First Aid Winter Tips!

This morning, as I opened my front door, I uttered the words.... "It's here".

Clearing the snow off our vehicles, and sliding about the place, I was reminded about all the things we must remember as winter sets in.

Winter first aid tips

From broken bones and sprains caused by slips, to the more extreme cases of hypothermia, there are lots of injuries that you or your loved ones may suffer as a result of icy weather.

A common injury is a sprain or strain which is when the soft tissues around the bone or joint become injured by violent or sudden movements. There may be pain and tenderness, swelling and bruising and difficulty moving the joint. 

Remember the word RICE:
Rest the affected part;
apply an Ice pack(wrapped in a tea towel) for 10 minutes;
give Comfortable support using padding and a bandage and
Elevate it to help with pain and swelling.

‘Sprains can be confused with broken bones (fractures), but a fracture generally requires more force. As well as swelling, bruising and pain, fractures can be suspected if you see a shortening, bend or twist in the limb. They tend to prevent the limb being used and a wound can appear where a bone may protrude. The body may also go into shock - a life threatening condition. 

If you are unsure whether it is a sprain, strain or fracture that you are dealing with then always treat it as a fracture. Keep the affected part still, support it with lots of padding and send the casualty to hospital.

At this time of year we sadly hear about cases of hypothermia. This is when the body temperature drops below 35C and is recognised by shivering with pale, cold, dry skin and symptoms such as disorientation, apathy or irrational behaviour; impaired consciousness, slow and shallow breathing and a weakening pulse. 

If you suspect hypothermia, replace any wet clothes with dry and re-warm the patient up slowly by giving them warm drinks and high energy foods such as chocolate.

Being Prepared

Prevention is better than cure! 

Sprains, Strains and Breaks can be avoided, or limited by ensuring you have the appropriate footwear on for the conditions you will experience. 

Wear sturdy footwear - even when driving, as you never know when or where you may be required to leave your vehicle. 

If you are going to be outside a lot, think about wearing broken in hiking boots (Boots that have been worn in, so are comfortable). A good pair of boots will turn a break into a Strain / Sprain, and a Strain / Sprain into nothing. 

Think about anti slip attachments for shoes that fit over for walking on snow. 

Stock your vehicle with blankets, food, a torch, and a good first aid kit. Consider taking a flask of warm drink (Non alcoholic!). Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, and people know where your going when you leave.

Keep a storage of food at home, help elderly relatives and friends by shopping for them, or arranging a delivery of supplies from retailers who deliver.

Being prepared also involves learning First Aid. There are many great organisations out there with voluntary schemes for training, such as the British Heart Foundation Heartstart scheme. HSE compliant First Aid Courses are also a good idea, which are more in depth, and you get an accredited qualification from it too! 

For more information, go online to: www.centricuk.com 

The meaning of life, Christmas, and Mental Health

Monty Python holds its own opinion!

"The meaning of Life" (What is) is a question which people have struggled with for millennia.

It can only be answered with opinion, as the meaning alters per individual. Those with faith could assign the meaning to a life of service to their God, others still, may not be able to answer the question fully, or be sent into a never ending spiral of being unable to answer at all.

For me, as an individual, the meaning of life, is to bring meaning to others, and this is done by offering compassion and care for those around me, and in turn this brings me comfort and joy. Seeing others succeed brings me enjoyment and satisfaction.

As we approach Christmas, many people start to wonder what the meaning of life could be. They question things they otherwise thought they knew. Add depression and loneliness into the equation, and it is understandable how some people may start to think that there is no meaning to life at all.

As an optimist, even things which I have little enjoyment from, or even totally dislike, I get some pleasure from, in knowing it will be over soon, but I can well appreciate what it feels like to have all optimism swallowed up.

But what of those people who dread this annual time of the year, sending them into 3 months of darkness. How do they get through this?

For most, they bottle up, shut up, and baton down the hatches. Perhaps relying on diagnosis, and medication to carry them through this, a shadow of their former selves.

But there are other ways:

• Finding a meaning to life is one. Activity, company, like minded people, all go a long way to taking the edge off it all.

• Being the meaning of life is another. Having pets who love unconditionally, rebuilding bridges with family and friends, supporting others, go a long way to taking the edge off it all.

• Seeing the meaning of life is yet another. Understanding there are others in similar positions, and working to help them, or asking for help from them. Companionship, Fellowship (In a Church sense), all goes a long way to taking the edge off it all.

Often, someone suffering from depression can present a difficult challenge to motivate. The causes are mostly situational, and don't always appear as they can change.

I can testify from personal experience that activity, and environment play huge parts in this, simple things like ensuring the house is clean and tidy, or fresh paint is applied, or the right kind of lighting and heat are in the house can make a big difference with instant effects, however, I understand cleaning the house is far from a simple thing if you are unwell. Reaching out for help can sometimes resolve this.

Company, support, and encouragement are another. People like to feel cared for, needed, and more so, wanted. Envelopment into community works well and can bring about change for those suffering, especially when they are engaged in activity.

Sadly, with Christmas heading straight for us - or us heading straight for it, there is little we can do apart from embrace it, even if we dislike it.

I can't suggest singing Christmas Carols at home, or in the street, on your own, but, as a group - well, it works for me! 

If the situation does present itself to be unmanageable, then:

Be strong, know that there are those out there who would love the opportunity to have you in their lives, and will value you.

Reach out, there are people willing to listen to you, and offer support and advice where needed. Call the Samaritans  on 08457 90 90 90 . They can even help signpost you to other agencies for help.
Over Christmas, the Salvation Army becomes more active than ever - support them with your time, or contact them for support. 

If you are ex forces there are specific charities that can provide support and assistance, such as SSAFA and the RBL. Do contact me directly and Ill signpost you myself.

Know of any other agencies or tips and tricks to help others? Please do comment below!

It's nearly January already, thankfully!

First Aid in the Workplace - The HSE regulations - Meeting and Exceeding. | My Local Services

We've discovered a great little forum. Check out our post on the HSE regulations, and discover what requirements your company should be achieving!



First Aid in the Workplace - The HSE regulations - Meeting and Exceeding. | My Local Services

Face Masks - Would you do without? A question we're often asked!

We don't mix our words when we deliver First Aid training. We appreciate the gravity of actions the would be aid provider will be taking, so, it's no holes bared in preparation for a potential future emergency.

Our training material is reasonably graphic, and we 'tell it as it is'.

When we cover BLS (Basic Life Support) we introduce our students to face masks as part of their PPE, and the question always comes "Would you give Rescue Breaths without the device?"

Well, there sure is quite a variety of devices out there, from the Laerdal Style mouth and nose covering mask with one way valve, through to a paper filter sheet, with the latter being quite compact. We even supply one, with keyring holder, so there's no excuse to be without one, but, it doesn't take much imagination to realise, when you need something, it usually isn't there!

I (the author) have delivered Rescue Breaths without a mask, and it wasn't particularly nice, so that kind of answers the question - Yes, I would.

But there are times when the injury may demotivate me, for example, a gaping jaw injury, which incidentally may make delivering rescue breaths pretty ineffective anyways. Also the presence of body fluids would kind of put me off too.

The good news is, in these cases, we still deliver CPR, following the 'Hands Only' protocol.

To that end, there is no straight answer to the question really. I would take it case by case, and deliver the aid as appropriate, remembering the safe working principles.

Next course is about to start... £5 says Ill be asked the question in the next day or so!

First Aid in the Workplace - What qualifications and how many? Lets make it easier!

One of the challenges business owners face is getting their heads round the mountain of information that applies to their business.

One thing business owners have in common, is that, they are very good at what they do - If they weren't, they wouldn't do it! Whether they operate a Glass manufacturing plant, a Garage, or a Corner shop, they are at the head of their game.

Most Barbers can't fly planes, and most pilots can't cut hair - and often it is the case, that getting to grips with matters that effect your business can seem like an unnecessary distraction.

So, they outsource. The pilot goes to the barber when he wants his hair cut, the barber goes to the pilots company when he wants to fly somewhere.

But, they at least need to know what kind of haircut they want, or where they want to fly to!

I can't cut hair, but what I can do is best direct you to the qualifications needed to remain compliant within the First Aid Regulations. I've done one better, I've simplified it all to save time!

Take a look at First Aid Training for more information. You'll go straight to the right page to be able to calculate what the requirements state.

As always, you can never be over qualified! Even if your business is in the low risk bracket, it is much better to be over qualified, and in all instances, it is good practice to hold a First Aid at Work certificate.

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Owning a Defibrillator in the Workplace - Is it a good idea?

A Defibrillator is an electronic device which can deliver an electric shock through the body to correct a heart rhythm which is incompatible with life. Often, this is referred to as 'Restarting the Heart'.

The types of device available on the market today for private businesses and first responders are called AED's - Automated External Defibrillators, of which there are two types, fully automatic, and semi automatic.

Both types of device are computerised, and are designed to take the protocol decision making away from the rescuer. Typically, they follow a 1-2-3 process. 1 - Switch it on, 2 - Listen to the voice prompts / on screen messages, 3 - Press a Button if applicable. 

Modern defibrillators do not make mistakes, they do not 'shock' people by accident, they are perfectly safe to use - even by people who have never ever touched or seen one before.

We carried out an experiment recently on several First Aid courses where AED use was not part of the curriculum. During the CPR phase on the manikins, we handed the student the AED Training device, and told them they had to use it.

They knew what an AED was for (It was part of the curriculum), they had seen pictures of one (a different model), they had even seen a live AED that each vehicle is equipped with in the company (Again a different model from the Trainer).

Each student, without fail, was able to apply the AED to the manikin, and follow the voice guidance - delivering a simulated shock.

Why have a Defibrillator in your workplace?

Quick access to a defibrillator is key to survival of a casualty experiencing a cardiac event where defibrillation would correct the rhythm. 

Without a defibrillator on site, someone undergoing good CPR still stands a chance of survival, but that chance depreciates with every passing second whilst they wait for an ambulance to arrive.

A defibrillator increases the chance of survival from 5% (without) to 50% (with). Emergency medical care and further treatment is still required. (Source http://communityheartbeat.org.uk/ )

Although the Ambulance Service is targeted to respond within a certain time frame, the logistics of the world, circumstance, and indeed that time frame itself, is too long to wait in the case of a heart attack. You can rest assured that everyone is doing everything humanly possible to get help to you as quickly as possible - but it still isn't quick enough.

By having a defibrillator on site, and having people trained to use it, the chance of long term survival is greatly increased for the casualty.

Most businesses employ an alarm system for their premises - it protects the building, and its contents at night and on weekends when no one is there. Some businesses employ security guards, have cctv, and even tag their products to prevent loss by theft.

All businesses must comply with fire safety regulations, they must have fire extinguishers, adequate means of escape, and sometimes, they need a fire detection and alarm system too.

The same with having an appointed person, and first aid qualified staff. These are things that a company must have.

Yet, each year, the mirror newspaper reported in 2013, nearly 60'000 people suffer an out of hospital cardiac arrest, with an abysmal 8% survival rate.  That's 55'200 people dying. ( link to article: Mirror Defibrillator Article ) I believe the statistic to be much higher for cardiac arrests, and this statistic possibly reflects those suffering a cardiac event, where defibrillation should have been an option.

For what is a reasonably low price, compared to CCTV, Security Guards, Burglar Alarms, etc, a Defibrillator can be purchased, or even leased from companies such as The Defib Shop - who have an outstanding record of service and product choice.

How much does it cost?

The cost is relative. If I were to tell you that in 6 months you would have a heart attack, and die with no aid to save your life, you'd possibly prepare to make your exit from this mortal shell as peaceful as possible. Sorting out your personal and business affairs so that they do not burden the next generation.

But, equally, you may notice I am not 'Death', I do not carry a scythe with me, and you could up your odds by ensuring you have a qualified first aider in the company, or better still, several, all in your office, and having access to a defibrillator. To that end, how much is your life worth?

The financial cost of an AED is surprisingly affordable, with a lower maintenance cost than ever before. A company can aim to pay well below £1000 to purchase an AED, and maintain it - some battery and pad options last up to 5 years, with 2 years being the average. Replacement pads are generally around £30 - £60 (Shelf life of approximately 2 - 3 years) and batteries are approximately £90 - £140. And don't forget, The Defib Shop has options to lease a device if that is more cost effective for your business.

Someone is likely to just steal it though

A whole range of alarmed cabinets are available. These devices are serialised, and good asset tracking can prevent the resale of these devices on the open market.

No one has had a heart attack at work before, it will never happen!

I certainly hope so, but imagine a situation where it does happen. Imagine it happening to you. We go about our lives in a continual state of risk, everything carries with it a potential danger, and we mitigate that danger by making preparations, such as ensuring the car we have has airbags, and crash protection, having fire extinguishers and first aid kits, wearing cycle helmets on bikes, eating more healthily to ward off ailments, and likewise, we should prepare for the risk of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) by having a defibrillator close at hand.

In summary... 

We believe it is a great idea to have a defibrillator in the workplace (We have several). We believe defibrillators should be as commonplace as fire alarms, and wherever there are people, one should be no more than 1 minute away from them. The cost is inexpensive, there are means to obtaining a device if the initial outlay is beyond budget, and the long term investment is priceless to the person experiencing a cardiac event, and their family. 

Need more information?
For Purchasing devices, we recommend www.defibshop.co.uk

For Community Schemes for remote areas, we recommend www.communityheartbeat.org.uk

For First Aid Training, of course we recommend ourselves! www.centricuk.com

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Brain Fog / Fuzzy Thinking - Simple Self Care

For some years, I, the author have been suffering with, under certain conditions, something called 'Brain Fog.

It's quite normal, and everyone experiences it at some point of their lives.

What is Brain Fog?
Brain Fog is a non medical term for a period where the thinking of a person is clouded. It is as difficult to describe as it is to think whilst experiencing a 'Fog' period.

The person undergoing the 'Brain Fog' feels as though their thoughts are muffled in a plastic bag above their head. On the outside, their appearance is often perfectly normal, but, their thoughts feel to themselves, inhibited, or clouded for reasons unknown.

Their decision making abilities don't appear to be affected for the majority of sufferers - it only seems that way to them, inside their head.

A 'Brain Fog' event can be debilitating, as the sufferer feels they cannot contribute effectively to their normal daily tasks, so isolation during a period of 'fogginess' is normal, or the overwhelming urge to go to sleep.

A sufferer will feel uncomfortable in telling another person how they feel, as they believe this condition may be related to Mental Health, which it may or may not be. The internal thoughts of their Mental Health being compromised may in turn lead on to Mental Health conditions / behaviour developing.

What Causes Brain Fog?
There are many potential causes, including;
Lack of Sleep
Lack of Real food / incorrect food
Medication / Treatment (Such as Chemotherapy)
Substance Abuse
Age

Sometimes 'Brain Fog' can be caused by underlying serious conditions however, such as Mercury Poisoning, Hormone Imbalance, Depression, Diabetes, Fybromyalgia, Thyroid conditions and Lymes disease.

How to treat Brain Fog
First of all - If you are unsure - You need to make an appointment to see your GP. Even if you feel you're sure, my advice is still to go and see your GP. This blog does not replace sound medical advice.

Treat the Cause
1)
Ensure you get sufficient sleep each night, without disturbance.
That means ensuring the temperature is right, there's enough air in the room, there's absolutely no light in the room (including the little blinking light of your mobile phone as it charges).
Develop a pattern. I.e. Go to bed at 10 each night, rise at 6. Don't go to bed at 3AM and rise at 2 PM.
The correct routine is easy. You just lie in bed each night, and eventually, a pattern will appear.

2)
Eat proper food - this means, if it's in a packet, don't eat it. Only eat food from the fruit and veg section of your grocery store, eat fresh, non processed meats. Eat fish. Drink plenty of water. Cut out the junk food and sweets.

3)
Discuss any medication you have with your doctor (Do not just stop taking medicine). Ask about Contraindications.

4)
Stop abusing substances. This includes Alcohol, tobacco products, coffee, Sugar.

5)
Go the the GP.

In most cases, Treatments 1 & 2 will resolve many of lifes issues. Try it.

Quick Fix
Having a 'Brain Fog' session right now? Try this.
If you are also Hungry - Eat.
If you are tired - Sleep.

These two options may not seem like options right now - but both work. Then treat the cause.


DISCLAIMER
This post is made from personal experience and research on the condition which is barely recognised. It is presented as is, and does not reflect the view of the company, or any training guidelines. In all instances seek professional medical help.

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Stroke - Know what to do

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. Part of the Brain becomes damaged. This often effects the persons appearance, speech, body functions, and sight.

Know how to recognise Stroke:

Think FAST:

• Face: If the face drops on one side
• Arms: If there is a loss of control or strength in the Arms
• Speech: If Speech becomes slowed or slurred
• Time: To call 999 / 112. This is an emergency, get help!

Talk to the person suffering Stroke, reassure them, comfort them. Keep Calm.

For more information, visit :

http://www.stroke.org.uk/

www.centricuk.com

How do we beat Ebola?

Whichever way you look at it, the Ebola dilemma is raising a lot of unanswered questions, and worryingly, the speculation over what to do about the transience of it simply doesn't seem like affirmative action to prevent the spread.

The USA have announced screening at Airports, the UK is considering the same (At the time of writing) - but checks at Airports are simply no good - carriers in their early stages are non symptomatic - so could bring Ebola into their respective countries unwittingly to all concerned.

So perhaps some form of quarantine is required, as was maintained in New York Harbour in days gone by - however, the amount of people commuting in the 21st Centenary is far greater, making this impossible. Simply sit in any airport for several hours, and the daily passage from one terminal here alone is far greater than found at a port in the Victorian Era.

The only true way to beat Ebola is to nip it in the bud - attacking it's spread at source, however, it does seem that effected countries have been more or less left to fight it out alone.

The British Army recently announced they are sending 100 Army medics to Sierra Leone, and the USA has pledged even more boots on the ground.

Now lets not forget, Ebola isn't caught from the air, if it were, we would all be nearly dead by now, so sending troops, isolated from the main population, is reasonably safe. When there is contact, then they will be in full Protective Gear.

They will establish centres for administering the diagnosis and care of patients presenting with symptoms of Ebola.

This is a great start, and a move in the right direction - however, more is needed, and people are required to replace the troops. 

How do we Beat Ebola? 

Simple, we Educate, Control, and Eradicate cases.
1) Educate.
Let people know about it, tell them not to come into contact with the infected, give them new means to dispose of waste, and the dead. Provide with PPE.

2) Control

Marshall law, restrict movement, assign local authority leaders to enforce suspected case protocols.

3) Eradicate

Wherever cases present, they are isolated. The dead are disposed of swiftly without time for emotion or religious rights.

 Bringing about all 3 sections are as tough as the last. 

There is understandably a fear over Ebola, yet the education hasn't been sufficient to tempt people not to wash their dead, or to have physical contact with people showing symptoms, or to increase their personal hygiene. Instead we hear of Westerners sneezing, and being thought to be carriers - as if this is a westerners epidemic alone.

This is due to poor education on the part of the state, and potentially insufficient investment to educate, or the investment by donation being squandered. 

As we prepare to put together a incident package, Ebola is very much in the forefront of our minds. It is our hope that it's spread ceases, and doesn't enter out country. 

If it does, then we all need to be prepared, and thankful that we have the resources to manage Ebola containment with reasonable ease.

Video to follow of our preparations. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/First.Aid.Training.Centric

www.centricuk.com  

#Ebola 

Contents of a First Aid Kit, At home, and Abroad

It's important to have a well-stocked first aid kit in your home, so you can deal with minor accidents and injuries.Your first aid kit should be locked and kept in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.Many people also keep a small first aid kit in their car for emergencies.

Your basic first aid kit

A basic first aid kit may contain:

• plasters, in a variety of different sizes and shapes
• small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings
• at least two sterile eye dressings
• triangular bandages
• crêpe rolled bandages
• safety pins
• disposable sterile gloves
• tweezers
• scissors
• alcohol-free cleansing wipes
• sticky tape
• thermometer, preferably digital
• skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
• cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
• antiseptic cream
• painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen
• cough medicine
• antihistamine tablets
• distilled water, for cleaning wounds
• eye wash and eye bath

It may also be useful to keep a basic first aid manual or instruction booklet with your first aid kit.

Medicines should be checked regularly to make sure they are within their use-by dates.

For every travel kit

• First aid kit

For minor injuries, use antiseptic with gauze squares, non-adherent dressings, bandages, fabric plasters, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers and safety pins. You can buy bottles or sprays of standard antiseptic such as TCP from all major chemists, or get ready-prepared antiseptic wipes. A first aid kit may be useful if you're going off the beaten track or taking part in high-risk activities.

• Insect repellent

Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn, and are attracted to humans by our body heat, smell and the carbon dioxide we breathe out. Research shows that products containing the chemical DEET are the most effective insect repellents and are safe when used correctly. DEET products are available in sprays, roll-ons, sticks and creams. Your GP or travel health clinic will tell you whether the area you are going to is malarial and what protection is advised.

• Condoms

Condoms are recommended for everyone who is sexually active. Buy condoms with the CE mark on the packet. This means they have been tested to the high safety standards that are required in Europe. Condoms that don't have the CE mark won't meet these standards, so don't use them. Condoms can be damaged by oil-based products, such as suntan lotion, baby oil and lipstick. Heat can also cause damage, so store them in a cool, dry place. For more information on using male and female condoms, see How to use a condom.

• Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching and inflammation caused by allergies and insect bites. Antihistamines are available as tablets (oral antihistamines), creams (topical antihistamines) and nasal sprays. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of a protein called histamine.

• Anti-diarrhoea pills

Anti-diarrhoea drugs, such as loperamide, can relieve symptoms of diarrhoea by slowing down the movement of bowel contents and sometimes by increasing water absorption from the gut. Loperamide can be taken once or twice a day, over a long period. However:

• Do not take anti-diarrhoea drugs if there is blood in your stools or if you have a high temperature (check with your pharmacist). 
• Do not give anti-diarrhoea drugs to your child.

Travel in the developing world

• Rehydration sachets

Rehydration sachets help replace fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea, vomiting and too much sun. You can buy sachets of rehydration salts from your pharmacy and add them to water. They provide the correct balance of water, salt and sugar. Your doctor or pharmacist may also recommend rehydration drinks for your child, if you are worried they may become dehydrated. Do not use homemade salt or sugar drinks. Always consult your pharmacist.

• Mosquito net

A mosquito net is vital for sleeping in malarial countries. When buying a net, make sure it is impregnated with permethrin. Permethrin is a contact insecticide, which will kill insects landing on the net and, therefore, increase the net's effectiveness. Generally, nets will need to be impregnated again with permethrin after six months of use. Carry a small sewing kit so you can repair any holes that develop in the net.

• Anti-malarial drugs

Visit your GP, pharmacist or practice nurse four to six weeks before you leave to find out what malarial cover you'll need. They will also have up-to-date advice about the cover you need, and which strains of malaria are resistant to which drugs.

• Emergency medical supplies

Kits available from pharmacies, including sterilised and sealed syringes, sutures and needles, can be useful when visiting developing countries, where hospitals and dentists may not have properly sanitised equipment.

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Ebola - Getting protected - Basic Advice

There is no effective antiviral treatment. Instead, treatment is supportive, and is directed at maintaining renal function and electrolyte balance and combating haemorrhage and shock. 

Transfusion of convalescent serum may be beneficial. 
Post-exposure treatment with a nematode-derived anticoagulation protein and a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vaccine expressing the Zaire Ebola virus glycoprotein have been shown to have 33% and 50% efficacy, respectively, in humans. 
Recent studies have shown that small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be potentially effective in silencing Zaire Ebola virus RNA polymerase L, and treatments in rhesus macaque monkeys have resulted in 100% efficacy when administered everyday for 6 days; however, delivery of the nucleic acid still remains an obstacle.

IMMUNIZATION: None.

PROPHYLAXIS: None. Management of the Ebola virus is solely based on isolation and barrier-nursing with symptomatic and supportive treatments.

Based on the stark facts of Ebola, people are understandably very concerned. When another case arises, the press rush the news to print, making the spread seem wider than it is.

But what can we do to safeguard ourselves? What lessons can we learn from this recent outbreak, that may afford us better protection in the future?

Firstly, the mechanism of spread must be evaluated. Coming into contact with contaminated hosts, both dead and alive clearly is a major player in all of this. Isolation of those contaminated can help reduce the spread, but as we are seeing, with the 21st Century routine migration of travellers, suspected cases can arrive anywhere in the world, at any time.

A closed borders for entry policy is not economically viable, but, is plausible in a major outbreak to which containment is not possible. 

In the mean time, local level migration control in countries worst effected (Such as Sierra Leone) is utilised to try and gain control.

We are left to trust decision makers that our best interests are catered for - but, systems fail, non symptomatic travellers, within the incubation period, can travel freely to home countries, residing with their families, before potentially infecting others nearby.

As citizens, it is our duty to do everything we can to protect our living environments around us, not just for neighbours, but also for ourselves, and our families.

Good levels of hygiene are critically important, washing of hands for example, using sanitising gel regularly, and particularly after making contact with another person. 

Sanitising the entire work environment, phone systems, keyboards, light switches, door handles, and in our case, we maintain a staff toilet, and a customer toilet. Both are kept incredibly clean - but one is controlled over who uses it - all these things help cut down cross contamination.

Food eaten is prepared by the consumer only - no outside food is consumed wherever possible, all food prepared is cooked properly, or is within its own natural packaging (i.e. Banana's), the exterior of which is cleansed before unwrapping. 

This is the daily routine, and although it sounds extreme, it falls into good practice, and prevents to the greater part, picking up lots of other bugs.

But, we cannot avoid all human contact in day to day life. We should not become recluse. It is important to engage with other people, and to do so in a familiar way without an eye of suspicion that could otherwise damage a relationship, be it professional or personal.

The game changer comes when cases become prevalent within our community. 

A whole range of respiratory protective aids are available, from basic face masks through to CBRN respirators, which cost more, and are less available than the paper counterparts. Full CBRN suits are used by professionals, in conjunction with decontamination units and full assistive backup.

But without these resources, the lay responder, the worker, the citizen is most vulnerable to contamination, so more austere measures are required.

All the above sanitisation regimes should be used, as well as protecting from outside contact. 

This extreme measure requires some forethought in preparation - without shopping for food, and supplies, we would soon become unstuck, without going to work, we would soon become financially void.

Good preparedness in home storage is needed, with a backup food supply of canned goods, and water, as well as toiletries, means the need to enter society for trivial means can be avoided.

All avoidance is impossible, and socially problematic, so keeping distance is appropriate instead. Avoiding physical contact, and sharing of food is an aide to preventing cross contamination.

Managing the dead - ensuring disposal of the body is prompt, and complying with local authority guidance is all important in preventing the spread too, and of course managing your own form of decontamination is vital.

Good resources to keep at home include:
Strong Surgical Gloves - Many pairs of Marigolds
Bin Bags
Face masks
Alcohol Gel  
Camping toilets
Bottled Water
Tinned food of all varieties
Camping cookers
All of this seems extreme, but, up until quite recently, it formed part of the British education in preparedness for Nuclear Attack. After the dissolution of the communist government in Russia, it was felt the risk had been removed, however, although the risk may have changed, there is still the need for protection of one form or another. 

Society has a Pronoia well established in its minds eye, always expecting the best outcome from the powers that be. This post in contrast may seem like Paranoia, but, the very same thing that may have attracted the reader, also encouraged the poster.

It takes one major event to change the thinking of others, but that major event may be one step too far for the survivability of many.

Further information is encouraged by visiting:
http://www.redcross.org.uk/en/What-we-do/Preparing-for-disasters/How-to-prepare-for-emergencies

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emergency-preparedness

https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/government/emergencies-preparation-response-and-recovery

www.centricuk.com

https://www.facebook.com/First.Aid.Training.Centric

When First Aiders are involved with an End of Life event.

I am pleased to say I've been involved with several end of life events...

What an odd thing to say I know. 

I have in reality been involved in more than several end of life events, but there are only several I have been pleased to be involved with, and it is these I shall speak of. The others were very different. They were events that ended life far too soon, and were the result of accidents / incidents which potentially could have been prevented. These I consider as unnatural, but it is not for me to judge the course of terminality.

The End of Life events I speak of all involve the elderly, and none of them have passed in my company, none have required major intervention to extend life until such a time as they could be handed over.

They have been pretty much alive, however, an event has occurred, which for so many elderly patients starts the ball rolling for the demise of their life. It may be days, weeks, months, or perhaps even a few hours since the event, but, experience tells me, that such an event symbolises the beginning of the end. Again, a word to the wise, it is not for me to second guess death, and the level of care / treatment given has no reflection on the casualties state of age. It is merely understanding a probable outcome, and manipulating the events that occur in the little time available.

As people who are duty bound either through employment, or morales to assist with an emergency, we have protocols to follow. We work our way through our algorithms, delivering aid at each point as we are taught. But, outside of treating respiratory and coronary failure, and stemming the flow of blood, or stabilising a break, there is little else we can do whilst we await for an ambulance. The patient who has a clear airway, has a heart that's working, is not bleeding, but is elderly, and in the eve of their life, requires something all together different. 

Of course, we are aware of shock, of course we analyse the method of injury and treat appropriately, but this treatment is usually quite quick, and the arrival of the process to remove the casualty is reasonably slow in comparison. 

Take for example an elderly lady who trips and falls in the street. There were no uneven slabs, there was no loose drain cover. She just fell, and banged her head. Perhaps it was stroke, perhaps a heart condition, perhaps she is just weak from age.

One such case we dealt with, and as she started to slip away quietly in my arms, I had the power to bring her back to this world with a squeeze of the shoulders, and comforting conversation. Undoubtedly the head injury was the route cause of the problems. Assistance was on route, and with limited resources, the level of treatment that could be physically provided was low.

Her husband, close by was brought into the equation to share words of compassion and love for her, which I don't doubt stemmed back from before I existed.

This process of maintaining her level of consciousness meant two things, firstly, I wasn't required to deal with a patient who entered respiratory failure, and secondly, the valuable moments she and her husband had together to share words of love would remain for the rest of his days, and perhaps take the edge off the trauma of it all. It also would act as a bridge for the great unknown. Comforting her final moments perhaps, making whatever happens as we die not so scary (In my experience, the elderly handle their own deaths quite adequately, with little fear).

An Ambulance arrived on scene, and I was able to hand over a live casualty, whilst my colleague continued to attend to her, and assist.

Sadly, once they had loaded her into the vehicle, it remained stationary for some time with both attendants and husband in the rear. It was at this point that she undoubtedly passed. 

When we first start on the road of being a First Aider, or higher, we often think only of the fast paced world of rushing to save a life. The busy hustle and bustle in the kit bag, or back of an ambulance to get chest seals, the commands of a defibrillator shouting out as we stick pads to a lifeless body, the fast pace of compressions as we force the heart into motions.

But reality is often far from this, ranging from very minor injuries that could be self treated, through to life support, and of course, the events to which we can do little but just be human.

Compassion I suppose can be taught in later life, but where better to gain it than in your formative years. I am most fortunate to have had family that did just that.

After every event, it is right and proper to review actions to ensure protocol was followed, and to talk out any issues. 

This particular event wasn't traumatic in any sense of the word, and the only regrets, as always, were that we were not adequately equipped to deal with a casualty - who is outside of the Hospital or Ambulance. We could not do our duty to the best of our ability due to the lack of resources - yet our duty, and more, was done to the best in the circumstance. 

And I am pleased, and comforted in the knowledge that for these people, in this instance, the lasting memory will not be one of panic, or the sight of tubes, or electric shocks on the street, but one of being able to share a few final moments together in thought before one of them crossed over into the great unknown. 

Emergency Communications - When the lights go out...

I was asked today by a student why it was we still used handheld radios, in a time when mobile phones are everywhere.

It got me thinking, here I am with the latest mobile technology in my pocket, I can check my email, Facebook, Ebay and all other sites with the flick of a pointer finger. I can call, with crystal clarity to one of my colleagues on speed dial, and likewise, summon assistance from the Ambulance, Fire and Police if needed. I have an Ap that acts as a metronome for CPR (I use it for training), and of course, the good old British Red Cross First Aid Ap is there too.

But, there are still parts of the UK with no mobile coverage - I should know, one such place is my living room!

Our training exercises for Emergencies often simulate a crashed car, or downed aircraft in remote places, or perhaps a missing person in the hills of Wales... again, like my living room, there's little or no signal.

This is because the signal isn't strong enough, we're too far away from the antenna, or the geography is blocking the line of sight, it's frustrating.

But similar outages occur during major incidents too - the mobile networks become blocked as the closest antenna has to deal with thousands upon thousands of instantaneous requests to connect.

A power failure results in Mobile Repeater stations going onto their generator setup if it has one, and then falling onto battery UPS, and when that runs flat, all coverage drops. You can expect during a major incident, the local authority will authorise the closure of communications, bar those essential for emergency communication - to which, we are not privy.

So, we have handheld radios. They are secure, with ability to encrypt the signal on some obscure frequency, and have a pretty decent range. The communication is often quicker, and more direct, and of course, all parties can get a message as oppose to just the person your calling.

But we also maintain a pretty cool communications system that we've had for some time, and that's satellite phones.

In our Emergency box, we can instantly find the communications satellite from the portable dish, and connect via satellite, calling around the globe in real time. Sat phone to Sat phone is ultra reliable, taking its power source from its own battery, or vehicle hook up, or even from Solar if things are real bad, and the satellites, which are self powering, are mostly unaffected by worldly events.

It is plausible to imagine a time though where even this form of communication can go down, either by choice, or circumstance, and this again is where our trusty handheld radios come into play.

So, why do we still use handheld radios? See above!

www.centricuk.com

Defibrillators in the Community

We were very blessed to visit the Emergency Services Show this year at the NEC in Birmingham. The works diary allowed us one day of freedom to go to this tremendous event, and boy are we glad we did!

We have long advocated the provision of defibrillators in the community, and are well aware of the numerous charities out there helping villages and towns achieve this goal.

One such charity is 'Community Heartbeat' ( www.communityheartbeat.org.uk ), and they were at the ESS 2014.

We got speaking with them, and were enthused by their passion for this critical service, so much so, that we fully hope to be able to support them in the future in any way we can.

Having a defibrillator in the community makes such a difference - a life saving difference. In my 35 years of life, I already know of 5 people who suffered SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) all of whom died as a result. 4 of these people had bystanders, or family nearby at the time of their arrest.

It is tragic to note, that in not one of the mentioned cases, was CPR delivered, and neither was a AED (Automated External Defibrillator) called for.

2 were in reasonably public places, where one should like to think an AED was available.

It is impossible to say if good quality CPR, and access to a defibrillator would have made a difference in these cases, but, at least it would have provided a fighting chance of survival. As it stood, the bystanders didn't know what action to take, and death was inevitable.

On all of our First Aid Courses, we go above and beyond mentioning defibrillators, we allow our students hands on experience via one of our AED Trainers. Not to be confused with our CPR & AED courses, we sadly do not go into as much detail, but, we talk about the reasons why, then without any real training at all, throw in the AED mid CPR practice.

Our students understand the importance of this device, and are amazed at how easy it is to use it, with no previous contact.

The simple 1-2-3 approach is well established, and, in all cases, the students, if presented with a real life scenario in replacement for the training, would be able to deliver a shock if required.

The devices have significantly come down in price, as much as they have become easy to use, and the maintenance free life of each unit has increased - some offering an outstanding 3 years pads, and as much as a 6 year battery life.

In all consideration, we question why there aren't more AED's around! Businesses should invest, Local Authorities should invest, Communities should invest.

We certainly give it our stamp of approval, and look forwards to working with Community Heartbeat to deliver the knowledge, and life saving resources around the country.

www.communityheartbeat.org.uk
www.centricuk.com

First Aid - It's life Important!

A sound knowledge of First Aid is critically important.

Imagine waking at 3 AM to a commotion in your house, only to find a family member collapsed on the floor of the Bathroom, and not breathing. 

Imagine driving along a country road, and coming across a car which has recently crashed, hitting a tree.

Imagine being at work, and witnessing a colleague injuring themselves on a piece of machinery.

All these things are more than possible, and indeed, these scenarios are among several I have experienced in my life.

The ability to make the right decisions, and act appropriately is critical to working towards a positive outcome for the casualty.

Let me cover these 3 events in detail, and share with you the learning outcomes from them. They are in time chronological  order.

A Dying Mother

In 1997, I was tucked up in bed, when I woke to shouting in the house. I got up, and went to the bathroom to find my mother collapsed on the floor, my brother panicking over her lifeless body. I dialed the emergency number, and called for an ambulance.

Living in a remote area, I ran down to the main road, and flagged down the ambulance as it came, running behind it to the house. The Ambulance crew calmly got out, and entered the house, where the situation was becoming more bleak for my mother. My brother was inconsolable, with our mother in his arms. She was pale, and generally in a very bad way. In the cramped space, the Paramedics worked to maintain her airway, and started chest compressions. There was insufficient room to get a trolley bed, or carry chair from the ambulance, up the stairs, and along the narrow corridors to the bathroom, so, they man handled her to their vehicle. To all extent and purposes, my mother appeared to be dead.

In the ambulance, one paramedic worked to resuscitate my mother, the other drove. My brother was in the ambulance with them, I followed in the car. 

Arriving at the Emergency Department, my mother was taken to resus, my brother and I sat in the waiting room, shocked by what we had seen and experienced. By brother more than I, as his exposure had been throughout. Some hours later, we were able to see our mother, who had been stabilised, and was conscious. 

Some days later I met the Paramedics who worked on her. They told me they thought they wouldn't be able to revive her, and she would be clinically dead on, or shortly after arrival. 

Both my brother and I did not know any first aid at this stage of our lives, and we made no attempt to save her life, other than calling an ambulance. The Paramedics, and Hospital team worked tirelessly, and, to this day, our mother is still with us, and adding value to our lives every day.

In 1997, the Ambulance service responded very quickly. It was a week day, it was early in the morning, and they had no other calls to handle. In this day and age, the scenario would have played out very differently. We would expect a further 10 minute wait for a similar response, and, those 10 minutes would have robbed us of someone we care for very much. 

If we had known first aid, and had adequate training, and such an event occurred in the home, it is possible we could have kept her in stasis until professional help arrived. Thankfully, on this occasion, luck was on our side.

The Young Friends
In 2004 4 close friends were involved in a Road Traffic Incident. They were 26, 23, 21, & 19 years of age.
The other road users who stopped made no attempt to render any First Aid, as a result, 3 of my friends died. It is my belief, that if an attempt was made to resuscitate 2 of the 3 non breathing casualties, there would have been 3 survivors instead of just 1.

The families and the friends of those involved suffered a devastating blow to their own lives in the loss of these 3 men, killed in the prime of their life.

The Severed HandIn 2005 a colleague trapped his hand in the moving mechanisms of a vehicle. It resulted in the complete crushing of his hand and lower arm so that bone and flesh were exposed.

The first people on scene were able to control the bleeding whilst one person went to call for emergency help. They collected the bits which have been amputated, and protected the bits which were still attached, all be it barely by skin.

He was calmed down, kept warm, and comforted, then moved swiftly by ambulance for an emergency operation.

Today, he has use of his hand, and 4 fingers. Although the limb shows the scars, he still has it, and more importantly, he did not die from blood loss at the scene.

The Outcome

These are just 3 true life experiences, they may seem extreme, and for some, they may have been fortunate enough to have never experienced anything like it in their lives, and maybe they never will.

I on the other hand have experienced many instances such as these. Mainly through my employment, and random lifestyle.

I am confident, through training, and certain, through experience, that when such events occur to, or near me, I am capable of dealing with them in an appropriate manner. But most of society is not.

It is worrying that there are many people out there who do not think these kind of experiences could ever happen to them, but, they most definitely can, and this is why it is so critical to gain proper training in First Aid, to prepare for such an event.

The more people who gain qualifications such as First Aid at Work, or Emergency First Aid at Work, or even the shorter course qualifications such as Basic First Aid and CPR the better.

We should practice regularly, annually at the least, and keep abreast of new developments and suggestions - in particular to Basic Life Support.

Among many other reasons, we believe everyone should have access to High Quality First Aid Training, and from this belief, we established our company, providing value for money, readily accessible courses for the workplace, and the general public. More information on this can be found at: www.centricuk.com .

There can be no greater gift to give someone than extending their life, so they, and their families can enjoy what time they have together. We often take this for granted.

In all 3 scenarios above, consider yourself in them. How would you cope as the first on scene? What would you prefer if you were the casualty? 

It's for all these reasons, that we learn First Aid.