift, was the casualty. Having enough first aiders at work is so important to ensure when the worst does happen there's a trained team who can deal with the situation.

You shouldn't wait for an emergency to happen before you realise the importance of first aid....start your training today so you can start saving lives tomorrow.

What got you into this job?

A question I receive all the time! The truth is I've always been interested in helping people, I've always had that drive to step forward and help, regardless of how gruesome a situation!

I remember being on a school trip and we visited a place with actors and one actor had a "very bad pretend" injury, we were asked who would dress the wound area....everyone stepped back and I stepped forward, I think that feeling of helping albeit it was a fake scenario has never left me.

When I was 11, I fell off my bike and fractured my skull. At that young age and with no formal training I was calmer than my dad, who panicked and tried to put me to bed even though I was in and out of consciousness and being sick everywhere! I remember telling him to call an ambulance as I had hit my head and was being sick.... I'm not sure where this information came from...looking back maybe it was a natural fight for survival!

Poor dad didn't know what to do, I remember thinking a few years later how awful he must have felt, not knowing what to do. Eventually he got me to hospital with the help from some friends.

That was the reason for the first proper step towards my career change. I was delivering courses for the workplace I was in and then developed my qualifications in teaching and jumped through the hoops to create the business.

I've seriously not looked back!

I love my job and it's heart warming to receive messages from people who have been on one of my courses and have gone onto help people who have become ill or injured. The help ranges from small cuts all the way to stroke, heart attacks and full in CPR. One common comment is they all felt confident to help, I can't ask more than that!

All I can ask for is for you to be that person to step forward to help and not back...be the difference, be that one!

Next blog: Which first aid course is best?

Top 5 First Aid Myths

I've noticed when I'm delivering first aid courses, I receive the same few questions about certain topics.

I thought I would put together the most common asked questions/myths.

Myth 1:

When someone is having a nosebleed, you need to tilt their head back.

NO! If we tilt their head back, the blood will flow backwards, this could make them choke or they could swallow the blood, which isn't very nice! The other issue with swallowing your own blood is it can make the person feel sick and they may vomit on the floor.

We actually tip their head forward while they are pinching the soft part of the nose. They should do this for 10 mins. If after 10 mins the bleeding hasn't stopped then you simply repeat this, if after this it is still bleeding, this can be repeated once more for 10mins for an adult. If after 30mins they are still bleeding, further medical help is required. They can go to an urgent medical centre or A&E.

MYTH 2:

Put butter on a burn to cool it!

NO! The problem with putting butter on a burn is you increase the heat and make the burn worse.

Instead, you should put cold running water on any burn for a full 20 mins. After 20mins reassess the burn, if the casualty is still in pain, then repeat the treatment.

You can't underestimate the power of the cold water, the quicker you cool the area, you reduce the chance of scarring.

When my nephew was 12 weeks old, he had some freshly boiled water spilt onto his little legs, his mum dunked him in cold water straight away. He is now a football mad 8 year old with no scars because she acted so quickly!

MYTH 3:

If someone has swallowed some bleach, make them vomit

Please don't do this!

We all know bleach will burn. If it is swallowed, it's going to burn the mouth and the throat. If we make the person vomit, the bleach will come back up and burn them again. This also adds in a second issue, choking! if the casualty chokes on the bleach, this can cause irreparable damage to the airway and lung lining.

So, what should we do? Well, you already know what to do with a burn and we do the same here too. We give them small, frequent sips of water. It always good to ask them to swill their mouth out with water first, this will remove any excess bleach that's in their mouth. The sips of water will cool the burn and also dilute the bleach. You should call 999 for assistance.

MYTH 4

A First aider can't give any medication

First aiders are not pharmacists, and they are not there to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication. However, they can help the person take their own medication. There are 3 types of medication that the first aider can help the casualty to take. All of these will have a use by date, which will need to be checked before use.

Aspirin- If you suspect the casualty is having a heart attack then it would be reasonable to offer between 150mg-300mg of Aspirin. This helps thin the blood and help the blood flow.

Always check that they have had aspirin before and that they're not allergic to it. Always tell the emergency services if you have aspirin available. They will ask a series of other questions before administering it.

Adrenaline Auto-injectors (EPI-PEN)

Someone suffering with anaphylaxis (Severe life-threatening allergic reaction) needs their medication (Epi-Pen) immediately. 999 must be called as soon as you know this is anaphylaxis. The Epi-Pen can by them time to get to hospital for further medical treatment and it is vital they receive it as soon as possible. Often people will carry two pens with them, in case one fails or if the first one wears off before the ambulance arrives.

Asthma Inhalers

Asthma is a condition that effects 1 in 20 people. Asthma attacks can be triggered by variety of things such as, dust, pollen, smoke, pollution, exercise, pet fur to name a few. Inhalers contain a drug which relaxes the muscles in the lungs allowing more oxygen to reach the air sacs.

Without the use of an inhaler the muscles tighten, which restricts the airway and makes it impossible for the person to breathe. The person needs an inhaler as soon as possible.

MYTH 5

You can't use plasters on children

Yes, you can!

Lots of people can be allergic to plasters, including children. It's always best to check by asking them first. Majority of first aid kits today have hypo-allergenic plasters so there should be no problem if you are using these.

If they are allergic to plasters, make sure you clean the wound and cover it with something else such as a piece of gauze and micropore tape.

NEXT BLOG: Why, I do the job I do.