Blogs highlighting the work of staff and volunteers within the British Red Cross, part of the largest humanitarian organisation movement in the world.
By Brad Smith
June 15, 2009 at 2:28 pm
While I was on ambulance duty yesterday (one of my aforementioned grass track duties), I got thinking – though only during quiet spells – what do we get asked most often?
I’ve asked this pressing question of some of fellow first aid trainers and event first aid colleagues too.
Here’s a selection.
While on duty, one of the most popular questions is inevitably “where are the toilets?” On some duties, such as the one I was on yesterday, they’re abundantly apparent. On others, perhaps a horse show in heart of the countryside or a first aid post at the side of a triathlon, you’ll be lucky if there’s a purpose built facility nearby. It’s pot luck.
A very topical one this: “Got any hayfever tablets?” Sadly not most of the time. As first aiders, we’re allowed to administer very few drugs, and hayfever tablets aren’t on the list. So if you’re heading out at the height of hayfever season, please make sure you’ve got your own medication with you.
“Can I have some plasters for my nipples?” Now, I must confess – this isn’t one I’ve been asked myself, but apparently it’s one we get asked frequently at running events by runners wanting to protect or recover from chaffing injuries.
Of course I do frequently get asked for plasters to treat minor cuts. And thankfully we have them in large quantities.
“Got any ice packs?” No, not for liquid refreshment, but for people who think it’ll help with an injury. Of course we’ll diagnose the condition first, but if we determine it’ll help, then yes, they are something we offer.
What’s the moral of the story? If you’re in need, don’t be afraid to ask. We may not be able to help but we can point you in the right direction.
Don’t forget I’m here to answer your first aid questions. So if you’ve got a pressing one, ask away!
Tags: ambulance duties, event first aid, First aid, ice packs, nipples, plasters, toilets
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This entry was posted on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm and is filed under First aid. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Brad is a Red Cross first aider. He covers first aid duties and crews ambulances for our event first aid service. He also provides Red Cross first aid training.
Other posts by Brad Smith
The British Red Cross values comments both complimentary and critical. However, we will not tolerate the following: aggressive or personal criticism of the blogger, breach of copyright, obscene, defamatory, profane, sexually oriented, racially offensive or likewise objectionable comments.
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