Frustrating day at the 1st Aid course (long story)

[Bob]

On Saturday, I went along to the 'First Aid for Motorcyclists' course.

When I got there, the place was locked and they had to get someone to come over from HQ with the keys.

So we decided to make the most of the time and start off with introductions and why we'd decided to do the course. Lots of good reasons, like the chap who is a senior member of an advanced training scheme - if the course was good,then they'd be sending their observers along. Or the couple who had been riding in the outback, one of them came off and needed the flying doctor (so a little first aid could have been a life saver).

Then the chap from a dealer opened his mouth "I am XXX from YYY [mind deleted all of this from my memory). We sell quality bikes and repairs (snore, snore....). We know how to fix the bikes, but want to be able to tell them how to fix themselves" Er, what?

Anyway, after this we have a chat about what we want from the course. So there are comments about wanting to know how to manage an accident scene, first aid for an accident victim (in which we covered removing a helmet and how this needs a special technique and it isn't always a good idea removing the helmet as there could be other injuries). All good stuff.

Then the chap from a dealer opened his mouth "I want to know about SELF first aid. What you do if you fall of a bike". Someone suggested buy a mobile phone and call an ambulance.

We decided to get on with it - so we were asked what is the first thing you do if you are riding and an accident happens - basically, another biker comes off.

The chap from the dealer opens his mouth before we could speak "You check to see his airways are clear and he can breathe and then remove his helmet" - this is moments after we'd been discussing why you shouldn't necessarily take it off.

After this, we were apologised to, as the key to the building could not be located. We were then asked if we wanted to carry on (it was a nice day), but as we wouldn't be able to do the resuss section, we would not be able to get the certificate for completing the course. So we said there was no point carrying on that day.

Then we were asked if we wanted a refund or to re-arrange the date. A

The chap from the dealer opened his mouth "This should not have happened. I want to know how it was allowed to happen".

I'd had enough.

Looked him in the eye, cut him off and said "No, it shouldn't have happened. But it did. So we have a situation and need to decide how best to deal with it".

Chap from dealer shut up.

So a wasted morning - which could have gotten more achieved if the man from the dealer hadn't been more interested in advertising and had bothered to find out what the course was about (both before and at the venue) before opening his mouth repeatedly.

Sorry to go on so long, but it was a very frustrating morning...

[Slim]

So has another day been sorted out for you to do the course? And will you be doing it, despite the obnoxious one possibly attending again too? ;)

[Bob]

So has another day been sorted out for you to do the course? And will you be doing it, despite the obnoxious one possibly attending again too? ;)

Not heard anything yet - but then it was only Saturday that it all went wrong.

I'll be there, obnoxious one or no obnoxious one (though the latter option would be good).

I do attract the 'anoraks' as well though - as I said above, one of the people there was from an advanced training organisation. So he was really into the idea of getting interviewed. I've only got 1,000 words to work with (sounds a lot, but I used 550 explaining what happened Saturday!), so I'd probably be able to use maybe 100 words tops? He seemed to think I could get as much space as I want - I'm only the humble scribbler! Mr Ed said 1,000 words - so that is my lot!

Like the time I had to do a photo shoot at a sidecar rally. Also had to get some contact details for interviews (not being done by me). So obviously, the person I am talking to when it starts raining and we retire to his tent to shelter? The head of the national association of course. Get his details, then he comes out with "So do you know much about the association?"

Despite it piddling down, in best newspaper tradition 'I made my excuses and left'! It was SO good to be able to say "I'm sorry, but I am only the photographer - someone else will be in touch about interviews and I'll be sure to pass on your details" as I got out of the door and ran to the warmth of the bar...

[Slim]

Did you have to tell them you were a reporter? Wouldn't it have saved the whole obnoxious salesman act if you'd done the course first before doing the reporter stuff?

[Artifice]

safety first, your own that is.
turn off the ignition and fuel tap if its showing. you dont want to deal with a fire and a patient. if theyre concious just keep talking to them is always good. 1 blanket under is worth 5 on top. ah yes the favourite position to put them in is the "as found" one.
our first aid teacher said if we were to put a tourniquet on anybody she'd put one on us and see how we liked it. if you do put one one it has to be released every 10 minutes to let blood flow. even so once you put on on there is a 70% chance they will have to cut the limb off.
if you call for an ambulance the information you give is the responce you get.

[Bob]

Did you have to tell them you were a reporter? Wouldn't it have saved the whole obnoxious salesman act if you'd done the course first before doing the reporter stuff?

Sadly, yes. I'd have needed/will need to take photos to accompany the article - so you have to get people's permission.

These things always seem to kick off with "Who are you and why are you here", so it was obviously too much of a temptation for Matey to try to promote his shop. Though the way he carried on, I think he has put anyone on the course OFF ever using him!

[bluninja]

safety first, your own that is.


Make a swift approach to the casualty ensuring no further danger to the casualty or yourself.
Say 'Hello mate, I'm a first aider. Don't Move!' 'What happened?'
If at this point the casualty mumbles something , you not only have an indication of their level of consciousness, but you know they are breathing and have a clear airway. If conscious it also gets you started on a history, and allows you to get the casualties symptoms.

I they don't respond, a gentle shake of the shoulder and the command 'Open your eyes!' The shake is important...if they are deaf they won't respond to your voice. The command may get a response where an open question won't.

If no resposne it's ABC. (airway, breathing, circulation)

For NZ it may be different, but in the UK the standard response (if you want to get your certificate) is to immediately call for an ambulance if they aren't breathing...no mouth to mouth, no CPR just call for an ambulance. This is down to stats...apparently most people that aren't breathing stay that way unless they receive prompt medical attention (drugs and defib) and the sooner the better. In our one size fits all nation that means you give the same answer whether the situation is in a city...or out in the countryside 45 mins from the nearest possible ambulance....but then with a mobile I guess you could phone hands free whilst you're starting.

BTW just to lengthen this some more....removal of helmet...DON'T. The only time to take it off would be to give mouth to mouth (full face helmet).

Apart from risking breaking the riders neck, or letting their brains spill out....the helmet gives an indication to the impact site and force....if you take it off it's likely to get bumped, scraped or lost.

I'd recommend anyone to get first aid qualified....then even if you are lying in the road unable to move you can tell a non first aider how to help you.

Disclaimer: I am not qualified to give any first aid advice or training....just been qualified and keeping an interest in it for the last 30 years.