Pediatric Choking and Ingestion Guide
Hypertension – what is it?
What is hypertension? Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high Blood pressure is written as two numbers e.g. 120/80. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or...
Why is keeping up to date so important?
As a professional trainer, I continually read books and articles and attend workshops, continuing to learn more and more about each subject that I deliver. I recently refreshed my own Mental Health First Aid qualification. Why did I do this? Evolving Research: The...
I only have a couple of employees. I don’t need to worry about First Aid right?
WRONG!!!!! Every week I hear something along the lines of "But we don't need to worry about first aid as there are only 3 of us. You only need to worry when you get to 5 employees" Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations you need to provide...
Can I stock plasters in my workplace first aid kit?
A couple months ago an attendee on a first aid course told me that HSENI said that they couldn't keep plasters in their first aid kit - I was highly dubious. Last week another attendee told me that on their last first aid training the trainer told them they couldn't...
Cough CPR – Truth or Myth?
The "Cough CPR" post is doing the rounds on social media again but is it true or is it a myth? Well, the answer is that it is a myth and it is potentially very dangerous. The post goes something like this... "It's 7.25pm and you are driving home alone. You're tired...
Mini eggs and choking
Easter is fast approaching and it's worth reminding everyone that one of my favourites, mini eggs, should not be given to children under the age of 4 however care should be taken whatever the age of the child. Mini eggs are similar in size and shape to grapes and are...
Why should a business do Mental Health First Aid training?
Mental health first aid training is a great way for businesses to help their employees cope with and manage mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. By providing mental health first aid training, businesses can help create a culture of...
What do I do if I have been stung by a Jellyfish?
MOST stings from sea creatures in the UK are not serious and can be treated with first aid. Some jellyfish don't sting at all. Sometimes, however, you may need to go to hospital. If you do get stung and there is a life guard on the beach, they just be your first port...
What is cold water shock?
With the absolutely amazing weather that we are currently having and are set to have until next week, can I remind everyone of the dangers of cold water shock. Just because it is hot on land does not necessarily mean it is a great idea to jump into the river, lake or...
World Diabetes Day
Did you know that today, Saturday 14th November 2020, is World Diabetes Day? Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are 2 main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes – where the body's immune system attacks and...
Eating out – Edo Belfast
Oh my goodness!! What can I say! This place is amazing - I loved every minute. Edo is Latin for 'I eat' and that is exactly what I did! Situated on Upper Queen Street in Belfast (https://www.edorestaurant.co.uk/) it isn't anything spectacular from the outside but wait...
World Sepsis Day
World Sepsis Day is held annually on the 13th September. It's a day to remind people of the signs and symptoms of Sepsis. Sepsis is the immune systems overreaction to an infection or injury. Normally our immune system fights infection - but sometimes for reasons...