Summer 2016 Newsletter

Summer 2016

1
Greetings!
Rebecca and Helen on bouncy castle!
It's been a challenge juggling running a business, delivering first aid courses and being a mum, but one that I would not change for the world! Rebecca is now over 10 months old - I'm not sure quite where the time has gone and apologise that I've not got any newsletters out for quite some time! Our little explorer is on the verge of walking and is keeping me busy...
On the first aid front there have been some recommendations for changes to first aid practice from the HSE which will be coming into force over the next few months - which means I'm busy drafting the next edition of our first aid manual. I've been working with our Awarding Organisation on piloting some of these changes and am excited to inform you that we now include full AED training as standard with our FAW and FAWR courses. Our new manual will be published following both the Awarding Organisation and the HSE finalising the level at which first aiders are expected to operate on these recommendations.
We operate reduced office hours over the summer as staff tend to have holidays (!), so if we are slow to respond to emails over August thank you for bearing with us - do call my mobile number if you have any urgent queries. I hope that you get to enjoy some time off work over the summer months too.

Best wishes,
            Helen
Changes to CPR guidelines and mandatory training in use of Automated External Defibrillator
AED (training model) in use The Resuscitation Council UK updated the CPR guidelines in November 2015 and we have been delivering this new protocol in our existing courses this year. The guidelines have only been tweaked from what you will have learnt on your course if you trained before 2016, and what you learnt previously is fine to still use until your next training course at your 3 year renewal should the need arise. In summary:
  • There is less emphasis on assessing the area for danger and on the help shout - this is because when the last 5 year data set of victims suffering a cardiac arrest was analysed, the vast majority collapsed in a well populated area - hence this is deemed to be (a) safe and (b) to have plenty of folk on hand to help. The reality is that in many workplaces you are not always in line of sight of others when a first aid emergency occurs, so use your common sense and do shout for help if help is required.
  • Be suspicious of cardiac arrest in any individual who is displaying seizure like activity - check carefully to see if they are breathing normally, and if unsure initiate CPR - if they tolerate CPR then they need it.
  • If available, stick your mobile phone onto speaker phone when calling the emergency services - then you can start CPR without delay
  • Compressions : breaths are still at a 30:2 ratio. Previously up to 5 seconds off the chest compressions was allowed to attempt to deliver the two breaths; the new guidelines allow up to 10 seconds to deliver these two breaths for non-clinical first aiders - this is because previously it was shown that the breaths being delivered were not being delivered effectively. For healthcare professionals including doctors and nurses 5 seconds off the chest is still recommended.

Due to first aiders being taught to ask for an AED when calling the emergency services, the HSE has announced in their first aid bulletin on 8th June that training on Defibrillators is to be taught on both EFAW and FAW courses from 1st January 2017. We currently teach AED awareness on EFAW courses, and now include full AED training on both FAW and FAWR courses. We are awaiting the outcome of meetings with the HSE and Ofqual Awarding Organisations to clarify the level of training and assessment required at EFAW level - bearing in mind that the course already has a very packed syllabus!
Employers and First Aid Kits
childminders holding 1st aid kits The recent European Resuscitation Council review of a number of first aid protocols suggested that there was a need in certain circumstances to include haemostatic dressings and tourniquets. The HSE has stipulated that these items are only to be included if your First Aid Needs Assessment indicates that they may be necessary, and suggest that this is only likely in particularly high risk industries such as forestry, construction and some aspects of manufacturing. However, if these items are added, then workplace trained first aiders will require additional training in how and when to use these items.
Tourniquets are not 'back in' for everyday first aid despite what you may see on TV drama programmes, and folk should be aware that if applied incorrectly then a tourniquet can actually increase the severity of a bleed.

Anaphylaxis Support Group - Leeds
Anaphylaxis Campaign Logo
The group is aimed at anyone who is dealing with allergy issues and their families. Please find the group on Facebook by searching for 'Allergy and Anaphylaxis Support Group Leeds', email the group at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact Helen directly for more information.
Brenda Dewitt - a specialist allergy nurses has offered to come along for an 'Ask the allergy nurse' session - we are in the process of arranging a date for this, so watch this space. 
Useful Links: 

We're regularly getting asked for links to things on training courses, so will build up here a resource for anyone who has trained with us!

Medical Conditions at Schools website: www.medicalconditionsatschool.org.uk 

The SMS Emergency calls - or text 999 - must be registered for before use and you can do so here.

BCU coaches - for an update on first aid requirements for coaches click here. 

L24 - Workplace health, safety and welfare: ACOP and guidance (revised)