CSCC Reports 2011: First Aid Course - March 2011

Ever wondered what to do if someone's-
- dislocated a shoulder?
- bashed their head badly on a rock after slipping down a river bank?
- been hauled from the river after spending an hour immersed in freezing water?
- having difficulty breathing after eating nuts?
- feeling nauseous after eating a strange looking mushroom in a misguided attempt at Ray Mears style foraging?
- burnt themselves while cooking dinner on a camp stove?

All these and many other nightmarish situations were dealt with during a two day wilderness first aid course attended by Martin, Fi, Karen, Stewart, Stephen, Richard and Dan J. in March 2011.  The course was expertly run by Joe from Muir-Walker Medics Co-op in the wilderness of Holland Park with class room sessions in the Youth Hostel.
The course involved a good mixture of lectures and practical sessions where we learned skills like rescuscitation, reducing disclocations, bandaging, splinting, stretchering a victim and where exactly to poke someone to find out if they are unconscious or just asleep.  The bandaging and splinting was done quite professionally and at times the 'patients' looked suitably frail and vulnerable.  Joe said that it is very unusual for passing members of the public to pay any attention to the activities of his pupils, but a policeman came over to check that everything was OK and later I managed to pull a realistic pained expression while having my ankle put in a sam splint, prompting a concerned looking lady to ask if further help was needed.  Perhaps I could get work as an extra on "Casualty"?

At the end of the course we sat a short exam.  I was very keen that I should pass after two days of intense concentration and trying hard not to annoy Joe by butting in with too many questions and remarks.  Thankfully we all passed and managed to laminate our qualification cards without injury.

It was a learning experience for all concerned.  Joe learned quite how much tea civil servants get through. The other participants on the course also got to see just what is needed for a CSCC picnic.
I am not sure that I would feel terribly reassured if I were ever to open my eyes and hear the words "Hello, I'm Dan and I have received training in first aid", but it is good for me to know that in the event of an accident I might now be of some use and know what to do with some of those mysterious looking things in the first aid kit.

Karen's phots http://www.flickr.com/photos/16287856@N02/