Today is World First Aid Day, so what's it all about? Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed first-hand the aftermath of the 1859 battle of Solferino in Italy. Horrendously injured soldiers lay across the battlefield and Dunant, appalled by the fact that nobody seemed to be helping the … [Read more...] about World First Aid Day
Seizures: types and treatment
Seizures occur when electrical signals within the brain are disrupted. There are many different possible causes of seizure as well as many different seizure types; here’s a brief overview of seizures and what to do about them. Causes and conditions When seizures are mentioned epilepsy is often the … [Read more...] about Seizures: types and treatment
Head Injuries, Concussion and Compression
Head injuries account for around 5000 deaths per year in the UK along with 162,000 hospital admissions. A cautious approach is needed due to the potential for brain injury as a consequence of the original injury to the head. Concussion Concussion is a shaking up of the brain. Common causes of … [Read more...] about Head Injuries, Concussion and Compression
Heart Attacks: Know the Signs
A heart attack is an interruption in the supply of blood to the heart muscle, usually caused by a blockage such as a blood clot in an artery. No two heart attacks are the same, so it’s important to recognise the range of signs that could signify a heart attack. Equally important is knowing what to … [Read more...] about Heart Attacks: Know the Signs
First Aid for Asthma: recognition and treatment
Asthma is a serious medical condition, responsible for over 1200 deaths per year in the UK and with well over 5 million people receiving treatment for the condition. Despite this, or perhaps because of the high numbers of people on medication, there can sometimes be a perception that it’s not so … [Read more...] about First Aid for Asthma: recognition and treatment
Bonfires, Bangers and Burns
First Aid for Burns With Bonfire Night just around the corner it’s the time of year for crackling fires, fizzing sparklers and spectacular fireworks displays. Unfortunately it’s also the time when over-enthusiasm or a momentary lapse in concentration around the fire can lead to serious injury. Here … [Read more...] about Bonfires, Bangers and Burns
Freaky First Aid: Top Tips for Halloween
Halloween can be a dangerous time of the year with vampires, zombies and werewolves roaming the streets at night. It pays to be prepared for any Halloween first aid emergency, so here’s our guide to dealing with monstrous injuries. 1. Safety First If you’re the first on the scene after a Halloween … [Read more...] about Freaky First Aid: Top Tips for Halloween
First Aid in the Workplace: Kits and Equipment
There is no such thing as a HSE approved first aid kit, and anyone who tells you otherwise might be a bit confused about the regulations! There is a British Standard for first aid kits (BS8599) but, although these kits are normally suitable as workplace first aid kits, using a BS8599 kit isn’t a … [Read more...] about First Aid in the Workplace: Kits and Equipment
First Aid in the Workplace: First Aiders
So, having completed your First Aid Needs Assessment, you've decided to have some of your staff trained as first aiders, but what course should they be attending and how do you decide which training organisation to use? There is no single mandatory training course for first aiders but 2 main … [Read more...] about First Aid in the Workplace: First Aiders