You may not think that 1st Aid and fun would go together but that's what happened last Friday at the Bodyzone gym in Newcastle when we ran an Emergency First Aid At Work course.
Since I wasn't teaching the content I thought I'd attend and get a little CPD on the side. This gave me the opportunity to meet Sunil Vadehra who manages this large spacious gym. Giving me the grand tour Sunil showed me the large selection of free weights, cardio machines and the classes available. There's even treatment rooms too. I was amazed when Sunil told me the price £15.99 per month, a small joining fee and NO contract. Surely the best deal in our area for a gym of this standard. Check it out here http://www.body-zone.org.uk/
Our tutor Keith Geldhart kicked off the day with a mix of rapport and humour which I hoped put the delegates at ease when discussing the squeamish issues of bleeds and open wounds. Soon enough the fun did kick in when each delegate performed various first aid on each other. Watching the delegates reassuring their "patient" and checking for injuries had most of us in giggles and Keith had to remind them that in a real situation, giggling might not be appropriate which just made them worse. All good fun.
Then out came the various resusci- Annie dolls to practice valuable CPR skills. Concentration skills were needed here and by the time Keith begun formally assessing them the delegates were able to answer the tutors questions and demonstrate what they had learned earlier.
This First Aid course is clearly fun and you have to be very hands on in order to pass the assessment criteria. Pleased to say all
delegates passed and were issued with their wallet sized plastic cards which identifies them as a first aider. You may be asked for I.d by anyone who you wish to administer first aid to. Delegates also receive an accredited certificate which is proof they are qualified. These should be in the post as we speak.
Keith's advice
- Nose bleeds…Pinch the fleshy part at the top of the nose for 10 minutes with your head held forward. If it persists repeat the step for another 10 minutes, after which call emergency services if it hasn't stopped.
- Deep or small cuts to the arm and hand…simply hold your arm up high as this will reduce greatly the flow of blood therefore reduce bleeding. Very effective with small cuts and you won't have blood dripping everywhere. (Should give you time for someone to assist with a dressing or plaster.
Fun and learning at the same time!!!
