First Aid

thewetone

thewetone

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Afew days ago I read the postings reference First Aid.
One item posted by a forumite did catch my attention and that was he had not taken a First Aid course in 20 years but still felt confident in his knowledge.
So much has changed wrt FA that I would seriously recommend that he undertakes an FA course. Especially if he holds a YM as I believe that it is a requirement of validity.
 
I would totally agree with that view.

I've done various F-A courses during my career - even did one at Aberdeen uni - but that's another story.

Did one last year, and it's amazing what's changed in the last FIVE years, never mind 20 ! !

Of course this is true in lots of other things as well. Can anyone remember all the knobs on an old tv? All menu driven stuff nowadays. I still think I could flash up a Tilley lamp, though. If ever I could find one, that is !! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
Also agree with this view. I think the early courses I did were influenced by what matron thought best. Over the years, communications have improved and methods have evolved based on life-saving experiences from many paramedic sources.

Which has prompted me to note I'm due an update. First aid of 20 years vintage is next to useless - we are learning more and more about the subject and you need to keep up with the latest. For example, you would not have learned about clingfilm and burns. Although I did my last course just 3 years ago, I have since read of important developments eg don't waste your time looking for a pulse in CPR.

I've probably attended a dozen or so courses and have had a couple of occasions to practise (one life threatening). It's not like an 'O' level, you need to maintain a current interest and up-to-date knowledge.
 
Just a little point though, it is important, so I was told by RNLI bod, not to use petroleum based clingfilm if you can still get it...
 
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???? do you need FA cert to remain YM,I thought it was a take and forget cert????

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Nope!.....But a first aid course taken about every three years is not a bad thing. even if it does not affect your YM!
 
I agree.
I was gently trying to correct duff information.

I didn't want hordes of geriatric YMs worrying that they would have to return their ties to to the RYA.
 
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it's amazing what's changed in the last FIVE years

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I have been reading the 1st Aid related posts here over the past week and more or less decided that my book and TV inspired 1st Aid knowledge needs improvement via a hands-on course.

Trouble is your comment about changing fashions on 1st Aid theory has reinforced my luddite tendencies. What can a 1 day course teach me that cannot be learnt from a book or internet site?
 
I think it was my post you're referring to; if so, what I was saying wasn't quite what you infer. The point I was making was that, when I did the course, the message that I took away - rightly or wrongly - was that two of the most important things to remember were (1) elevation & pressure, and (2) CPR, because they were the things that could keep someone alive, who otherwise would have died, until expert help arrived. I can still remember the basics of these two things, and I have noted, over the years, that the recommended ratio of compressions to ventilations for CPR has changed, from time to time. I still feel confident that I have the knowledge to keep someone alive until help arrives but I wouldn't pretend that it's comparable to having a current, valid First Aid cert.

I did Dazed Kipper a few years back but have never done YM. I hope to, one day, so at some point I will have to go back to the classroom for another First Aid course: not before time!
 
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What can a 1 day course teach me that cannot be learnt from a book or internet site?

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Well for a start, you will get a bit of practice on the dummy. You will also get the benefit of an instructor seeing how you perform. It's ok reading from a book/internet site, but are you sure you've picked it up correctly? Going on your analogy, I should be able to understand knitting by reading up on it. I'll bet I couldn't knit myself a jumper without a bit of practice first ! !
 
Hi Y'All,

Thank you for your response and support.
As was said there is no substitute for practice with a dummy compared with reading, the other major point I would like to make is the silent killer. How many now know about all the developments wrt Hypothermia and its treatment.
I will be quite happy if Kim will give me the space to do a write up somewhere here on the subject.

Just an aside, I am an RYA First Aid Instructor and at the Yacht Club where I run FA courses even the kitchen staff want the course.
As Bob Dylan sang, 'The Times They are a changin'

Stay Happy, Stay Wet
 
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