First Aid

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I got the chance to go on a first aid course with my university, coming out with a HSE FAW certificate (Heath and Safety Executive, First Aid at Work). That basically means I'm now one of the registered first aiders at the university.

I'm also joining up with the St Johns Ambulance service, basically where people volunteer to be first aiders at events and whatnot. This'll hopefully keep me up to scratch on things.

I've been keen to get on one of these courses for a while and was just assessed and passed it today. I hope I won't need to use some of the skills and techniques, but I'm certainly happy that I now know how to use them.

I know there will be a fair few first aiders on here, people who have worked in the leisure industry or worked with younger people, older people, disabled people etc.

I dare say, there isn't really any point to this thread other than blowing my own trumpet so-to-speak. But what can I say, I'm glad I went and did the course and I'm proud that I've taken that step forward. I just wish there was more first aid taught, at whatever level it may be. Simple, simple things, and yeah, you aren't a paramedic, you aren't a doctor. But you can help someone buy some extra time if they do need to see a professional and that in itself can be very important.

If any of you get the chance, I strongly recommend stepping forward and taking on some first aid training.

[Gard]

Good on ya!

I'm Red Cross Certified in First Aid and CPR, got started in it because of my former step son (he has cerebral palsy), kept it current ever since.

[MJ5150]

I can be the guy who carries someone to safety. Like out of a burning car or building.

-Mike

[Gard]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I can be the guy who carries someone to safety. Like out of a burning car or building.

-Mike

HULK SMASH!!!

[hbarcat]

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I've been keen to get on one of these courses for a while and was just assessed and passed it today. I hope I won't need to use some of the skills and techniques, but I'm certainly happy that I now know how to use them.

. . .

I just wish there was more first aid taught, at whatever level it may be. Simple, simple things, and yeah, you aren't a paramedic, you aren't a doctor. But you can help someone buy some extra time if they do need to see a professional and that in itself can be very important.
:

+11

I got myself certified as an EMT-basic when I was 18 just so I could have the skills. In the 24 years since then, I've needed to have a few of those skills about a dozen times (mostly car accidents), and one of those times it probably saved someone's life.

In addition to the obvious utility of CPR, knowing how to stop heavy bleeding for a few minutes until the paramedics arrive or knowing how to clear an obstructed airway can easily save someone's life. Even the simple procedure of laying someone down on their back and elevating their legs to prevent shock is a potential lifesaver.

Take a class in first aid or as a First Responder like the OP and the life you might save could be one of your family members or friends.

[Smokin' Toaster]

I served for 7 years on the local volunteer fire-rescue department. We took a 160 hour firefighter 1 course which included 40 hours of first responder (basically a very advanced first aid course). I had several chances to put it to use, and it's always good to be able to help others. Also, you've never had an adrenalin rush until you have entered a burning building and watched the flames lap at the celing. Still gets my pulse racing. If you live in a rural area and have a volunteer fire-rescue department, I recommend that you either contribute or volunteer to serve. It's a great experience and you never know when you might need them.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I can be the guy who carries someone to safety. Like out of a burning car or building.

-Mike

I'm 6ft4, 270lbs, weightlifting for ~4-5 years, play rugby. I'm not a wee guy either

[Gard]

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I'm 6ft4, 270lbs, weightlifting for ~4-5 years, play rugby. I'm not a wee guy either

I believe Mike's a bit larger....sorta a "Giant Economy Size"....I'm close to you, 6'2", 250, so I'm no shrinking violet either!

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by Smokin' Toaster

I served for 7 years on the local volunteer fire-rescue department. We took a 160 hour firefighter 1 course which included 40 hours of first responder (basically a very advanced first aid course). I had several chances to put it to use, and it's always good to be able to help others. Also, you've never had an adrenalin rush until you have entered a burning building and watched the flames lap at the celing. Still gets my pulse racing. If you live in a rural area and have a volunteer fire-rescue department, I recommend that you either contribute or volunteer to serve. It's a great experience and you never know when you might need them.

I would, but there isn't anything quite like that here (that I'm aware of). I'm certainly going to volunteer some time where I can with the St Johns tho

Also going to look to try and take on some extra training when I can!

Originally Posted by hbarcat

+11

I got myself certified as an EMT-basic when I was 18 just so I could have the skills. In the 24 years since then, I've needed to have a few of those skills about a dozen times (mostly car accidents), and one of those times it probably saved someone's life.

In addition to the obvious utility of CPR, knowing how to stop heavy bleeding for a few minutes until the paramedics arrive or knowing how to clear an obstructed airway can easily save someone's life. Even the simple procedure of laying someone down on their back and elevating their legs to prevent shock is a potential lifesaver.

Take a class in first aid or as a First Responder like the OP and the life you might save could be one of your family members or friends.

Too true, such simple things when it comes down to it:

-Checking airway
-Recovery position
-CPR
-How to stem bleeding
-Proceedure for checking the body
-Differentiating between sprains, strains and fractures (and how to treat/respond to each if you can, if you can't, assume the worst)
-How to treat shock

Also how to respond to seizures, burns etc etc.

And so much of it comes down to common sense and really can make a difference in initial minutes

Also, good to see guys who have been at it for years, I salute you sirs!

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by Gard

I believe Mike's a bit larger....sorta a "Giant Economy Size"....I'm close to you, 6'2", 250, so I'm no shrinking violet either!

[biobass]

I have been an EMT-B for about 10 years, volunteering on my local community ambulance squad as well as being the Captain of our volunteer squad at work. Before that. I held a Red Cross First Aid certification for about 30 years, ever since I was in high school, and had assisted many times over the years as a lay responder. I'm very glad that I have this training and that I can be of service to the community. I'll have to say, though, I'm getting very tired of the pager going off at 3:00 AM on my shift nights!

I think CPR and basic first aid are excellent skills for everyone to learn.

Interestingly, I've actually had to leave the orchestra pit on two occasions to treat patients who had gone unconscious in the theater. In another instance I was the one who actually got up on stage during the middle of a show and said, "Is there a doctor in the house?"

Cheers,
Dennis

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I know this is now an oldish thread. But needed to use first aid for the first time today.

Helped someone out of a canal and then dealing with a pretty large (and deep) gash to the head (and obv. getting an ambulance asap).

You never know when first aid training could be useful.

If you get the chance to do some first aid training, take it.