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Currently in the UK only 8% of people who suffer a cardiac arrest will survive* The use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can help increase the chances of survival for someone who has experienced a cardiac arrest, which is where the heart stops beating. The AED can analyse the heart rhythm when attached to the casualty and will provide a shock if and when required. Everyone can use an AED, they are specifically designed for non-medical users. The machine

Choking happens when the airway becomes blocked, usually during eating. This can be due to insufficient chewing, talking with the mouth full or even a child putting an object in their mouth. Foods such as carrots, apples, grapes and nuts are particularly problematic and cutting these into smaller pieces and chewing them well can reduce risk of choking. Unfortunately, the elderly are most at risk as they can struggle with swallowing or have difficulty with dentures. Living alone increases the

There are 450 deaths every day from a heart or circulatory disease in the UK* If someone is suffering from a heart attack or angina it can be very distressing. Try to remain calm as this will reassure the person you are helping. Knowing the signs and symptoms to look out for can ensure that professional help from the emergency services is accessed quickly. Tell Tale Signs Firstly, it is helpful to know that every heart attack is different and

There are no major changes in the 2021 Basic Life Support Guidelines for Adult or Paediatric First Aid Key Points in the guidelines emphasise actions to take with non-breathing casualties, with fast access to emergency services and use of an AED. The introduction to the Guidelines states: ‘Guidelines 2021 prioritises supporting members of our communities to have the confidence, knowledge and skills to act when someone sustains an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Few major changes have been introduced as the principles

Following further detailed guidance issued on the 4th June by the UK Resuscitation Council and the First Aid Quality Partnership (FAQP), WorkSafe have published a guide to assist instructors in risk assessing their training venues and course delivery procedures. Your guide is available to download now from the WorkSafe instructor portal- click on the ‘HSE Guidance Documents’. The aim of the guide is to assist trainers when risk assessing their training venue and to explain acceptable adaptations that can be made when