Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be included in First Aid Training

Posted on by

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be included in all First Aid TrainingAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are becoming more prevalent within the wider community.  For example there are national strategies in place actively promoting their placement in schools; public places such as stations. Many workplaces have voluntarily invested in this equipment.

Evidence suggests that where Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been used the outcomes are far more favourable for an individual who suffers from a heart attack than if it is delayed until the arrival of the emergency services.

Continue reading →

The History of the First Aid Kit

Posted on by

With the first aid kit celebrating its 128th birthday this year, let’s take a look at how they were developed and how they have become so popular in such a short amount of time.First Aid Kit – With first aid kits being a common feature of everyday life, you would be forgiven for thinking that they have been around for centuries.

However, did you know that the first ever first aid kits were only created in 1888 on the back of an incidental conversation? With the first aid kit celebrating its 128th birthday this year, let’s take a look at how they were developed and how they have become so popular in such a short amount of time.

Continue reading →

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) First Aid updates

Posted on by

Following the recent HSE First Aid bulletin, we are pleased to publish First Aid updates that will be implemented with the delivery of our 1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and the 3 Day First Aid at Work (FAW) training courses.

First Aid updates for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

First Aid updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)The HSE have stated that the use of an AED should now be included as standard on all workplace first aid courses. This brings first aid training in line with the Resuscitation Council (UK) opinion that using an AED now forms a standard part of the basic life support training lesson plan.

The Resuscitation Council UK guidance on AEDs is that this equipment is safe to use and can be readily used by untrained bystanders. Continue reading →

BT phone box Defibrillators being installed across the country

Posted on by

BT phone box DefibrillatorsOld phone boxes are being transformed into BT phone box Defibrillators – potential lifesavers after being purchased by villagers for £1.

A defibrillator, which gives the heart an electric shock in some cases of cardiac arrest, are being installed across the country as part of a joint project with BT and the ‘Community Heartbeat Trust’. Continue reading →

How to use an Automated External Defibrillator

Posted on by

Introduction to the Automated External Defibrillator

How to use an Automated External Defibrillator

Automated External Defibrillator – Defibrillation is one crucial stage in a sequence of events that need to occur for the resuscitation of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This sequence, or ‘chain of survival’, starts by summoning the emergency services as soon as possible. Continue reading →

Flying ambulance AED drone to be launched

Posted on by

Flying ambulance AED droneAutomatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are now a common sight at airports and sports venues, but they’re nowhere near to being ubiquitous.

A Dutch student has revealed a prototype first aid ‘ambulance drone’, a flying defibrillator able to reach heart attack victims within precious life-saving minutes. Developed by engineering graduate Alec Momont, it can fly at speeds of up to 60mph. Continue reading →

First aid is not about dummies

Posted on by

First aid saves lives, but how important is it to learn basic first aid skills?

First aid is not about dummiesFirst aid is not about dummies but more about feeling confident about carrying out life-saving first aid and supporting the environment you work and live in. In the workplace the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report a significant decline in work related injuries over the last decade but unfortunately accidents still happen.

Up to 150,000 people a year could be dying unnecessarily because first aid is not widely enough known and the skills are not being taught to employees on a regular basis. Continue reading →

Health and Safety statistics at a glance

Posted on by

Health and Safety StatisticsHealth and Safety statistics recently published by the Health & Safety Executive show that Britain continues to be one of the safest places to work in Europe.

However, many workers are still being injured or made ill by work. The injury and ill-health statistics released show that an estimated 28.2 million working days were lost due to work related ill health or injury in 2013/14.

It has been reported that the Finance sector had the lowest injury rate with 310 cases per 100,000 workers, followed by the Education sector with 610 cases per 100,000 workers. However, every work activity comes with potential risks that can cause accidents or health damage to employees. Workers are exposed to various hazards including slips, trips, falls, fire, hazardous substances, manually handling heavy loads, using equipment, dealing with electricity, working with display screen equipment, and even psychological hazards such as stress.

Continue reading →

Fire Risk concerns with children’s Halloween costumes

Posted on by

Fire Risk Concerns with children's Halloween costumesWith Halloween approaching on Saturday 31 October, parents and children are starting to plan their parties and buy their costumes.

But the potential dangers of children’s Halloween fancy dress costumes hit the headlines last year when TV presenter Claudia Winkleman’s daughter was badly burned. Continue reading →

A third of UK employees concerned of insufficient first aid cover in their workplace

Posted on by

In a recent survey carried out by St John’s Ambulance it was found that a third of all UK employees are concerned that there may be insufficient first aid cover in their workplace.

A third of UK employees are concerned of insufficient first aid cover in their workplaceThe charity found that many businesses are not equipped to handle a first aid emergency, with 50% of employers lacking any formal process for assessing first aid needs such as a risk assessment policy being in place.

The concerns also highlighted that 80% of people have found themselves at work with no first aid cover whatsoever. Continue reading →