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Things I get asked on first aid duty

By Brad Smith
June 15, 2009 at 2:28 pm

box of plasters and its contents

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.

Toilets

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.

Hayfever tablets

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.

Plasters for nipples

“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.

Ice packs

“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!


Comments (19) »

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  • Rick

    Hi , how do you teach first aid interestingly … i’m currently teaching some students but i want to make it more interesting, any ideas?

  • Rick

    Hi , how do you teach first aid interestingly … i’m currently teaching some students but i want to make it more interesting, any ideas?

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk/ Brad Smith

    Hi Rick,

    Great question!

    I use a few methods, like trying not to lecture from the front of the class, facilitating active learning, and using lots of scenarios to allow students to practice what they’ve learnt in a safe environment.

    There’s lots of quirky things you can do like getting students to practice bandaging blind-folded and using lots of props.

    Hope that gives you a few good ideas. I’ll try and expand with some more examples in a future post.

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk Brad Smith

    Hi Rick,

    Great question!

    I use a few methods, like trying not to lecture from the front of the class, facilitating active learning, and using lots of scenarios to allow students to practice what they’ve learnt in a safe environment.

    There’s lots of quirky things you can do like getting students to practice bandaging blind-folded and using lots of props.

    Hope that gives you a few good ideas. I’ll try and expand with some more examples in a future post.

  • Andrew Lewis

    I’m actually a Science Teacher as well as Red Cross Trainer Assessor & Quality Monitor. I’ve taught first aid in many schools and groups including those I worked with.

    Most of all its making it relevant to situations they could come across. Accident on the road, hit while walking/driving, whatever you can think of. I did one where I got some of the pupils to act out the scene.

    I’ve also done courses for Applied Science groups at Thomas Telford School, there I used casualty simulation to get them into it. I got them to make wounds on each other and then afterwards they had to treat them. I did look at slings using the skeleton which them seemed to enjoy as well.

  • Andrew Lewis

    I’m actually a Science Teacher as well as Red Cross Trainer Assessor & Quality Monitor. I’ve taught first aid in many schools and groups including those I worked with.

    Most of all its making it relevant to situations they could come across. Accident on the road, hit while walking/driving, whatever you can think of. I did one where I got some of the pupils to act out the scene.

    I’ve also done courses for Applied Science groups at Thomas Telford School, there I used casualty simulation to get them into it. I got them to make wounds on each other and then afterwards they had to treat them. I did look at slings using the skeleton which them seemed to enjoy as well.

  • http://www.imsfirstaid.com/ first aid training Birmingham

    It’s actually an exciting but curious feeling.My first duty was very memorable when i almost brought everything on my kit,making sure i didn’t forget anything.I enjoy learning and knowing things we have the next duties.

  • http://www.imsfirstaid.com first aid training Birmingham

    It’s actually an exciting but curious feeling.My first duty was very memorable when i almost brought everything on my kit,making sure i didn’t forget anything.I enjoy learning and knowing things we have the next duties.

  • Candice Nash

    In our recent first aid meeting it was queried whether or not the following incidents need to be logged in the accident report book.

    Feeling dizzy at work and subsequently being sent home

    Feeling nauseous and being sent home

    Feeling Faint

    All three incidents did not recieve any formal first aid administration, and as they did not result in an “actual accident” that occured at work, do these incidents need to be logged in the formal accident log book or merely reported to HR??

    If you could advise it would be much appreciated,

    Kind regards

  • Candice Nash

    In our recent first aid meeting it was queried whether or not the following incidents need to be logged in the accident report book.

    Feeling dizzy at work and subsequently being sent home

    Feeling nauseous and being sent home

    Feeling Faint

    All three incidents did not recieve any formal first aid administration, and as they did not result in an “actual accident” that occured at work, do these incidents need to be logged in the formal accident log book or merely reported to HR??

    If you could advise it would be much appreciated,

    Kind regards

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk/ Brad Smith

    Hi Candice,

    I’m not an expert on first aid at work requirements, but my colleages at Red Cross Training are. I’ve asked one of them to answer your question – I’ll post it once I’ve heard back from them.

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk Brad Smith

    Hi Candice,

    I’m not an expert on first aid at work requirements, but my colleages at Red Cross Training are. I’ve asked one of them to answer your question – I’ll post it once I’ve heard back from them.

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk/ Brad Smith

    Hi Candice,

    I’ve had a reply back from one of my counterparts and Red Cross Training. Their advice is as follows: “any such incidents should be recorded in the accident book even though they did not result in an “actual accident”.

    Hope that helps?

  • http://www.redcross.org.uk Brad Smith

    Hi Candice,

    I’ve had a reply back from one of my counterparts and Red Cross Training. Their advice is as follows: “any such incidents should be recorded in the accident book even though they did not result in an “actual accident”.

    Hope that helps?

  • Candice Nash

    Thank you Brad

  • Candice Nash

    Thank you Brad

  • Rachel

    Going back to things we have been asked on duties.

    We were asked on a duty for two cheeseburgers with onions please. Apparently, we looked like a hotdog stand.

  • Rachel

    Going back to things we have been asked on duties.

    We were asked on a duty for two cheeseburgers with onions please. Apparently, we looked like a hotdog stand.

  • SAFA Cadet

    In reply to something, My first duty with SAFA was poring rain, freezing cold village fayre. Yes, it was a horrid day, and unlucky for me, I only had my jumper on, left my Hi-vis at home.