“This is probably one of the very few training courses where it is hoped that you never have to use what you have learned” says Louise Worsley of Worsley Training. Louise runs First-aid courses for children and adults, and her aim is that everyone should at least have the confidence to help in an emergency, with the potential of saving someone’s life.
During last half term I sat in on one of Louise’s training sessions for 12-16 year olds, whilst my 13 year old son attended. As well as having over 15 years’ experience as a hands-on first aider, Louise also has ten years’ experience as a teacher in the classroom. This was evident when faced with a roomful of teenagers, nearly all with phone in hand.
Mobile phones swiftly put away, Louise set about teaching the mixed group of boys and girls the basics of first aid. During the two hour session she covered the mnemonic DR ABC, which covers what to do when you come across an emergency situation – the most important of which involves calling for help and summoning the emergency services; how to deal with choking in children and adults; CPR; the recovery position; and dealing with wounds with serious bleeding.
The course was interactive with the children able to practice on each other and specialist first aid dummies, christened Annie and George. For choking, there was a special vest which allowed them to practice abdominal thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich Manoeuvre). They also got to see a defibrillator and how it works.
“I learnt a lot, it was good to be able to practice with the choke vest and the CPR dummies. I do feel more confident about being able to help if ever it’s needed” said my teenager afterwards.
What more could you ask?
Louise’s next Marlborough courses for children aged 5-9, and 10-14 are on 15 April. Check worsleytraining.co.uk for details