Health and First Aid
Jackie Brocklehurst
Guiding has been a large part of my life since I joined Brownies in Carlton at the age of 7. Only having a short break to have my children I have been involved with running Rainbows, Brownies and now Guides within Gedling District. I have recently been appointed as the Health and First Aid Adviser and look forward to new challenges ahead. My role requires me to advise the CountyCommissioner and CountyTeam on all health and First Aid Matters. I must also ensure a consistent and high standard of training to Guiders and Young Leaders across the County in First Aid and related health issues.
First Response Training
This is a basic First Aid Course designed for members of Girlguiding UK. This is a 6 hour attendance course which meets the minimum requirements for all Guiders. It is an essential part of the Girlguiding UK Adult Leadership Scheme. Best practice states this qualification requires renewal every 3 years to ensure Guiders remain up to date. These trainings are run locally in your Divisions by link trainers and at County level too.
Health and First Aid Scheme
This qualification can be gained by any adult at either a camp or a holiday. The qualification is made up of four competency based modules;
- Organise the first aid arrangements
- Having current knowledge of first aid
- Understanding the issues relating to care and welfare of participants
- Attend to the health and first aid requirements of participants though out the event
To gain the qualification you must prove competence in all these modules. Training is offered to support guiders wanting to undertake this scheme in November (see the outdoor training booklet). For further details and allocation of a mentor please do not hesitate to contact myself.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I have to attend the First Response Course if I have already attended a First Aid Course?
Not necessarily – Your course must be up to date (within the last 3 years) and been delivered by a recognised training organisation. The course should cover all aspects of the First Response Syllabus (see back of your Leadership Book). You will need to cover all the areas specific to Guiding with your Mentor e.g Duty of Care. To ensure records are up to date please make sure you have let me know.
2. Do I need to attend a renewal training if I have already attended a First Aid Course?
No – so long as the course was run by an approved First Aid organisation. To ensure records are up to date please make sure you have let me know.
3. I have missed the Health and First Aid Scheme training day but still want to do my qualification is this possible?
Yes – the training is not mandatory and many Guiders have a wealth of skills already to prove competence. All you need to do is contact me to register on the scheme and I will allocate you a mentor.
4. Who are our Link Trainers?
I currently hold a list of trainers across the County who are qualified to deliver First Response sessions. Please do not hesitate to contact me for their contact details. Not all Divisions have their own trainers as yet. If you are interested in becoming a link trainer I would love to hear from you.
5. How do I get specific training for girls with Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy or Anaphylaxis?
Health specific training can be gained from several sources but must be from a qualified nurse or doctor who has an up to date working knowledge of the condition. If you are required to care for a girl with a specific condition that you may need to intervene e.g. administer medication please do not hesitate to contact me for advice and support.
6. Do we have Resusci annies for hire?
Yes – they are available from Guide HQ. We have 3 Annie’s and one Junior. Please note new protocol for the cleaning of all Annie’s before returning them.
7. When are the next County First Aid Trainings?
| Training Sessions | |
|---|---|
| Health and First Aid Scheme | November 2008 |
| Health and First Aid Scheme Renewals. |
Jan / Feb 2009 |
Please see the informer and flyers for further details on how to book onto these trainings.
Finally, please do not hesitate to contact me for any further advice regarding Health and First Aid. I’m here to support you. My contact details are in the County Directory and available from the office.