1st Aid Training – it could save a life…..

[brchi17]

Yesterday afternoon I had a rather interesting incident that I would like to share (of course names, etc are not present as it’s not relevant).

At work we had an incident where I was called by a colleague because a client was lying on the ground looking winded. As I got closer the client I saw that they had in fact, stopped breathing.

They had been hit in the chest & were severally winded & then for some reason, they passed out & stopped breathing. To cut a long story short, I rolled the client onto their side (beginning to get ready for mouth to mouth resuscitation), tilted their head back to clear their airway & luckily this got them breathing again – problem averted.

What this post is all about, is that the other staff member could have done this in much less time (than it took for me to get their & do the job), but didn’t know what to do. Had person known 1st aid, they wouldn’t have panicked & could have helped this particular client.

While I’m not criticising this person (as they froze & it a very scary situation & one that I would never wish on anyone, you don’t think, you just act), there would have been much less stress for that person, or the other clients that witnessed the whole thing, had they known what to do. I believe that this highlights the importance undertaking 1st aid training or even CPR for that matter.

I would strongly encourage anyone & everyone, to pay the money & go & do a 1st aid / CPR course. One day you could be put in a simular position & it sure makes sleeping at night a hell of a lot easier when you know what to do. I must admit after this incident, I have a much higher appreciation for all our ambulance people who deal with this day in, day out.

Below are a couple of links to organisations that run 1st Aid / CPR courses.

St Johns (http://www.stjohn.org.au/) Royal Life Saving Society (http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/)

I must also add that i have not writen this post for self gratutide, but rather to highlight the importance of knowing 1st Aid /CPR.

cheers. :)

[KRAKA05]

Well done brchi17.

Yes agree, in fact i believe it should be taught in school (yr11,12) as part of the curriculum.

[BB]

Well done brchi17 you just saved someones life man!

I am a Senior First Aider with the nature of my work and had people faint and the odd cut finger but a couple of guys I work with have had to give CPR. It can be simple if you know how but the consequences of not knowing can be devestating.

[Glen Alexander]

Originally posted by KRAKA05
Well done brchi17.

Yes agree, in fact i believe it should be taught in school (yr11,12) as part of the curriculum.

We did it in year 11 or 12, can't remember too long ago now, as part of our Sports Science class. But it should be done by all at school when they reach this level of their education. I'm going to get mine again this year, as I have come across old people who have had strokes and seizures at the club, and I would like to think that I could save them if need be.

By the way, it's pretty freaky when someone has a stroke, their body goes to an unbelievably hot temperature, kinda freaked me out when it happened.

[Ford Boy]

Originally posted by KRAKA05
Well done brchi17.

Yes agree, in fact i believe it should be taught in school (yr11,12) as part of the curriculum.

I was taught it in year 8 or 9. I also was taught it in y11 and 12 as part of a course i did, and it has been put to use, given that I work in a Sports Centre, where all sort of strantge things happen. But yeah, guy got knocked off his feet, hit the ground and fitted, and stopped breathing. Was a bloody scary experience, and like Brad, I never EVER wish it on any one. Agreed it, should be taught to all people at some stage.

[wayno]

I'm a firm believer in first aid training. We have to have it for work and it is invaluable.
I have used mine more times than I would care to count for various incidents both in and out of the workplace. I have also had to perform CPR twice (batting 1000:D )
Two things I would like to add for anyone considering first aid. Take the time to make yourself aware of the dangers involved as well (carry a personal face mask at least) and once you have qualified make sure to keep your qualification current.

[Kristy]

I had to add my bit to this one. Lats year I was in Vic Park ( for WA locals) quietly having a coffee with a friend when we heard an almighty smash. We walked down the street to have a look and a car had smashed into 4 parked cars.

Everybody was just standing around looking at the guy inside just watching . So I ended up getting inside the car and giving this guy first aid. He was choking on his tongue so I had to clear his airway ( YUCK ) and he was bleeding heaps.( somebody in the crowd passed me some gloves) .

To shorten the story a little, when he started to realise what he had done he freaked out and tried to get out of the car, so I tried to calm him down as I was worried he may have a neck injury, and for my efforts he swung around and gave me a hit to the head !( my ear was ringing for a week !)

Anyhow the Police and Ambulance arrived and took him away. I later found out that he had an emergency tracheotomy and that clearing his airway proably saved his life. The Police told me he was over double the legal alcohol limit.

Even though I would have hoped for someone a little more "appreciative" of my efforts, I am so glad that I was there and was able to help. So I am ALL for First Aid training!:)

[Malik]

Originally posted by Kristy


Even though I would have hoped for someone a little more "appreciative" of my efforts, I am so glad that I was there and was able to help. So I am ALL for First Aid training!:)

I agree with that... you would think people would be more appreciative but remember though that in that situation they have just had a major shock to their system... probably wouldnt even remember the accident.. and your a stranger in their car..

and he was drunk...

I bet if you saw him a week or 2 later he would be appreciative once he had been told what you had done for him.

good job though.. not many people can say they have saved a life.



I recall some years ago there was talk in QLD about making a basic lvl of first aid a requirement to having a drivers license but it was canned cos of the cost of the first aid certificate.