First Aid skills critical for all ages
First Aid saves lives, making it an essential skill set for people of all ages, as you never know when you may it may be needed.
To extend the safety nets within our communities and to put into action 2021 World First Aid Day’s theme of “First Aid in Schools”, Naomi Taylor from Cire Training recently met with Peter Beams, one of our valued trainers, to discuss how children and young people particularly can be equipped with a basic skills ‘toolkit’.
Peter, who has previously shared first aid tips with staff and children at Cire Early Learning centres and local primary schools, emphasised that each child is different, and parents and carers should use messaging that best align with their family’s language.
Some of Peter’s key tips and advice include:
Calling 000: Teaching children how to call for help is a great way of including them in a safety plan. Basic information like how to utilise the “Emergency Call” option on a locked mobile phone, could save crucial minutes. Learning your address, or having details somewhere children can see them, will also help in an emergency, but this can be age-appropriate.
Finding someone unconscious: Most people know ‘DRSABCD’, or some variation of it, however Peter reminds us that any action is better than nothing. If you (or your child) encounter someone who is unresponsive, simply rolling them on to their side, and tilting their head back can be the key to saving their life. Call 000 as soon as possible. As a refresher, DRSABCD is an acronym for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Defibrillation
Nose bleeds: It is now considered best practice to have the patient bend their head forward slightly (not back, as previously encouraged). If available, add a cold washer or ice pack to the back of the neck.
Choking: If someone is coughing, they should continue to do so, as this is the body trying to dislodge the blockage. If the coughing ceases, lean the patient forward and administer back blows in an upward motion to assist them.
Peter’s information prompted Naomi to reflect on her real-life experience with First Aid; “When he was a toddler, my son tried to eat a full apricot and started choking on the pip. Fortunately, I was able to react promptly by laying him over my knee and giving him some back blows to help him cough it out. I never thought I’d need to use this knowledge, but I am so thankful that I had learnt it.”
As research and knowledge improves, so do the recommendations for various treatments. It is best to refresh First Aid skills every three years and CPR education every 12 months, at least, to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Cire offers a range of training options, from our “First Aid Fast” sessions targeting parents and others who care for children. We also have a series of accredited short courses, from the base level, to the additional skills needed for those working in an education or care settings. Individualised training can also be arranged for groups and businesses.
For more information visit the Cire Training website.
