16-Hour Outdoor First Aid Course for Duke of Edinburgh Staff
Duke of Edinburgh staff from Trinity Academy in Halifax attended a 2-day outdoor first aid course delivered by Allan Shaw. This course provided essential skills for those working in challenging outdoor environments.
Day 1: General First Aid and Practical CPR Training
Day 1 began 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 course then focused on choking and CPR. The team practised CPR on seven different dummies, representing a range of ages, sizes, and body types, from infants to bariatric adults. Each participant used a manikin for hands-on practice with chest compressions and rescue breathing.
After this, a demonstration of three defibrillator types was conducted, and participants had the opportunity to practise with an additional four models.
Afternoon Session: Casualty Evaluation and Spinal Injury Care
In the afternoon, the group practised casualty evaluation, proper positioning of the airway, and spinal injury management. They also trained in handling bleeding, using simulated wounds on heads, arms, and legs. Practical exercises included the use of tourniquets and haemostats.
The day concluded with splinting techniques 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 Practical Scenarios
Day 2 started at 9 am with further splinting practice, specifically for broken femurs. The group reviewed a quiz on outdoor first aid as part of a homework reflection.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in realistic scenarios to apply their training. These exercises included situations like a car crash, amputations, open chest wounds, falls from height, epilepsy, hypothermia, and hypoglycaemia.
Feedback from Participants
Participants praised Allan’s welcoming approach and the realistic equipment used during training. Comments included:
“Best first aid course I have ever done”
“Loved not having powerpoint wasn’t boring”
“Lots of practical to get stuck into”
“Allan made it interesting and real”
Why Choose Allan’s Courses?
The course is designed for outdoor instructors, DofE Leaders and those that work or play in the outdoors
Allan who delivers the course has been a Duke of Edinburgh instructor since 1997 and has had the pleasure of being invited to Buckingham Palace for his work on the scheme.
