First aid courses

[Punkstig]

Anyone done one, anyone been involved in organising one before?
The last time I did any first aid training was 20 years ago in the scouts so I'm very doubtful on any of it.


So, the reason I'm asking- on way into town this morning I saw the aftermath of a cyclist vs a truck, I was only about 10 cars (20 seconds) behind the initial incident, people were stopping I assume to help, as I went past it was apparent it was bad, I was hoping the cyclist was just unconscious as he was laying face down not moving, whatever helmet he was wearing was obliterated and only the straps remained.
I didn't stop because I didn't want to get in the way of anyone that may have known what they was doing.


It transpires that he was dead at the scene, papers are stating due to heart attack of a 40 year old male, I can only think that the head injuries would have contributed to it.
Now its one thing to think about Vinny jones pumping on a chest to 'Stayin alive' and another to have any proper training!


So- any ideas, and anyone interested in doing one (Lofo's?)

[JoeRock]

Been first aid qualified for quite a few years now, started off having done first aid courses in the Scouts when I was a member, then when I joined as a leader I did an actual qualification, then had to do another one for my search and recovery/rescue diving course last year. To be honest I genuinely don't feel you can ever have too many qualified first aiders! Get it done! It's particulalry of use as a bike rider if you ride in groups a lot, as its unfortunately quite likely that at some point you'll have to deal with some kind of accident, be it minor or major!

[rustyrider]

Due to the work we do, all of us at work have been First Aid trained.  I recently did a refresher course and they reckon that the Vinny Jones advertising campaign is one of the best things that has ever been done and it has saved at least 20 lives since it started.  My missus teaches kick boxing and had to have a First Aid qualification so checked with St John Ambulance.  They run regular courses and it cost her £90 to do the course.  The Red Cross do them too.

[J_Dub]

I've just done a 1st aid at work 3 day course. Vinnie Jones advert was praised on my course too!

[adeejaysdelight]

I have been a first aider for years, and now have the motorcycle specific first aid training. Because of the nature of my work, I attend several first aid calls in a month. Some for tummy pain, some broken bones, heart attacks, heavy bleeding, a guy jumping out a fifth story window (that was nasty, even compared to other things I have seen in my short life) and some dead people too. Doing the course is a good idea, especially being a biker - its good to have at least one in the group. However, my Dad is also a first aider and helped a workmate of his that got scolded on some industrial heating situation. This was 2 years after his last refresher and the first time he has ever had to administer first aid. He did the best he could, but doing it regularly defiantly helps. We do it in-house, but any of the organizations that run them are fine.

[solorider]

I've done a first aid course at work, the 3 day course

[dazza]

The last time I did any first aid training was 20 years ago in the scouts so I'm very doubtful on any of it.

    Don't worry, that inappropriate touching by the scout master was not part of the course.

[fireblake]

My best mate and riding buddy was an Hampshire Ambulance motorcycle Paramedic and I use to say to him that if I came off I'd have the best chance possible. But if he came off he was Focced.


Mickey

[ChristoT]

My best mate and riding buddy was an Hampshire Ambulance motorcycle Paramedic and I use to say to him that if I came off I'd have the best chance possible. But if he came off he was Focced.


Mickey

Was that the chap you rode with when you had your Blades? 

[Chris]

Well worth doing if you can. It's amazing how much information you get and you think you won't remember it all but when you're in an emergency situation it all comes back very quickly and you're always glad you knew roughly what to do.
 
Chris

[stevierst]

I'd recommend first aid training to anyone, and everyone! I'm quite lucky that I too have to pass an in-depth first aid course every year due to my work, but as you guys have already covered, you've really got to keep on top of it and refresh yourself every few months.
As a prophet once said.....
"I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!"

[budgiemurray]

been a basic Ambulanceman twice over the years in both the public and private sector and would highly recommend first aid training to anyone. You gotta remember there's a right way and a wrong way to do things, some as simple as moving someone or removing a helmet correctly so as a biker these are good to know..
No-one expects you to carry a full first aid kit but even having a bit of knowledge can go far to making a bad situation manageable and controllable until professional help can come along.
 
Do it, you wont regret it.. remember most courses are only valid for 3 years so if your current ones older than that look at a refresher too..
 
Budgie

[Hedgetrimmer]

Never done one where I work, I think I'll suggest we do them. As I work in the bike industry, I'll also see if they can introduce something motorcycle accident/injury specific, despite the fact there are very few of us there that actually ride bikes.