Are you aware of the changes to First Aid Training?
Since 2015 it has been an optional teaching point for the introduction of control of catastrophic bleeding within Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work training based upon risk within the workplace, e.g. the potential for injuries leading to catastrophic bleeding. However, this has now been reviewed due to tragic events that have occurred in both the UK and across the world in recent years.
The Manchester Arena Attack occurred on the 22nd May 2017 where 22 adults and children lost their lives in a terrorist bombing at an Ariana Grande concert. Martyn Hett, a 29-year-old PR manager from Stockport was one of those killed and his mother, Figan Murray OBE, campaigned tirelessly to improve care at events such as the above. An independent enquiry took place failings were highlighted which included lack of Emergency preparedness, casualty care delays and first aid and trauma response. One of the starkest lessons learned was how unprepared staff were to handle the physical aftermath.
Following a considered consultation process, representatives from the First Aid training sector (including Awarding Organisations) the First Aid Quality Partnership (FAQP) have now issued an agreed position statement on the teaching of the use of improvised tourniquets and purpose made tourniquets during first aid training.
As recommended Tillycroy Services is teaching the improvisation of tourniquet application and improvised wound packing on all our First Aid at Work courses.