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Articles of Interest
A Little Knowledge Isn’t Dangerous
Living and working in the countryside is something that we take for granted, however, the remoteness which appeals to so many of us does have its draw backs in times of emergency. Have you ever stopped to think what would happen if you were injured whilst carrying out many of the tasks or pastimes which in rural areas are every day occurrences?, maybe operating machinery in a distant field, working in outbuilding or even just out walking the dogs in those out of the way places. We’ve all read about people with severe injuries getting themselves to a phone to summon help and after suitable treatment making a full recovery. It is just these occasions when a little knowledge of first aid can make a difference.The old saying” a little knowledge is dangerous” still stands the test of time, but there are exceptions to every rule and a little first aid knowledge is one exception. The most basic knowledge of first aid could one day save a life, be it yours or a member of your family!
First aid is a subject, which to most people commands the same level of interest as your cars spare tyre, in that you don’t give it a second thought until you need it and then wish you gave it more thought.
The object of first aid is to preserve life and prevent a condition worsening until qualified medical attention is available. You do not need to be a paramedic or doctor to give someone lifesaving first aid.
The humble first aid kit, which at one time was state of the art, now contains discard wrappers from plaster, the safety pins have all gone to effect repairs (Baling twine not being suitable or available!) and maybe a bandage! In all probability, the work place is the one place you would find a first aid kit that contains anything that is of possible use
The Health and Safety Executive regulate first aid provisions in the work place, the absolute minimum would be a first aid kit and a person appointed to deal with an emergency. The HSE will advise you over the phone, a range of very useful HSE information leaflets are available at no charge or visit their web site: www.hse.gov.uk
First aid training courses are available to the public in most areas .HSE approved organisations can be found in the Yellow Pages under “First Aid Training”. Courses available range from the most basic, normally referred to as “Basic Lifesaving”, lasting about two hours and costing about £20 would teach you resuscitation techniques (CPR) and how to deal with an unconscious casualty. The most advance course being the “First Aid at Work” (FAW), this course last normally 4 days, the content is specified by the HSE and covers most aspect of first aid and is generally accepted as the most advanced first aid course available to the layman. Courses cater for the absolute beginner and prior knowledge is not required.