Be Prepared - Scout leaders first aid course at Sherrats Wood

16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Course at Sherrats Wood Campsite

Scout Leaders and permit holders from the Stafford County Team successfully completed an outdoor first aid course at Sherrats Wood Campsite in Staffordshire. This course provided essential first aid skills tailored for outdoor environments.

Day 1: Quiz, CPR Practice, and Working with Young People

Day 1 started with a quiz covering general first aid medical conditions. The group discussed suitable medications, including adrenaline and antihistamines for anaphylaxis, GTN spray and aspirin for heart attacks, inhalers for asthma, buccal midazolam for epilepsy, and glucose or glucagon for hypoglycaemia.

The group then practised choking relief and CPR on 12 different dummies of varying sizes and shapes, including babies, children, and bariatric models. Each participant had their own manikin for hands-on practice with chest compressions and rescue breathing. Specific time was dedicated to considerations when working with young people.

Participants also learned about three types of defibrillators, followed by practical exercises with an additional four models.

Afternoon Session: Casualty Evaluation and Injury Care

After lunch, the group practised casualty evaluation, safe airway positioning, and spinal injury care. They also trained in managing bleeding, using simulated wounds on heads, arms, and legs, practising the use of tourniquets and haemostats.

The day ended with splinting exercises using SAM splints for twisted ankles, broken wrists, and arms. Candidates also practised with SAM and T-POD pelvic binders.

Day 2: Advanced Splinting and Realistic Scenarios

Day 2 began at 9 am with further splinting practice, specifically for broken femurs. The group also reflected on a quiz around outdoor first aid as part of a homework task.

In the afternoon, the team engaged in practical scenarios to apply their training. These included situations such as a car crash, amputations, open chest wounds, falls from height, epilepsy, hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, and drowning.