FAQs 4 | Safety First

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My friend told me I needed to carry some first aid supplies, so I bought all this stuff but I don’t know what to do with it and if it is useful. Do I need to carry this?

It is good to carry some first aid supplies with you in case your child gets hurt when they are out and about. You don’t need to have any spray plasters or special wound cleaning spray which cost money. If you want to carry anything with you some plasters, gauze and maybe some wound wipes will be useful to have with you.

At home you might have some paracetamol suspension, a decent well reviewed thermometer and some plasters. There is no need to buy germolene or savlon as tap water is enough to clean a wound.

What are the signs of a stroke?

How would I recognise if someone is having a stroke?
If someone is having a stroke there is a test you can do:

F – does their face drop on one side? Do they find it hard to smile?
A – can they lift both arms and keep them there?
S – is their speech slurred or does it make little sense?
T – if you see any of the above it is time to call 📞 999

if someone is having a stroke it is important to act quickly, the faster you get help the better their recovery will be.

What should I do if someone has a seizure?

There are a number of different types of seizure, if someone has a complex seizure or a tonic clonic seizure they will call to the ground or be on the ground jerking and twitching. They will not respond to you and you may see their eyes roll back.

When they are having a seizure:

protect their head
make sure they are safe
time the seizure and call 📞 999
don’t restrain them
Don’t put anything in their mouth.

Whrn they come round put them in the recovery position or keep them sitting down until they are alert. Check them for any injuries

You should call an ambulance if:

The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
they have a second seizure
you don’t know they have seizures

Are your courses suitable for care home staff?

The courses are CPD Accredited, online and listed in the core skills training framework as essential training. (Skills for Health).

How do you stop a nosebleed?

on a course the other day a teacher asked how do you stop a nose bleed because at a recent event people had different ideas of what to do.

The Answer:

If someone is having a nose bleed, the position to put them in is with their head forward and pinch their nose infront of the bony part. Hold this for 10 minutes and check for further bleeding. If it persists you can try this up to 3 times. If it still persists call an ambulance. Look at the state of the casualty also, if they are really pale and dizzy call an ambulance a bit sooner.

Get the person to spit any blood out that may be in their mouth and be mindful it can run down the back of the throat during a nose bleed.

Avoid blowing or picking the nose afterwards and encourage the casualty to breathe through their mouth.

Will I get sued for doing first aid on a member of the public?

WillI get sued for doing first aid on a member of the public? This question has been asked on many first aid courses. Fear of getting sued is one of the reasons why people are likely not to do first aid on a member of the public, in 2015 SARAH was brought in. This stands for Social Action Responsibilities and Heroism. It was introduced to help protect members of the public from litigation / getting sued. First aid is vital part of life saving and so stepping into assist when a person is in trouble is really important. If you are genuinely trying to help it is unlikely you will get in trouble. Doing a first aid course is one way to gain skills and knowledge to use in an emergency.

How do I know when to give the epi pen?

I was asked on a course the other day how to be certain to give an epi pen. The answer is that anaphylaxis can be a rapidly developing condition and ultimately it can be fatal. My answer was that if in doubt give the epi pen. It is better for someone to have their medication and not need it than not have it when they need it. Even if it is not needed at that point in time the person will not come to any harm.

To find out more book onto an anaphylaxis update or first aid course.

How do I know when I need to give an epipen?

An adrenaline auto injector contains a life saving injection of adrenaline which needs to be administered if someone is having a severe allergic reaction. Depending on the type of reaction it can develop really quickly and cause someone to become very ill very quickly. If you are with someone who you know suffers from a reaction and you feel it is appropriate for the injection to be administered it is better for them to have the injection when they need it than not to receive it.

We produce adrenaline naturally so the worst that will happen if they receive it when it is not needed is that they will feel light headed. It tends to have a short half life so will leave the system fairly quickly.

With covid on the increase again, how will you reduce my risk on catching covid on a course?

Here at Safety First we do our best to keep our courses as safe as possible. At this time we will be taking the following precautions to minimise risk:

Encouraging social distancing.
Encouraging mask wearing.
Asking participants to rescehdule if they are symptomatic.
Regular testing.
Providing face shields, hand sanitiser, individual bandages / dressings.
Reducing close contact work where possible while still carrying out practical assessments.
Cleaning all manikins as per the latest guidelines.

We want our sessions to be informative and practical while maintaining your safety.

If you have any further questions please ask on booking.

Your safety is our priority

Can I use an ice pack on a head injury?

One question that often comes up on a first aid course is if it is okay to use an ice pack on a head injury and the answer is, yes you can if there is a lump on the head this is fine. Do not use something straight from the freezer without wrapping it first.

If your setting says you can’t then follow their policy as this is what will give you insurance for doing first aid

What is the difference between a baby and a child for first aid?

A baby is anyone up to the age of 12 months or a year.

A child is anyone between the ages of 1 and 18 (Resus Council 2022). This becomes relevant when you are carrying out the primary survey, doing CPR and also dealing with choking. Children are more likely to have a hypoxic or respiratory arrest.

My child tripped over his football and there was so much blood coming out of his mouth, it really scared me. What should I do if it happened again?

If someone has blood coming out of their mouth it can be difficult to do much about it and it should stop fairly quickly. Pay attention to their oral hygiene.

If they are bleeding from a cut on their face / lip / chin which you can see apply pressure to the area with some gauze for a few minutes to see if it stops. Once you have controlled the bleeding check to see if the wound needs closing, you may need to visit an urgent care centre.

If your child has knocked their teeth out or they are bruised take them to an emergency dentist.

As always if you are worried about your child in anyway seek medical advice.

What do I do if my child is vomiting?

Most children will at some point have a vomiting bug. This can feel quite stressful as a parent and it can be hard to know what to do. The most important thing is to ensure they remain hydrated. They will be unlikely to want to eat anything and this is not too much of a concern for a day or two. Getting fluid into them is your priority.

If they are vomiting it is important to offer them small amounts of fluid every few minutes, 5 – 10ml as appropriate. Avoid letting them take in large amounts of fluid in one go. If they can’t tolerate this then it is time to seek advice.

Other things of concern might be:

Significant abdominal pain,
Signs of dehydration – dry nappy or reduced use of the toilet, dry lips, floppy, pale,
Temperature
Inability to tolerate small amounts of fluid
If they are vomiting bile – green liquid / black liquid.

If you are concerned about your child seek advice.

Do you teach how to use the AED on your courses?

An AED is used to restart the heart of a person who is in cardiac arrest.

75% of adults who collapse and stop breathing will be in a shockable rhythm. Prompt use of an AED will increase their chances of survival significantly.

Use of the AED is covered and assessed on all courses. Early use of an AED is key to the survival of adults in cardiac arrest. The more people we can educate to use AEDs the better.

Want to know more why not book a course now?

How do I know where my nearest AED is?

An AED is a device that can be used to restart the heart when someone has gone into cardiac arrest, collapsed and stopped breathing. We teach how they are used on every single course. Knowing where your nearest one is could save someone’s life.

AEDs can be found in supermarkets, train stations, dentists, schools and a variety of other places. Why not have a look next time you are out and about? We found one in a local high street recently (see picture).

To find out more about how to use an AED book a first aid course today

How Will I know if my child is choking?

Choking is most parents fear and rightly so as it is a big risk in children under the age of 5. Babies and small children often gag when eating food, but this does not mean that they are choking. If you can hear them making a noise then there is no need to intervene. Watch and see if they manage to clear their airway.

Choking is silent regardless of the age of the person. In addition people will go pale, even blue and look really startled.

The best thing to do is to try and prevent it happening in the first place.

To find out more or to book onto a first aid course please get in touch

When should I do CPR?

CPR practical assessment is a really important part of every first aid course. When it comes to CPR or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation the aim is to take over the function of the heart and keep the brain perfused with oxygen.

It is important to be confident in the assessment of the casualty. So when do you need to do CPR? The simple answer is when the person is not breathing or not breathing normally, and this is something we always discuss on our courses. Firstly how do you assess whether someone is breathing and secondly what “agonal” gasps are. To find out more why not book a course today?

How do you best treat a burn?

When it comes to treating a burn, it is important to act quickly and appropriately to minimise further damage and promote healing. Here are the steps to follow:

Remove the source of the burn: If the burn is caused by a hot object or substance, carefully remove it from the affected area. Do not use force or pull on the burn.
Cool the burn: Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for at least 20 minutes. This helps to reduce pain, swelling, and further tissue damage. Be careful not to overcool the person. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as it can worsen the burn. It is important to cool the burn as soon as you can. There is a 3 hour window to apply first aid to give the best chance of recovery.
Protect the burn: Cover the burn with a sterile non-stick dressing or cling film to prevent infection. Avoid using adhesive bandages directly on the burn, as they can stick to the wound and cause more pain when removed.
Manage pain and swelling: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.
Seek medical attention if necessary: If the burn is severe, covers a large area of the body, the person is a child or is accompanied by symptoms like difficulty breathing or signs of infection, seek immediate medical attention.

For businesses, it is essential to have a well-equipped first aid kit readily available to treat burns and other injuries. Ensure that your employees are trained in basic first aid and know how to respond to burn incidents.

Remember, burns can vary in severity, so it is always best to consult with a medical professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

How often should emergency first aid training be renewed?

Emergency first aid training should be renewed every three years to ensure that participants are up-to-date with the latest techniques and guidelines. The field of first aid and emergency response is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay current to provide the best care possible. Annual refresher training is recommended. Regular skills practise is essential for confidence.

What information do I need to share when I call 999?

When you call 999, the first piece of information you need to give is what service you need. Following on from this, you share your location. They will ask many questions, so be sure to answer them all, and then tell them anything specific you may be worried about. This is vital for helping the call handlers to decide what priority to assign to your call, and the more information they have the more prepared they will be.

I have lost my certificate, can I get a replacement?

Sometimes certificates get lost and need replacing. If this is the case please email or call us and for a small admin fee we will get it replaced as soon as we can.

Do I need to have existing knowledge to attend a course?

No here at Safety First we want to give everyone the skills and confidence to save a life, so whether you have done first aid 10 times before or are a total beginner you will learn something new with us.

When should I give me child calpol?

Calpol is paracetamol for babies and children. It can be used when they have pain or a temperature, but we don’t advise giving it until the temperature is over 38 degrees.
It is also useful for minor injuries if there is pain.

Do I need to do a written test?

Yes, most of our courses will require you to take a written test, this is usually multiple choice and the course should have covered all you need to know. If you are concerned or would like to discuss this further please do get in touch or enquire on booking.

I wan to attend an open course but can I bring my baby?

Babies are more than welcome to attend our open courses, and we also run courses in the home if you would prefer the comforts of home.

My certificate is about to run out but I can't get training, what shall I do?

Check out the latest statement from the HSE

Health and Safety Executive statement

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is aware that people holding Offshore Medic (OM), Offshore First Aid (OFA), First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificates nearing expiry date, might experience disruption to access to requalification training as a result of events or circumstances generated by the coronavirus pandemic.

HSE’s current guidance on the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l74.pdf and the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l123.pdf is that those holding an OM, OFA, FAW or EFAW qualification should undertake retraining before their original certificate expires and HSE strongly recommends that employers, and individuals holding those qualifications should plan for requalification training well in advance of expiry dates.

If however requalification training is prevented for reasons associated directly with coronavirus or by complying with related government advice, it is reasonable and practical to extend the validity of current certificates by up to 3 months. Anyone taking advantage of this extension should be able to describe clearly their reasons for delaying requalification training, and demonstrate steps they have taken to undertake the training, if required.

This guidance comes into effect for certificates expiring on or after 16th March 2020. HSE will review this matter over the coming months and will issue further statements as necessary.

Department for Education statement

The Department for Education supports the HSE statement regarding the extension of first aid certificates during coronavirus emergency and that it can be applied to paediatric first aid certificates held by staff in early years provision.

http://www.firstaidqualifications.org.uk/covid-19/

What measures are in place to protect me from Covid 19?

The spread of Covid 19 is a real concern when accessing training, but first aid skills need to be seen and assessed face to face. Here at Safety First we will be doing all we can to minimise the risk of transmission including:

providing face masks if candidates present without
checking temperatures on arrival
ensuring social distancing measures are adhered to
hand sanitiser will be provided
individual bandages will be provided to all candidates
all manikins will be cleaned as appropriate between classes
face shields provided for CPR

How Can I reduce the transmission of Covid 19?

A risk waiver must be signed before attending training. Anyone with symptoms will not be able to participate in training.

Please get in touch if you would like further guidance.

Are your courses certified

Depending on the course you choose you will receive a certificate for either a year or 3 years

What is a normal temperature?

A normal temperature range is anywhere between 36.4 – 37.5 degrees. This does vary slightly depending on where the temperature is taken.

You could consider giving your child some calpol if their temperature goes above 38 degrees.

Children under the age of 5 are at risk of a fit as a result of a rapidly rising temperature so make sure you keep an eye on their temperature when they are unwell.

How do I prepare food for baby led weaning?

There are a couple of ways to introduce food to your baby. One is to use purées which you increase in texture as they get used to it. The other is baby led weaning.

If you choose baby led weaning when offering veg sticks such as carrots be prepared to par boil them so they are a bit softer. Also make sure they are cut to a size where choking risk is reduced.

Most importantly watch your baby at all times and educate yourself on how to manage choking.

When do I see a Dr?

It can be hard to know when to see a Dr and children have lots of illnesses in their early years.

NHS Choices has lot of useful info, please check out my top tips below:

If your child has a temperature you can’t manage.
If your baby is under 3 months and develops a temperature.
If they are unable to tolerate fluids.
If they are not interested in taking fluids, and have not fed for more than 8 hours.
If they are really drowsy or floppy.
If they are pale, mottled or have a rash which does not disappear when pressed on.
If their urine output is a lot less or they haven’t had a wet nappy for more than 12 hours.
If you are concerned about them.
If their breathing is laboured or they are coughing a lot / wheezing etc.

You know your child better than anyone so if you are worried seek advice.

Has the practical assessment changed through Covid 19

Covid 19 has had an impact on everyone and people are understandably concerned about doing first aid courses at this time. Has the way in which we assess the practical skills changed? Do we still assess rescue breaths? Yes we do assess rescue breaths in accordance with the requirements of the Awarding Body, Qualsafe. Every effort is taken to ensure we protect from the risk of covid 19 as far as possible. We complete a risk assessment on arrival and then provide with appropriate equipment to reduce the risk further.

What is a normal respiratory rate for an adult?

When we approach an unresponsive casualty we check for danger in the first instance, followed by response – to see if they are conscious. Then we open their airway and check for normal breathing. This is really important as 50% of adults in cardiac arrest will demonstrate agonal breathing. When assessing breathing, how many breaths is normal in an adult in a minute – 12 – 20 breaths. This would mean you would see at least 2 in a 10 second period. For more information, get in touch

Do I need to wear PPE?

As a result of the recent covid 19 pandemic there is a requirement for candidates to wear face masks when carrying out the practical assessments on the course, these will also need to be worn when moving around the room during breaks and to use the toilet facilities.

In terms of sanitising hands, all facilites we use will have access to handwashing facilities. Hand sanitiser will be provided for use before and after carrying out a practical skill.

We will do our best to minimise the risk of covid 19 while you attend our courses. If someone is taken ill prior to attending one of our open courses please do get in touch and we will offer a free transfer to another course.

Are any of your first aid courses 100% online?

We offer a range of different courses online, many of which are great for your professional development as they are CPD accredited. We also have a parent first aid course which is available online which is for information purposes to give parents some basic knowledge of how to cope in the event of an emergency.

For a certified first aid course such as:

Paediatric first aid
Emergency First Aid at Work
First Aid at Work

to be meet the requirements of the health and safety executive, Ofsted, the varying awarding bodies and any other relevant bodies there needs to be an assessment of the skills needed to be a first aider. This includes things such as

such as CPR,
the recovery position,
how to manage choking,
wounds, bleeding and shock.

This means that a proportion of the training will need be delivered and assessed face to face.

We offer blended learning which is part online and part face to face.

What should be in a first aid kit?

First aid kits that are “HSE Approved” are green with a white cross. These should be in an easily accessible place with the record book. Staff should be made aware of their location.
You can add things to your first aid kit that you consider relevant to your work place.

For a list of the contents of a first aid kit follow this link

Remember to check your first aid kits regularly as things do expire, and make sure you keep them stocked up when they have been used.

How do I call for help in an emergency?

Calling for help in the event of an emergency is a critical part of first aid.

First Aid is the initial helping behaviours when someone is taken ill or injured before professional help arrives so it is crucial to get that help on its way.

In the event of an emergency dial 999 or 112, although there are other ways to get help if you need it.

Information you need to share:

Location – finding you is absolutely crucial so be clear about your location.
What is wrong – be specific and answer questions.
Stay on the line until they have all the information they need.

If you are unsure what to do they can talk you through how to cope in an emergency.