I learnt about first aid from this...

[edward]

I had the somewhat unpleasant experience of giving my grandfather CPR for 10 minutes on my own until the ambulance turned up after he collapsed in front of me, whilst at the same time trying to calm my mum down. By the time mum and I got to the hospital (I didn't try to keep up with the ambulance) he was already dead.

That was 5 years ago, and I still feel a bit weird about it now, but at the time the ambulance man said that 'at least he was pink' when they turned up. I know I did everything I could, but it still shook me up terribly. I was so glad that I'd volunteeded for a first aid at work course a few months before. While it was happening I was totally calm, it was only after we knew he had died that I felt like a weight had been dropped on me, and that feeling lasted a few weeks.

So - Go and do a first aid course if you haven't already. Carry a barrier. Get stuck in if you need to. You really could make the difference.

And well done to all the people who have got stuck in and helped.

[hogen-deifar]

Originally Posted by paramedic paul

What a great idea, i'm going to do the same but for slightly different reasons. When at work we do sometimes need the assistance from a by stander and I wonder how many of us think about what that bystander is actually going through, both at the time and afterwards! These words should help us to understand!

And you should also remember it doesn't stop after a few days. A lady I used to work with stood up at work, clutching her heart and keeled over. The first aiders and some others ran over to her. They performed CPR but it was fruitless. The paramedics defrib'd her but it was pointless. She was too far gone (must've been a huge attack) and they took her off. My ex employers were great. They offered counselling and things for all those involved and I know a lot actually needed it.

[purple vonny]

I think this is a really good example of the "mock up practice" being very sterile and not at all like the real thing. It is not unusual for there to be vomit involved and I too, am guilty of no longer carrying a pocket mask on my Key ring. Lesson learned.... get another!

Similarly, the rescue diver course is very "controlled", you know what you are about to do. But faced with a real emergency, and reacting quickly, charged with adrenaline, you might not be prepared for the aftershock and flashbacks.

Thanks for sharing your honest, and sobering, experience x

[abucksdiver]

Originally Posted by purple vonny

I too, am guilty of no longer carrying a pocket mask on my Key ring.

Question... where is the best place to get one of these keyring barrier/masks?

I keep a spare "Rescue Diver" mouth-to-mouth mask in the car (I think... I'll have to check it didn't get moved into the garage with the dive kit...) but a barrier might be useful to include in my First aid box at work, and another on my keyring .

Thanks
Andrew

[Helen F H]

Laerdal Resuscitation Face shield with Key Ring - Laerdal -

[abucksdiver]

Originally Posted by Helen F H

Laerdal Resuscitation Face shield with Key Ring - Laerdal -

I've just asked my employer if they will get one of these for each First Aid Kit on site, plus another one for each First Aider...


Andrew

[ScubaK@]

Well, I have just found out that the gentleman died yesterday. Strangely this doesn't upset me, it makes me pleased that there is an end to the uncertainty, and glad his family had a little more time to say goodbye.

Thank you all once again for all your kind words, support, and advice.

My barrier is back on my keyring. The link from Helen above is great. They cost £3.40. BUY ONE