This weekend Bonfire Night will be celebrated around the UK. According to statistics from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents around 1,000 people visit A&E for treatment of firework related and other bonfire night related injuries in the four weeks around the event. Although Bonfire Night is certainly a time for fun, we’ve written this blog to provide first aid tips that are simple to learn and well help you to be prepared to treat any of these injuries if they occur. Burns or scalds – Run the burn under cold water for at least 10 minutes. Skin needs to be completely cool to prevent pain, scarring or any further damage. – Remove any jewellery or clothing that is near the burn – do not remove if they are stuck to the burn. – Don’t pop any blisters or apply creams – doing this risks making the injury worse. – One the burn is cooled, cover with a plastic bag or clingfilm. – If necessary, treat a casualty for shock by laying them down with their legs raised above the level of their heart e.g. on a chair. – If the burn is on a child, or, if you think the burn is serious (e.g. deep, larger than the size of the casualty’s hand, on the hands, feet or face) call 999/112 for an ambulance. There will also be first aiders at almost all public firework displays in the UK so keep an eye out when you get to the event in case you need to go and get help. – Do not rub the casualty’s eye or let them rub the eye as it will make it worse. – Pour clean water over the eye to wash out what is in it or to cool the burn. – If this does not work, try to lift the debris out with the damp corner of a clean tissue. – If this also does not work, cover the eye with a clean dressing (if a dressing is not available make sure you use a non-fluffy material). – Take the casualty to the nearest hospital. – Move as far as possible away from the smoke so that you/they can breathe in fresh air. – Sit down or help the casualty to sit down in a comfortable position and loosen any tight clothing around the neck to help breathe normally. – If you/they do not recover quickly, call 999/112 for an ambulance.
Debris in the eye
Smoke inhalation
We hope you all enjoy bonfire night and remain safe throughout. Let us know your plans by tweeting us @ajuda_training we’d love to hear what you’re all up to!
Author: Dawn Evans
Keep Warm this Winter
Why is cold weather a problem?
When the temperature drops to below 8C, some people are at increased risk of:
- heart attack
- stroke
- flu
- pneumonia
- falls and injuries
- hypothermia
Cold weather can also affect people with mental health conditions, such as depression and dementia.
Who’s most at risk?
Very cold weather can affect anyone, but you are most vulnerable if:
- you’re 65 or older
- you’re on a low income (so can’t afford heating)
- you have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
- you’re disabled
- you’re pregnant
- you have young children (newborn to school age)
- you have a mental health condition
Be prepared
The Met Office provides weather forecasts on radio and TV, so listen in to these bulletins regularly to keep up-to-date with the weather.
Severe weather warnings are also issued on the Met Office website, through the Met Office Twitter feed, or you can call the Weather Desk on 0370 900 0100 or 01392 885 680.
The Met office also has advice on getting ready for winter.
This includes suggestions for practical things you can do to prepare for winter weather, including cold, ice and snow, high winds and flooding.
How to keep your home warm
Follow these tips to keep you and your family warm and well at home:
- if you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease, heat your home to at least 18C (65F)
- keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window closed
- during the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer than 18C
- to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C
- if you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your home cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable
- draw curtains at dusk and keep doors closed to block out draughts
- get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional
Protect your health in the cold
If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.
Follow these tips on keeping well in the cold:
- find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS
- wear several layers of clothes rather than 1 chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat
- use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don’t use both at the same time
- have at least 1 hot meal a day – eating regularly helps keep you warm; and make sure you have hot drinks regularly
- try not to sit still for more than an hour or so indoors – get up and stretch your legs
- stay active – even moderate exercise can help keep you warm
- wrap a scarf loosely around your mouth when outdoors – add a hat and wear shoes with a good grip, too
- if you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather
Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
Check up on older neighbours and relatives, and those with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems, to make sure they:
- are safe and well
- are warm enough, especially at night
- have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather
If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1174 (8am to 7pm every day).
If you’re concerned that the person may be suffering from hypothermia, contact NHS 111.
Become a first aider this February
The workplace can seem like a safe place, but, there are risks you wouldn’t think of until they happen. An accident can occur at any time and if it did, who in the workplace is trained to help? It is a legal requirement as a company to ensure your employees receive immediate attention. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider First Aid Training for employees.
1. It can save lives
2. Reduce the number of workplace accidents
3. Positive work environment
4. Your company will be safer place to work
5. First aid kits are used properly
6. It can reduce recovery time
7. It can keep employees safe outside of the workplace
8. It’s a great team-building exercise
9. It gives your employees confidence and clarity during an emergency
First aid training doesn’t just teach your staff how to treat patients in need of first aid, it also gives them confidence and effectively manage an emergency without fear, confusion or overwhelm.
10. The cost of a First Aid at Work Training course is nothing compared to that of potentially saving a live.
Providing first aid and CPR training doesn’t cost much, but it will go a long way to ensuring workplace health and safety.
If this has given you something to think about we have many Training Courses available at Ajuda Training Academy, take a look at our course calendar, give us a call on 02920 576883, or email admin@ajuda.org.uk
First Aid at Work – 3 Day course
27th, 28th February & 1st March
27th – 28th March
24th – 26th April
£230 + vat per person
https://www.ajuda.org.uk/shop/courses/first-aid/level-3-award-in-emergency-first-aid-at-work-rqf/
10 Benefits of First Aid Training in the Workplace
The office can seem like a safe place to work, but, there are risks you wouldn’t think of until they happen. An accident can occur at any time and if it did, who in the workplace is trained to help? It is a legal requirement as a company to ensure your employees receive immediate attention. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider First Aid Training for employees.
1. It can save lives
This may seem like the most obvious reason, but it is proved that first aid saves lives. If there is an accident in the office is anyone trained to come to the rescue? First aid training gives your staff the confidence and ability to react immediately to an incident, injury or illness. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) has been reported that many lives have been saved due to fast reaction CPR. This would have been given during critical and life-threatening accidents, injuries or health complications in the workplace.
2. Reduce the number of workplace accidents
First aid training helps employees learn to be more conscious of safety in the workplace, leading to a reduced number of accidents and injuries. Minimizing risk to workers and decreasing workplace incidents is a benefit to everyone, but for employers it has implications within all aspects of business operations. All employees become more safety aware, helping to bring down the number of accidents.
3. Positive work environment
By making first aid training available to employees, employers can show their workforce that they care about providing a safe work environment. First aid training provided in the workplace can even be used as an excellent team-building exercise and morale booster. Employee morale is an integral part of any company. High morale leads to positive attitudes and positive attitudes lead to positive results. The happiness and wellbeing of your employees will help you build a strong relationship, ultimately resulting in a better working environment. First aid training will help ensure employee health and safety in addition to enhanced wellbeing and morale.
4. Your company will be safer place to work
Many large companies give first aid as part of employee training; this is a very wise option because it guarantees they can all look out for one another. If an accident happens at work; employees may be able to prevent further injury to the victim of the accident. First aid courses in the work place promote safer practice amongst employees.
5. First aid kits are used properly
Not only will your employees know exactly what should be in the first aid kit and be able to maintain it properly, they’ll be able to use them effectively in an emergency. They will know where to access it quickly – again saving time and reducing the impact of the illness or injury. First aid trainees know exactly what’s in their first aid kits, how to use the contents, and the various ways to react in an emergency. In a beneficial way, it makes each employee an unofficial health and safety risk manager.
6. It can reduce recovery time
Rapid reaction to illness or injury, before further aid such as an ambulance arrives can not only save lives, but in addition, will reduce recovery time of the patient. If that patient is a member of staff, that means they’ll be back to work quicker, with less impact on the business.
7. It can keep employees safe outside of the workplace
It’s not just in the workplace where good first aid training is paramount – employees will have those skills for life, especially if you maintain ongoing refresher courses. This means they can treat themselves, their family and friends and the public effectively in an emergency.
8. It’s a great team-building exercise
When your staff get the opportunity to learn a skill together, one that will help them look after one another, it brings them closer together. Many teams have reported more awareness of their co-workers wellbeing following first aid training.
9. It gives your employees confidence and clarity during an emergency
First aid training doesn’t just teach your staff how to treat patients in need of first aid, it also gives them confidence and effectively manage an emergency without fear, confusion or overwhelm.
10. The cost of a First Aid at Work Training course is nothing compared to that of potentially saving a live.
Providing first aid and CPR training doesn’t cost much, but it will go a long way to ensuring workplace health and safety.
If this has given you something to think about we have many Training Courses available at Ajuda Training Academy, take a look at our course calendar, give us a call on 02920 576883, or email admin@ajuda.org.uk
Or you can book a course online here
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and see our tips and advice on all things #FirstAid
Mental Health Awareness Week 18th – 24th May 2020
Ways of getting involved in Mental Health Awareness Week.
Today marks the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week, and as you know the Ajuda team are very passionate about raising awareness of mental health and supporting people to become more knowledgeable in supporting others.
A large portion of our work at the Cardiff office is focussed around not only providing award-winning Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid courses, but also organising successful and popular live events in Cardiff which would ordinarily welcome thousands of people.
Due to obvious circumstances, we have been unable to provide our training and physical events this year, but there are plenty of other ways of getting involved in Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Show Online
In just a few hours the first day of our new virtual event, Mental Health and Wellbeing Online, is about to begin – with so much on offer across the week from Monday 18th to Thursday 21st.
From 10am – 12pm on Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th May we will be running FREE online conference sessions featuring a range of speakers, with a partner charity selected every day.
On Thursday 21st, we will be running a six-hour conference from 9am – 3pm with a fantastic line-up of mental health experts for just £12 per ticket! (A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to our three featured charities from earlier in the week)
Read more and order tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-wellbeing-show-online-tickets-103313425236
Online Mental Health Courses
Ajuda also offer a range of online training courses which are designed to develop knowledge on different topics whilst also teaching learners how they can support people suffering with a mental illness or other issues.
Online Training Courses include:
• Mental Health Awareness
• Mental Capacity Act
• Drug and Alcohol Awareness
• Autism Awareness
• Dementia Awareness
Read more about our online courses here: https://www.ajuda.org.uk/online-courses/health-social-care-online-courses/
Spread Some Kindness
With the overall theme being “Kindness”, here are some great ways of spreading kindness in your community where possible (and being mindful of social distancing).
Join a local support group
Volunteer to support lonely people
Sing up for the GoodSam App for opportunities in your local area
https://www.goodsamapp.org/home
Offer to keep elderly people company over the phone
Offer to deliver food for vulnerable people.
International Nurses Day 2020
May 12th is International Day of the Nurse and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, Ajuda joins hundreds of organisations worldwide to highlight the importance of nurses in the healthcare continuum and say a massive thank you for all the work they do on a day to day basis.
Historically, as well as today, nurses are at the forefront of fighting epidemics and pandemics – providing high quality and respectful treatment and care. They are often the first and sometimes the only health professional that people see and the quality of their initial assessment, care and treatment is vital.
We hope that as many people as possible from around the world will take part in this global moment of reflection by sharing their stories, photos and tributes on social media using the hashtag #RememberHealthHeroes. Tonight at 20.30 people all around the world will world will light a candle or even use the light on their mobile phones, to show respect for the health workers lost to this pandemic.
Celebrate VE Day at Home with your Family in Lockdown
VE Day is Friday 8th May – Let's celebrate at home with family while self-isolating?
This year, VE Day will coincide with the early May Day bank holiday, making it the perfect time to get together with your household for a celebration. The UK may be in lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a weekend of celebrations to mark this special moment in history.
Why do we celebrate VE Day?
VE Day marked the end of World War 2 – and in turn, the end of Adolf Hitler’s reign. As such, it was a cause for celebration all over the world. At 3pm that day, Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the nation that the war was over. In London, a crowd of 50,000 celebrated the momentous event in Piccadilly Circus, cheering and waving flags in the street. This year is particularly poignant, given that it’s the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Join The Nation in a two minute silence
At 11am, a national two-minute silence will be held to remember the sacrifice of those who fought in the war.
Toast to the Heroes
At 3pm, Britons are being invited to take to their doorsteps to raise a glass, cheer and clap during The National Toast to the Heroes of World War Two.
Join in a National sing-along
Music helped to keep morale high in wartime and we could all use a little boost ourselves in these times of uncertainty.
Dame Vera Lynn will lead us in a nationwide sing-along to wartime classic We'll Meet Again on Friday night.
The 103-year-old singer will perform from a window at her Sussex home just after 9pm, following the Queen's special address to the nation.
Let's all join her and lift the spirits of the nation
VE Day 75: The People's Celebration airs on BBC One from 8pm.
Vera Lynn Now & Then
The world must know what happened, and never forget.’ – General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Kris Martyn Sings For Your Supper
The Ajuda Team are Raising Money for Charity During Covid-19!
In the past month, the entire world has turned upside down, and the effects of Coronavirus have hit every single part of our society in a huge way. Every day on the news we hear more about different businesses and organisations that are struggling to cope under the strain of coronavirus – but one sector which has been hit particularly hard during these times is the charity sector.
With public gatherings banned, and many people worried about their personal finances – charities have seen a monumental drop in donations and are struggling to keep afloat during this difficult time.
The Ajuda Team are constantly dedicated to supporting charities throughout our work and events, and this time is no different! We are organising a range of activities over the next few months to support both local and national charities, here’s what we have been up to recently!
Kris Sings in the Street to Support Cardiff Foodbanks
Our newest member of the Ajuda Team, Kris Martyn, is using his musical talents to raise money for foodbanks across the Cardiff area while keeping his neighbours and Facebook fans entertained too!
Kris is an admin angel by day, professional singer by night, and puts on an amazing performance in clubs and bars across South Wales (when they are open!)
Foodbanks across Cardiff have seen a huge rise in demand due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, and they are in desperate need for more donations.
He recently raised £220 during his last performance and is planning on raising even more THIS WEEKEND by doing a live performance from his home. All of the money raised is put towards a large shopping trip and donated to the central distribution centre for all of the Cardiff foodbanks.
You can watch the live link from 2pm on Sunday 26th April on Facebook here.
Mental Health Awareness Virtual Conference to be held in aid of local charities!
The Ajuda events team are also organising a virtual mental health conference which will take place over the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (18th – 21st May 2020) and will be donating ticket proceeds to three local charities doing some fantastic work.
From 10am – 12pm on Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th May we will be running FREE online conference sessions featuring a range of speakers, with a partner charity selected every day. Our chosen charities are Bullies Out, 2 Wish Upon a Star and Caerau Men’s Shed.
On Thursday 21st, we will be running a six-hour conference from 9am – 3pm with a fantastic line-up of mental health experts for just £10 per ticket! (A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to our three featured charities from earlier in the week)
If you are a local charity that is looking for support, please do get in touch with us and we will always see what we can do to support you. We do have limited opportunities but always try to support a variety of charities over the course of the year, so please let us know about your great work!
To keep up to date with our latest charity work, please follow our social media pages and keep up to date with our blog!
Self Educate 35% Off Discount on all Ajuda Online Training Courses
With the ongoing situation in the UK, the team at Ajuda would like to extend our very best wishes to all those affected and hope we can support you in the coming unpredictable months.
At Ajuda, we believe learning never stops, and there are many ways of continuing learning and development from the comfort of your home.
To ensure that you keep your brain active and continue learning, Ajuda are currently offering a discount on all online training courses until the end of April, use code SELFEDUCATE35 at checkout. This means some of our courses are now less than £20!
Taking an online training course has many benefits, including:
– Gaining new skills and knowledge
– Improving and developing current skills
– Keeping your mind active and engaged in learning
– Boosting job prospects
– Exploring new topics in a non-committal manner
Our fully-approved, interactive-video eLearning courses are perfect for gaining qualificationS.
We can deliver all the eLearning you need.
Our engaging courses can be taken at any time, in any place and on any device. All courses are approved and priced to offer the best possible value to your business.
We have a wide range of qualifications including;
- First Aid
- Fire Safety
- Food Hygiene
- Manual Handling
- Health & Safety
- Health & Social Skills
- Employability Skills
- Business Skills
- Safeguarding
- Education
Take a look at our extensive range of all the online qualifications that we can provide
Anti Bribery and Corruption
Course information
This course examines bribery and the legislation, measures and procedures that can uncover, control and reduce the impact of this criminal activity. This information is broken down into the following sections; Why corruption and bribery occur, The UK Bribery Act, Anti-bribery policies, anti-bribery management systems and how to deal with bribery in the workplace.
Number of modules: 5
Course Duration: 50 Minutes
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)
Course Price: £35
3 Reasons why it’s important to renew your training qualifications
Qualification renewal is crucial, whether it is for first aid, fire safety, or food hygiene, not only to keep your qualifications up to date but your knowledge too. You know how to get a certificate, but did you know it’s important to keep it current?
Why is it important to renew?
1. The guidelines and procedures can change
Each year, new medical advancements are made, guidelines are revisited and procedures can be updated or amended. To stay on top of all changes, regular training renewal is vital. You don’t want to perform a previous version of a procedure if there is a newer, more effective version available, especially when it comes to life-saving procedures
2. To continually refresh skills and knowledge
Even if only a few details have changed since you last did a training course, if you’re not performing first aid and CPR on a regular basis you’re likely to start to forget little things.
Keep your skills and knowledge refreshed and stay in practice by renewing within the recommended three-year time frame for first aid or every 12 months for the CPR component.
3. Stay confident
It’s one thing to know the techniques, but it’s another to have the confidence to apply them when the time comes. Regular training ensures that you will always have the confidence (along with those life-saving skills) to act quickly and effectively when faced with a potentially stressful medical situation.
BOOK ON ONE OF OUR OPEN COURSES AT AJUDA TRAINING ACADEMY
MHFA (Wales) Adult
2 Day Course
First Aid at Work
3 Day course
MHFA (Wales) Youth
2 Day Course
Emergency First Aid at Work 1 Day course
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
2 Day Course
Level 2 Fire Safety & Fire Marshal
1 Day course
Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Course information
This course is aimed at managers and staff in all industries who play a role in reducing drug, alcohol and substance misuse in the UK.
The course starts with official statistics to illustrate the scale of drug and alcohol abuse in the UK. You’ll learn in detail about commonly used drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, ecstasy and some new designer drugs.
Turning to alcohol abuse, the course will show you how to introduce a 4-stage plan to deal with any problems – including how to write an effective Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Beyond this the course will explore best business practice in terms of HR, legislation, spotting signs of drug misuse and the implementation of workplace solutions.
The course also explains how the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) can help with effective alcohol and drugs policies and the development of related management skills. Finally, it looks at current drug treatments and the options for outside support available to individuals and organisations.
Target Audience
This course is aimed at managers and staff in all industries who have a critical role to play in reducing drug, alcohol and substance misuse in the UK. Advantages Online training is flexible, efficient and cost-effective, so candidates can progress through the modules at their own pace, in their own time, making it easy to fit the training around their work and personal life.
Further Progression
Other courses that would be useful for candidates taking this one include Conflict Management, and Leadership skills.
Number of modules: 8
Course Duration: 80 Minutes
(Note: This is based on the video content shown and is rounded off. It does not account in any way for loading time or thinking time on the questions)
Course Price: £35