Active First Aid

20/02/2026

CANINE FIRST AID COURSE

All set up and ready for this Sundays canine first aid course and there is a last-minute spot still available.

One space has come up on this Sunday’s Canine First Aid Course — don’t miss your chance to learn lifesaving skills every dog owner should have! Get in touch if you are interested.

https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid

19/02/2026

ONE DAY FIRST AID COURSES
I have a few dates for the HSE one day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course coming up at the end of March.
Currently there is still space on Wednesday 25th March and Thursday 26th March.
Please visit the web site for details.
www.activefirstaid.co.uk/emergency-first-aid-at-work

16/02/2026

CANINE FIRST AID COURSE
I’ve just had a last minute place become available for this Sundays canine first aid course. If you are interested please get in touch or visit the website for details.

https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid

16/02/2026

TOURNIQUETS

I’ve recently been undertaking some CPD on the use of tourniquets and came across some conflicting advice between American and UK guidance. It highlighted how important it is to follow the correct national recommendations, so I thought I’d share a brief and useful overview of the current UK guidelines.

Location: Apply directly to the skin, 5–8 cm (or 2-3 inches) above the wound, between the injury and the heart. Do not place directly over a joint (elbow or knee).

Application: Tighten the strap, then twist the windlass (rod) until bleeding stops completely (there may be a little seepage). Secure the windlass in the clip.

Pain: The procedure will be extremely painful; reassure the casualty, but do not stop.

Documentation: Note the exact time of application on the device or the casualty's forehead or cheek.

Management: Never remove or loosen a tourniquet once applied; this is for medical professionals only. Once it’s on, it’s on!

Second Tourniquet: If the first tourniquet does not stop the bleeding, apply a second one just above the first.

When to Use:
Catastrophic Bleeds: For amputations, mangled limbs, or arterial bleeding that cannot be stopped by direct, focused pressure. Can be used for stabbings, severe workplace accidents, and road traffic collisions.

12/02/2026

09/02/2026

POISONS: BUTTON BATTERIES

A button battery (or coin cell) is a small, flat, round battery used in small electronics like watches, remotes, and hearing aids. They are extremely dangerous if swallowed, especially by children (or dogs) as they create a severe chemical burn in the esophagus or other body parts, potentially causing fatal internal damage within hours.

Some newer button battery designs include safety features such as a bitter coating to make the battery taste unpleasant - discouraging children (or pets) from putting it in their mouths - other manufacturers have added a blue dye (or purple that turns blue) or “color alert” indicator that activates when the battery contacts moisture, such as saliva and make it very obvious if a child has put a battery in their mouth by staining the mouth.

First aid treatment is to go straight to HOSPITAL. If the child is aged one or over give 1-2 teaspoons (10 ml) of HONEY every 10 minutes (maximum of 6 doses) whilst on the way to the hospital. If you have the battery packaging take that to the hospital to help the doctors identify which battery has been swallowed.

08/02/2026

FEBRUARY OUTDOOR COURSE

Huge shout out to everyone who attended the outdoor course this weekend. It was incredibly wet and this image kind of sums up both days. Well done.

06/02/2026

EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK COURSES

I have three dates for this one day course at the end of March. Visit the website for details or simply get in touch katherinewills@btinternet.com

04/02/2026

WHAT IS A STROKE

A stroke happens when blood can’t get to part of the brain.
This is usually because a blood vessel is blocked or bursts.
When brain cells don’t get oxygen, they start to die within minutes, which can affect how a person moves, speaks, sees, or thinks.

Why does B.E.F.A.S.T. work?

B.E.F.A.S.T. works because it checks the most common and earliest signs of a stroke — the things the brain controls first when blood flow is interrupted:

• B – Balance: the brain helps keep you steady
• E – Eyes: vision is controlled by the brain
• F – Face: facial muscles are run by the brain
• A – Arms: weakness shows loss of brain signals
• S – Speech: speech centres are very sensitive to damage
• T – Time: the faster treatment starts, the more brain can be saved

In short: B.E.F.A.S.T. spots brain problems quickly, using simple signs anyone can recognise — and speed saves lives.

Get yourself on a course and learn what to do www.activefirstaid.co.uk

04/02/2026

ONE DAY FIRST AID COURSES

Suitable for the workplace, home, and voluntary roles.

Where: Boulder Adventures, Llanberis
When: March 24th, 25th, and 26th
Duration: 6 hours (9:00am – 4:30pm)
Cost: £115
Certification: Yes — valid for 3 years

If you’re interested, please get in touch or visit www.activefirstaid.co.uk for more information.

03/02/2026

SPARKEY BOY

Six years ago today, I ran a canine first aid course with Sparkey, my beloved canine instructor dog. I didn’t realize at the time that it would be his final course—he passed away that March. I still miss that big, stinky fella more than words can say.

15/01/2026

ONE DAY COURSES END OF MARCH

First aid training gives you the confidence to stay calm and help when it matters most. Knowing what to do in an emergency means you’re never helpless when someone needs you.

First aid training replaces panic with confidence and uncertainty with action.

Learning first aid means you can step forward calmly when others need support.

Get yourself trained https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/basic-first-aid