First Aid course

MoodySabre

MoodySabre

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My First Aid was excellent in 1960 when I got my Scout badge. I understand that they have now invented sticky bandages and no longer smear butter on a burn and you can now snog someone back to life.

Has anyone done a First Aid course for boaters (excuse that term yuk)? Thought it might be useful and wondered what you thought and where? I have the RYA list but don't know what is good.
 
Don't know about boaty specific courses but I've been a qualified first aider since 1977 with a few breaks ( pun intended ) . The course content has constantly been updated and changed so if you want to keep up to date you have to go on refresher courses , but in my RAF days these were annual , in my factory days they were if and when and in Le Plod it was up to you to keep up to date , though they did add a sort of first aid course when I did my bang stick course ( I think they were scared we might shoot them )
The best course I did was a week long one with St Johns Ambulance , got a pretty ticket at the end to show I could do more than stick a plaster on a cut , and a reference book to take home for future , erm , reference
Well worth doing a course as far as I'm concerned , but no idea if the RYA one is any good
Check with the local St Johns , they might work out to be a better option
Please don't expect these sensible replies to become a habit though , why ruin a perfectly bad reputation
 
I believe they are valid for up to 3 years, so it's a good job you're updating now, else you'd have missed it.
 
If you intend doing a YM exam you will need a RYA 1st aid certificate.
The H&S at work 4 day course is not accepted!
Apparently this is because the H&S Course does not cover hyperthermia very deeply.
 
I THINK the "new" cruising club at Lowestoft Haven marina are planning something early in the season.....grand joining night tonight so i will check the details..... i really should know as i am supposed to be a committee member /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
not sure it is a certificate thingy......one of the committee is a fireman and i THINK teaches 1st aid.

update in a next few days.....


Doug
 
I've been twice now, to RYA First Aid courses run by Sara Hopkinson at Pin Mill. She's really good, and I would recommend her without reservation. She's also very good on VHF training.

The course is slanted to being afloat - for instance dealing with a head hit by the boom, the need to summon a chopper etc.

The certificate is valid for three years, though I would say you've forgotten a good chunk of the course after one season (presumably unless you refer back to the book from time to time).

I suppose my main reaction to the course, after attending, is how irresponsible it is to go through life without learning some basic first aid. One day a family member, a friend, or for that matter a stranger, could lose their life for the want of some fairly straightforward and easily learnt knowledge.
 
My feelings precisely
Any good first aid course is well worth doing and covers more than just potential boaty type incidents so one day it could turn out to be a life saving excercise by doing a course
Which reminds me , must renew mine soon
 
I've been on many first aid courses over the years, and used the knowledge quite frequently. The RYA course is specific to boating, and is worth doing.
If the last time you did a course was in the 60's then even more worth doing, as things have changed dramatically over the years.
 
I know I'm out of date - no further comment.

Best centres for me would be Bradwell Outdoors, Crouch Sailing School (that man Des again!) or Southend Marine Activities Centre. Just wondered if anyone had experience of particular places. If it doesn't matter then Southend gets it over winter or Bradwell in the summer.
 
I know it's a bit further down the line for you but I enjoyed the course at the Cruising Association - enough to want my wife to do it. Bob Hadley's a yachtsman. There was a lot on what a yachtsman needs to know on carry and not that much practical work.
First Aid Course (FA/1)
Dates: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th April 2008
Duration: 2 days
Instructor: Dr Bob Hadley
Cost: £90 Non-members; £60 CA members
Time: 10.00 – 17.00 hrs
Reminds me I must see if they have any places left
 
I have made some enquiries and will post them when I hear back.

Glad I'm not the only one who has been relying on out-dated knowledge and common sense to get someone out of trouble. Elastoplast, stugeron and paracetomol will one day prove inadequate. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
I carry around my own Nurse Gladys - District Nursing Sister.

Pity she wont wear the skimpy latex 'Nurses' outfit! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
The first aid I learned in the Merchant service was very much in depth (though focusing on sexually transmited disease) assuming a well stocked surgery, a lot of assistance and a good fortnight before expert medical help would be available. The one with the military was focused on battle wounds and keeping someone alive long enough for a chopper to take him away. That with the police focused on traffic accidents. The schools one focused on injured children.

The point I'm trying to make is that there are different courses for different needs. I daresay the RYA course concentrates on first aid and call for help whereas I assume the Cruising Association one focuses more on self sufficiency and longer term care.

Would that be correct?
 
Email received:

We run RYA First Aid Course in March & September dates as follows:-
8 March
6 September
£55 per person 0915 - 1630.

Please let us know if you are interested or would like further information.

Julie
Bradwell Outdoors
01621 776256

I can't do March as we shall be in SA /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
September means another season of ignorance /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
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