Some of you will be aware that little changes were made in 2016-7 to first aid training. The good news is that nothing hugely significant changed (in our opinion) but there are a few points that you need to know about. Come see us in class to practice.
We Changed the Emphasis
We’ve added more to the course about preparing to respond. After all, you need to be ready to help. The course includes topics like “the bystander effect” – which is best explained as ‘everyone assuming someone will do something… but no-one does’. There’s clear information around consent, the law, fear of doing something wrong, etc.
Check, Call, Care and The ABCs
These topics remain the same. You’ll be glad to know that if you come to class you’ll be practising the same CPR we’ve taught for years. However if you were in one of the low quality courses we’ve been hearing about and you weren’t taught both breaths and compressions, well you need to find a competent instructing team (ahem!).
Recovery Position
We changed it. No, we didn’t. Well look, it’s gone from “you must do it this way” to “put them in recovery position”. Come to class and experiment with the various methods.
Choking
Another topic that changed, but didn’t. Again we’ve moved from the prescriptive “do this then this” to a more practical approach of “do what works” and if it doesn’t work, try something else.
Tourniquets
They’re back. Look, we know there are arguments about this and lots of back & forth over the years. Still, they save lives. Which is the first of the 3Ps. So use them appropriately when necessary.
Mental Health
We’ve said for a while that it would be coming to the new training books and here it is. A whole new section on mental health crisis and how we might be able to help people in needed. Including a brief overview of potential signs of suicidal intent.
There’s More
OK, look, those were the major changes. But there are a few tweaks as well: concussions, cardiovascular emergencies, goodbye ‘Frostnip’, chest injuries, more information on poisoning, the Foundations of First Aid. Well, you’ll see when you get to class. (Does not apply to OFA courses – these changes are still to be announced.)
Your Certificate
It’s still valid! Just because things change, you can still stick to what you were taught already and not be wrong. Until the certificate expires of course. Remember where the course schedule is once you get close to your renewal date. We’ll see you in class soon.
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