First Aid At Hand

22/01/2026

BIDEFORD

Our Monday course is fully booked, so we've added another one!

Accredited course at the welcoming venue Holistic Therapies Training Academy just offf Clovelly Road.

Other dates available in Barnstaple and Bude, or onsite group training dates next available Weds 25 February or March.

📞 07550 099426 or email firstaidathand@aol.com

19/01/2026

💙 Today is Blue Monday 💙
If you’re feeling low, you’re not alone.
Be kind to yourself, reach out to others, and remember help is always available.

📞 Samaritans: 116 123

15/01/2026

Looking to do something rewarding?

We’re currently looking for Coastguard Rescue Officers to join our team.

HM Coastguard is the UK’s 999 maritime and coastal emergency service. Our Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers who carry out rescues and help those in distress around our coast.

As a volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer, you could be involved in a range of situations, from mud, cliff and water rescues to searches for missing people. As a volunteer you will not be paid. You can claim a small amount for your time and expenses.

Volunteering with us is a rewarding role that supports and gives back to your local community. You can make a real difference and help to save lives.

For more information about the Coastguard Rescue Service or to apply to become a volunteer, please see the link in the comments.

Bideford Coastguard Rescue Team is located within Area 12.

06/01/2026

The is forecast to continue over the next couple of days.

and remember to:

✅ Use 111 online if you have an urgent medical problem

✅ Check in on those most vulnerable to the effects of colder weather

🚨 Only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

03/01/2026

Start off your New Year by learning lifesaving first aid!

🚨OUTDOOR FIRST AID 🏕🏖🌄

The most fabulous and welcoming venue for our next open Outdoor First Aid course in February The Growforward Project Chelfham near Barnstaple.

Suitable for Forest School Leaders, Duke of Edinburgh, Outdoor Instructors and anyone enjoying the great outdoors.

Option to add the Emergency First Aid at Work and Emergency Paediatric First Aid qualifications on the same 2 days.

📞 07550 099426 or 📧 firstaidathand@aol.com

Course Overview
Learners who complete the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid
(RQF) are equipped with a broad set of skills enabling them to administer
first aid in challenging outdoor surroundings which may be a few
hours away from the support of the emergency services.
The course is designed for unsupported adults who run potentially high-risk
activities which involve venturing out into the wilderness such as Outdoor
Activity Leaders, including those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh
scheme.
During the 2 day course, learners will develop the skills and knowledge
needed to deal with a range of outdoor first aid situations.
What’s Covered?
Roles and responsibilities of a first aider in an outdoor environment
Administering first aid and managing multiple casualties outdoors
Stabilising and insulating casualties and providing shelter
Extremes of temperature
Fractures, head and spinal injuries
Drowning casualties
Different types of burns and scalds
Secondary survey, medical conditions
Poisoning and venomous bites
Catastrophic bleeding
Summoning appropriate help from emergency or rescue services

Ofqual regulated 2 day course
Course aligned with the institute for outdoor learning.
Call 07550 099426 or email firstaidathand@aol.com

23/12/2025

17/12/2025

The festive period can be an especially tough time of year for many of us. Check in with loved ones, but also remember to take care of yourself.

If you or someone you know needs support, there's always help out there.
💚 Kooth UK provide free anonymous online support for 11-18 year olds.
💚 TALKWORKS - NHS offer free talking therapy for adults 18+
💚 Samaritans provide 24/7 support

For more information on the support available in Devon visit 👇
https://www.devon.gov.uk/care-and-health/mental-health/

09/12/2025

No one wants to be unwell over Christmas, but it’s important to know where to access help if you need it. By being prepared now, you can relax over the festive season.

Many GP practices will offer appointments on Christmas Eve, and some pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day treatment for minor illnesses.

If urgent medical advice is needed, you can call NHS 111 at any time. The service is available 24/7 and will direct you to the most appropriate care.

08/12/2025

✅ Even the Grinch can learn CPR – so what’s stopping you?
This holiday season, our favourite green cynic has discovered something even he can’t steal: the power of early, high-quality chest compressions.

💙 At the European Resuscitation Council, we believe that everyone – from healthcare professionals to holiday sceptics – can make a life-saving difference.
❤️ Join us, upgrade your CPR knowledge, and help strengthen a community ready to act when it matters most.

🫶 Because saving a life isn’t about being festive ... It’s about being prepared.
🩺 Learn CPR. Share CPR. Save lives.


Courtesy: AI-generated image inspired by holiday themes.

05/12/2025

Tis the season of festivities… and colder temperatures! It is important you are prepared for any winter emergency. So we’ve pulled together a list of essential first aid and emergency supplies that we recommend keeping in your vehicles throughout the winter.

1. Dressings, bandages & plasters: For covering wounds, controlling bleeding, and preventing infection.
2. Cleaning wipes & hand sanitiser: To clean wounds and reduce the risk of infection.
3. Powder-free gloves: To protect both you and the casualty from cross-contamination.
4. Foil blanket: Helps keep someone warm and reduce the risk of shock or hypothermia.
5. ‘Tuff-Kut’ scissors/trauma shears: Safe, durable scissors for cutting clothing, bandages or seatbelts.
6. CPR face shield: A barrier device to keep both rescuer and patient safe during rescue breaths.
7. Up-to-date first aid info: Keep a current first aid guide in your kit, or visit our first aid advice (link at end). Most importantly, make sure your training is up to date.
8. Hand and foot warmers: Heat packs that keep your extremities warm in freezing conditions.
9. Thermal socks and gloves: Insulated layers that help maintain circulation and protect against frostbite.
10. Lip balm and moisturiser: To protect skin from dryness and cracking in cold, dry weather.

Alongside these necessities, be sure to have extra of any personal medication, snacks and bottled water. You should also always have a warning triangle in your car with high-vis clothing.

Stay safe and warm!

sja.org.uk