Aviemore first aid course forced to run for cover by storm
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The ‘new normal’ for the strath’s outdoor First Aid experts got off to a rough start this week, with a violent storm over Glenmore sending trainees scattering for shelter before the 'injuries' could become real.
"Our second course this week expects better conditions!" said a damp Dave Craig, of organisers Outwardly Mobile First Aid, after the disruption, which was widespread across the north and certainly did have tragic consequences over in Aberdeenshire.
It was an ironic start to the training scheme, based at Badaguish Outdoor Centre.
Mr Craig, one of the partners leading the adapted sessions, explained: “Covid-19 has changed the face of First Aid training. Personal safety and wellbeing is a priority for the first aider at any time, let alone midst a global pandemic.
“In the normal run of things, the first aider is required to make close contact to check response, including breathing of the any person suspected of being ill or injured.
“There still is a requirement for folks to be trained in practical first aid but clearly, checking vital signs by being close a casualty’s mouth and nose is not possible at this time.
“Procedures and protocols have had to undergo a major rethink.”
Since Outwardly Mobile First Aid began 20 years ago it has specialised in practical, scenario based, outdoor orientated First Aid – training instructors and guides, preparing them for their work on mountains, water and snow.
Mr Craig said: “But our ‘reality’ scenarios now have to be more ‘limited’ in terms of hands on treatment by students.”
New documentation has come in for regulating the new ‘blended learning’ regime, with phase on online and the second carried out through trainer-led training and assessment.
More details on Twitter @outwardlymobile and Facebook.
