FEATURE Decisive First Aid
Be ready to take decisive action when needed
A background as a paramedic with over 20 years frontline experience puts established trainer, Andrew Barras in the perfect position to deliver first aid training for clients. Whether it is for those working in offi ces, or potentially hazardous environments, or those who use cutting tools, there is an appropriate regulated First Aid course that Decisive First Aid can deliver. Andrew, who runs Decisive First Aid in Hitchin,
set up the company to deliver a range of fi rst aid courses to businesses. T e majority of the fi rm’s courses cover the First Aid at Work requirements, ensuring companies have sufficient trained fi rst aiders on site at any one time to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the workforce. In addition, Decisive First Aid specialises in
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courses for those who work in manufacturing and engineering, or in hazardous environments such as railways, construction, glazing and arboreal work. Here an accident at work could result in a far more serious situation. “Having completed a one-day fi rst aid training course is one thing,”
said Andrew, “but when you’re in a situation where someone is using an angle grinder or a chain saw, that’s a very diff erent proposition, should there be an accident.” “As a paramedic I became familiar with this type of scenario, and
use my expertise and experience to provide specialist training for those who might be faced with quite devastating injuries. And often, someone working trackside on the railways, or on farmland or in woodland for example, will also be in a remote location, so knowing how to deal with a serious accident is vital. “I’ve also dealt with a lot of situations where people are wearing
PPE as part of their work and that’s something not all courses or fi rst aid providers can cover. If you’re assessing someone who is wearing a helmet, what do you need to do diff erently? In the worst-case scenario, if you’re having to give CPR to someone in protective clothing that’s very diff erent to giving it to someone who is just in a thin tracksuit top. “On the advanced courses, candidates get to practice with advanced
trauma dressings and tourniquets, so actions and treatments have been rehearsed should an accident occur.” All courses are tailored to individual needs, and Andrew and his
team have devised a blend of instruction, practical exercises and some creative demonstrations using home-made models to keep everyone interested, engaged and open to learning. Understanding and practice go hand-in-hand on their courses. T ere’s also been an increased focus over the past few months on delivering fi rst aid in a time of COVID-19 and social distancing.
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