Interview with a first aid trainer
We recently asked Dave some revealing (first aid related!) questions and loved the answers that he gave us here:
What’s your favourite first aid fact?
Michael Jackson “Smooth Criminal” chorus of “Annie, are you OK? So, Annie, are you OK? Are you OK, Annie?”
Annie Are You OK, is a phrase used in CPR training courses. Rescue Anne (Resusci Anne), otherwise known as “Annie” in English-speaking countries, is the name of a mannequin commonly used in CPR training. As part of the training, trainees are taught to say “Annie, are you OK?” to the dummy in order to check that the patient is conscious and responsive.
It was rumoured that Michael Jackson took a CPR course around the time he wrote the song and decided to use the phrase in his song.
If you were stranded on a desert island with a small first aid kit what top five products would you have in it?
Tough Cut Scissors, Massive roll of Easi-plaster, Calico Triangular Bandages, Foil Blankets, Extra Large dressings
What do you enjoy about teaching/assessing first aid?
Finding out from returning students how they have used their first aid skills. Several have saved the lives of family members by recognising signs and symptoms. Recently a man described how he had prevented his 2 month old baby from choking due to skills taught on a Bostock course.
I get to hear how other first aiders have dealt with incidents and I can pass on best practice - recently a student explained how his 2 year old burnt their fingers on a saucepan. The child wouldn't keep his hand submerged to cool the burn so Dad put some toys into the bowl and encouraged the child to play with the toys under water - 20 minutes cooling achieved through distraction - I now pass this story on to other students.
Do you know how to make a ring pad?!
Yes - I am that old.
When did you first learn first aid?
In the cubs - first aid badge 1969. That's why I can make a ring pad or as its correctly known, a donut.
