Fierce First Aid

04/05/2024

What if you DON'T get it wrong?

What if you ARE the difference?

How have we got to the point where we're more scared to try than we are to do nothing?

I had a delegate recently who told me their previous trainer had actually said, out loud, to a room full of delegates, that it was ok to walk away if they didn't feel confident they could cope 😶

Women are less likely to survive the need for CPR. One reason for this is that apparently society says it's more problematic to expose their chest than to watch them die.

Here are some tips:

- If you're not sure, ASK

- If you don't know what to do, ASK

- If you're not sure why your gut says there's something wrong, go with it - ASK FOR HELP. You don't have to understand why you know they're not ok

Don't just walk away. Don't do nothing for fear of getting it wrong.
If you think you need it, call 999/112/911...just press the emergency calls button on your 'phone. If you're not sure you need the big help, get onto 111 - they're a magical bunch and can help you work things out.

Something I tell my delegates on a daily basis is that as a First Aider you often need to shake off your social protocols. You need to shed your outer adult and accept the fact you don't know what you're doing. Kids are often incredible First Aiders - they're still happy to go with what they've been taught without overthinking it (and deciding they know better), and they're happy to do as they're told when they don't know what they're doing.

If you don't know what to do, get a controller on the line. Do as you're told.

DO SOMETHING.

Doing nothing is far more of a problem for the person who's poorly.

02/05/2024

Seriously, though...what's the point if I'm not excited about it?

Man, this stuff is huge.

I've been a workplace First Aider on and off for over 20 years and it still smacks me in the chops every. single. time.

It's sticky and smelly and unpredictable...and it damn well doesn't look like it does in the text books.

I have tried to calm myself down. To preserve my energy, streamline courses so it doesn't take so much out of me and I simply can't do it. The responsibility for getting these fellow laymen to a point I can send them back to their day jobs ready to answer a First Aid call, and actually be useful when they do...that's massive. It doesn't matter how tired I am, doesn't matter how hard I have to work with them, I cannot take this thing lightly.

The energy I put into my training directly translates to the amount my delegates get out of it and how much they're likely to remember when they need it.

I'd like to see an e-learn do that.

30/04/2024

Me too.
Being a First Aider is terrifying. Every time.
Knowing the basics, having someone help you understand the priorities, having the chance to practice in a safe environment without consequences - these are all invaluable when your mind is racing. It's tough enough trying to cope when someone's being incosiderate enough to have a scary injury or a sticky illness - we're not medically trained, we don't know how to cope, we're NOT ready. We're not.
Being First Aid trained isn't a box-tick. It's not just compliance. It's the difference between being able to freak out afterwards and having no choice but to freak out at the time.

29/04/2024

Me too.

Being a First Aider is terrifying. Every time.

Knowing the basics, having someone help you understand the priorities, having the chance to practice in a safe environment without consequences - these are all invaluable when your mind is racing. It's tough enough trying to cope when someone's being incosiderate enough to have a scary injury or a sticky illness - we're not medically trained, we don't know how to cope, we're NOT ready. We're not.

Being First Aid trained isn't a box-tick. It's not just compliance. It's the difference between being able to freak out afterwards and having no choice but to freak out at the time.

27/04/2024

Everywhere I look there's another training
company offering shorter First Aid courses...

Blended learning, shorter courses, convenient ways to
tick that box.

"The customer likes it"

But...the learner doesn't get enough out of it.

If I were peddling a computer programme or a car part
or a decorating tool to people, I'd be irresponsible if I
didn't sell it truthfully. Often, the person buying the
thing isn't entirely sure of the exact
thing/product/service they require. Often they are, but
it's not always the case.

The HSE has largely removed itself from the regulating
of First Aid training:

"As an employer, you have a number of options
available to you when selecting a first-aid training
provider. HSE does not advocate, promote or support
any particular option. You should select the most
suitable option for your requirements. However, to
comply with your legal duties under the Health and
Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 that choice must be
appropriate and adequate, based on a needs
assessment and appropriate due diligence (reasonable
investigation) being conducted." (Selecting a first-aid
training provider A guide for employers -
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis3.pdf)

Particularly vague and unhelpful...and, I think, leaves
the ball park wide open for interpretation by those
offering training.

I am bothered by the selling of convenience when it
comes to these courses. You're expecting these people
to be able to cope in an emergency - I believe you
should give them the tools. Just as you would if you
were expecting them to climb ladders for a living or
drive tractors. The tractor will go 'round in circles if it
doesn't have enough wheels. Ridiculous analogy, but
the image made me smile 🚜

All I'm getting at is that I won't sell you a cut-corners
course. I work hard to ensure my guys take away a
mindset. Coping strategies. The confidence to
try...rather than a quick, black and white, nothing but
the facts approach which can leave people bewildered
and frightened...or worse, totally untouched - no idea
what they're in for. This doesn't mean I won't work to
make it convenient for you, but I'm not about to skimp
on the time and effort I put in to make sure your people
actually become the First Aiders you're paying for.

Don't tell me a shorter course gives a trainer enough
time to discuss what they're teaching, to answer
questions, to engage with their delegates. Don't tell me
a hastily shoved together e-learn can help a delegate
understand the human side of First Aid.

The customer might "like" the way you're selling it to
them, that doesn't mean it's good enough for them.

26/04/2024

Everywhere I look there's another training company offering shorter First Aid courses...

Blended learning, shorter courses, convenient ways to tick that box...

"The customer likes it"

But...the learner doesn't get enough out of it.

If I were peddling a computer programme or a car part or a decorating tool to people, I'd be irresponsible if I didn't sell it truthfully. Often, the person buying the thing isn't entirely sure of the exact thing/product/service they require. Often they are, but it's not always the case.

The HSE has largely removed itself from the regulating of First Aid training:

"As an employer, you have a number of options available to you when selecting a first-aid training provider. HSE does not advocate, promote or support any particular option. You should select the most suitable option for your requirements. However, to comply with your legal duties under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 that choice must be appropriate and adequate, based on a needs assessment and appropriate due diligence (reasonable investigation) being conducted." (Selecting a first-aid training provider A guide for employers - https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis3.pdf)

Particularly vague and unhelpful...and, I think, leaves the ball park wide open for interpretation by those offering training.

I am bothered by the selling of convenience when it comes to these courses. You're expecting these people to be able to cope in an emergency - I believe you should give them the tools. Just as you would if you were expecting them to climb ladders for a living or drive tractors. The tractor will go 'round in circles if it doesn't have enough wheels. Ridiculous analogy, but the image made me smile 🚜

I won't sell you a cut-corners course. I work hard to ensure my guys take away a mindset. Coping strategies. The confidence to try...rather than a quick, black and white, nothing but the facts approach which can leave people bewildered and frightened...or worse, totally untouched - no idea what they're in for. This doesn't mean I won't work to make it convenient for you, but I'm not about to skimp on the time and effort I put in to make sure your people actually become the First Aiders you're paying for.

Don't tell me a shorter course gives a trainer enough time to discuss what they're teaching, to answer questions, to engage with their delegates. Don't tell me a hastily shoved together e-learn can help a delegate understand the human side of First Aid.

The customer might "like" the way you're selling it to them, that doesn't mean it's good enough for them.

25/04/2024

Apparently I have run entirely mad...but it's for a properly awesome cause!

I shall launch myself out of an aeroplane. Actually, this is probably a lie. I shall be attached to someone who is experienced in launching themselves out of aeroplanes and, without much input from me, we will plummet back the floor. I expect very much they will know what to do with the slowing down equipment before we get there.

Ridiculous and brilliant and in aid of who do invaluable work across Leicestershire and Rutland preventing and overcoming homelessness.

I spent time with the gorgeous Nash Chhatralia from this magnificent charity a few weeks ago and was inspired by his unwavering dedication to the cause.

If you can, chuck a donation at me to help support those in unthinkable circumstances. I can't thank you enough in advance xx

Help Emma Gridley raise money to support The Bridge

25/04/2024

I say this a lot

It's usually when we get the babies out of their suitcase to learn what to do if they're choking.

It's awful. Just awful. The idea of thumping a baby is just horrendous.

Often my delegates are frightened. Often they refuse, at first, even to practice.

They pick the baby mannequins up and tap them on the back, scared to do it too hard.

Now's the time to turn it around. The idea, I mean. And the baby, actually.

"You don't often get the chance to practice hitting a baby", I say, "Go on, HIT IT!"

*tap tap tap*

Alright. Time for the hard truth, I guess.

The opposite of doing this thing properly, the flip side of not hitting that tiny child hard enough...is having no choice but to feel that little life ebb away in your hands.

F*uck. That.

Get on a course. Have someone show you exactly what to do. Exactly how to hit that child hard enough. Where to hit them. How to position them.

Give yourself the gift of the knowledge and skills to save the lives around you instead of having no choice but to watch helplessly.

23/04/2024

I don't mind parping my horn about this word

🎺 📯 TRUMPET TRUMPET TRUMPET 🎷 📣

Full brass section, quite frankly

Took me a bloody long time to accept I was good at this. Feels incredible to see the word AMAZING in actually typed feedback by actual real people on such a regular basis.

I have a formula. It's simple.

💡 Be truthful:

I am hard on my delegates sometimes - but I manage their expectations immediately. I tell them, in exactly these words, "I'm not giving you a certificate you haven't earned. I'm going to push you to be able to show me what I want to see". No surprises, no sudden change in mood, this is what you're getting, let's jump in together.

I'm truthful about the subject matter, too. The stuff we're dealing with can be pretty mind-blowingly serious. No sense handing them a false sense of, "This'll be easy".

💡 Follow through:

Give them what they expect. I've told them I'm going to push them, so I push them. No beating around the bush.

I've told them the stuff we're discussing can get tough - this is where the realism comes in. Well placed stories (not too many but don't leave them out) to make it tangible, real-life examples.

💡 Get super excited:

All that hard work must be rewarded - It's all very well being a battleaxe about it to get the results but if I don't boost them with a well-timed, "YEEEEEES! THAT'S IT!! AAARGH!", how can I expect them to work hard on the next chunk of the day? Man, I jump up and down when they get it. It's just as important as the initial push.

I remember every one of these delegates, and I was harder on them than the rest of the room. They were incredibly brave. I remember the courses, I remember the dynamic in every different place. Every single one of these people was the one struggling to keep up or the one who couldn't quite wrap their body around the skills or the one who wasn't sure enough of themselves to try. I pushed them hard and I showed them just how strong they were.

Sometimes being soft and sweet isn't the way to help. Sometimes it is. It all depends on the way you frame it and having the courage to see it through.

I'd like to see an e-learn do that.

12/04/2024

I've had a few people say this to me recently - we don't need it, why would we buy something we aren't expected to have?

Maybe HSE doesn't expect you to tick that box. Maybe you don't quite hit the parameters to be required by law to provide such things. Maybe you only have a few staff. Maybe they work remotely. Maybe they all work from home. Maybe it's not a priority.

You do give them some lovely perks, though, don't you?

Paid leave, pension contributions, salary sacrifice bike to work schemes, the odd team building day? Maybe biscuits in the office once in a while?

How about we turn it on it's head?

What if you didn't buy First Aid training?

What if you have that new parent on the team the knowledge which could prove the difference between watching their child die from choking and saving that little life and coming back to work the next day with a tearful story.
What if you gave your guys the knowledge to recognise early when their loved ones are erring on the side of far more poorly than we thought - very often the warning signs are terrifyingly insidious and, honestly, missing them by moments can be the difference between successful intervention and...not.

What if you saw this as a gift instead of an avoidable intrusion?

I started a course recently with a group of particularly burly construction workers. One of them was outwardly annoyed at being there. Slouching, sullen, even verbalising his irritation wehn I tried to engage with him.
One of his colleagues did both him and I an enormous favour. He clipped him 'round the back of the head like a schoolboy in the 70s and properly rounded on him:

"You sit the f*ck up and pay her some respect. This is the only course they're going to send you on that you get to take home to your family. To your f*cking kids"

It was up to me, then, to keep this guy engaged and live up to what his supervisor had promised him. Between us, we didn't disappoint and I was apologised to quite sincerely by the end of the day.

That man summed up my job perfectly that day and I can't thank him enough.

11/04/2024

My word I've been on some boring training days.

There is nothing worse than realising you've been dozing off for the ast hour. Or you're clock watching, the day is dragging, you're uncomfortable because you've got time to think about how rubbish the chairs are.

Some of the most precious feedback I receive is when delegates mention that I've kept their attention all day. It's life affirming.

I had a particularly disinterested group a few weeks ago. They didn't want to be there, were visibly annoyed when I told them the course timings...and all of a sudden I heard myself say, after a packed day gaining their trust and getting them excited, "See? I told you it'd go quickly, didn't I?". They were genuinely shocked it was 4 o'clock and I was sending them home.

I'd like to see an e-learn do that.

10/04/2024

Just because you've never seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, right?

Everywhere I go, at least one person has a First Aid story. Just last week, two men standing within 5 feet of each other told me about the time they'd had to perform CPR. One in a restaurant, one mountain biking. Same room, same highly unlikely situation. Or is it?

I've had three fainters during the blood-related topics on my courses in the last 4 months. Usually just after we've discussed fainting, as it goes. Fascinating. Doesn't half help the delegates put things in perspective: these things DO happen, it IS real, you won't always have a First Aid trainer in the room to bark orders at you and get your brain in gear.

We tend to have a discussion afterwards about what the delegates would have done if I hadn't been there to take charge (let's be fair, it's really not the time for me to be treating the situation as a case study, now is it. We'll talk about it afterwards, once my guy is feeling better). They're often pretty shaken. It can go both ways - sometimes people are terrified by it all and I have to work super hard to build their confidence back up - sometimes they're glad to have seen the reality and have a better understanding of how their own body might react when they're frightened.

You see, the way I reckon it, I'd rather have at least a vague idea of the priorities if someone's body is being a dick to them or they've fallen off something or...whatever. I'd rather a bit of knowledge to fall back on than absolutely none. Wouldn't you?

09/04/2024

Clarity is key

In every workplace, every role, every interaction, every relationship...a lack of clarity can be mind-blowingly disruptive.

I can't stand not knowing what someone's on about. I want my interactions with people to be easily understood so I can get on with processing what's going on.

No jargon, no faff, no beating around the bush.

I am immeasurably proud when my delegates feed back that I have given them clear explanations and left them feeling comfortable with the knowledge they've taken in. Sometimes it really doesn't need to be complicated to be important.

I'm hyper-aware that a huge percentage of my learners are totally new to the stuff I'm throwing at them, they're unlikely to revisit any of it for quite a while, and we don't have much time together. The way I present the important stuff to them is absolutely critical if they're going to retain it and be able to recall it if they ever need it.

Every learner is unique, every person needs what I'm explaining handed to them in a way they can digest it. Otherwise there's no point. I take this responsibility incredibly seriously. I'd like to see an e-learn do that...

08/04/2024

I was given an extraordinary boost a week or so ago.

It's taken a few days to fully process, but I think I'm there.

I had an incredibly enlightening 1-2-1 with the magnificent Campbell McLean of Sales Geek last week and we put the world to rights, picked a few things apart, clarified some goals etc., which was cathartic in itself, but then Campbell said something I was NOT expecting. At all.

Isn't it fascinating how a split-second can totally transform the outlook? Totally change the game?

We were discussing the passion we have for our businesses, the way we look after people and mould our approach to suit. The way we care about the people we work with. Campbell said to me, out of the blue, (and I'm paraphrasing because I was too blown away to write it down), "I don't think you deliver training. I think you work to change the culture of the organisation".

I've never thought of it like that, but the man's got a hell of a point. What I do is important; it needs to be treated with respect. It needs to stop being thrown around like it isn't life or death. I can't keep ticking boxes for people, it isn't good enough.

Stay tuned this week for more ways the universe has helped me decide NOT to let my business fade away. NOT to give up, NOT to stop being so passionate. I have needed some clarity and it's all starting to make sense.