Toasty Tips: How to keep warm through Winter

Cold Weather

With colder weather on the way, it’s really important to remain fit and healthy at this time of year to help your body fight off the common colds and viruses that are circulating. Eating well, wrapping up warm and carefully planning your journeys are simple ways stay safe during winter.

This blog highlights some of the first aid tips you may require over the winter months and potential hazards to look out for.

Keep warm

It is essential to maintain body heat during winter to avoid hypothermia.

Ideally, the temperature indoors should be at least 18 degrees. If you cannot afford to keep the heating on all winter (it can really add up!) then keep adding the layers, have accessible blankets around the house and hot water bottles which are particularly useful and a cost-effective way to keep extra warm indoors.

If you are venturing outside, ensure to wrap up warm and add layers such as, hats, scarves and gloves to prevent you from getting too cold.

Unfortunately, hypothermia is a huge danger at this time of year. The number of hypothermia deaths has doubled over the last five years.  It is really important to learn the signs of hypothermia which include pale and cold skin, shallow breathing, a weak pulse and disorientation.  If you suspect someone is suffering from hypothermia, then it is vital to encourage the to undertake the following:

– Slowly restore warmth and get indoors if they are not already

– Begin CPR if necessary

– If they are conscious, give them a warm drink such as

– Keep their body temperature up by wrapping them in blankets

Further tips for keeping warm and staying safe:

– Wear several light layers rather than one chunky layer

– Regular hot drinks and meals

– Be very careful around open fire

– Close the curtains after dark to keep away drafts

– Keep your hands clean to reduce germs spreading

– Stay active

– Keep windows closed at night

Keep healthy and fight the cold

As mentioned in the introduction, cold weather can have a detrimental impact on your health. There are many preventative measures that can be taken to ensure that you are fit and healthy throughout the winter months and avoiding sickness:

–  Enquire about getting the flu jab

–  Take multivitamins

–  Maintain a healthy diet

–  Have hot meals and drinks where possible

–  Invest in a hat, scarf and gloves and a good coat

–  Exercise and keeping active helps to maintain body heat amongst many other health benefits

When the temperature drops to below 8 °C some people particularly vulnerable people such as young children, people with existing health conditions, people with a low income and elderly people become at risk of various problems:

– Heart attack

– Stroke

– Pneumonia

– Falls and injuries

– Hypothermia

Travel safely

During the winter, travelling can become particularly hazardous. Take extra care when walking outdoors as footpaths can become slippery. Invest in a sensible pair of shoes with good grip to help to prevent slips and trips.

If you are driving, it is important to be aware that the roads can become slippery and dangerous. It is a good idea to have a winter first aid kit stocked in the car including blankets and water in case you break down. Other driving essentials during this time of year include an ice scraper, winter screen wash, de-icer and a foil blanket.

We hope that this blog has given you some basic ideas about how to stay safe during winter.

As well as ensuring that you take all of these measures to stay healthy, please look out for vulnerable people and do what you can to help them to keep warm. Perhaps consider donating blankets, hot water bottles and tinned food to those in need. Drive calmly and safely to prevent being involved in an accident.

If you are interested in learning more about learning basic first aid skills, please book yourself a place on one of our open first aid courses.

Health & safety behind the curtains of Women’s World Cup

England Women’s Football Team’s victory gave us a reason to celebrate. This is the first time the England women’s team have won an international competition!

The whole world admires players’ exceptional skill throughout the tournament. In addition to their extraordinary performance, we should also shine some light on those who work in the shadows.

Given that football is one of the most popular sports around the world, the emphasis must be put on the health and safety aspects of it. Injuries are by far the greatest problem encountered in football in terms of their impact on players. This is especially relevant for women’s game, given the potentially greater occurrence of serious, long-term injuries such as knee ligament injuries, compared to male players.

An integrated and cohesive medical and physical performance team is essential for preparing players to maximise their availability for the coaches by optimising physical performance, whilst minimising injury risk. Knowledge of first aid procedures is extremely important for anyone involved in a football game, from members of the coaching staff and judges to the players.

Upgrade your emergency first aid training and be prepared to help people.

Medical emergencies can strike at any time whether you are on or off the football pitch. From common injuries to life-threatening situations such as sudden cardiac arrest, understanding basic first aid can help save lives.

Some treatments and injuries in sports first aid could include:
• Use of automated external defibrillators
• Head injuries and concussion
• Internal and external bleeding
• CPR
• Muscle and joint injuries
• Broken bones
• Asthma attacks and seizures
• Chest pains and heart attacks
• And many more.

Ajuda Training is pleased to offer a full first aid courses for coaches, PE teachers and anyone who is in need or wants to get those skills. We offer a whole range of certified first aid courses for you to choose from.

Make sure to check them out to gain the confidence and knowledge to help save lives.

#futbol #ladiesfootball #womeninsports #soccergirls #fawsl #soccergirl #women
#lionesses
https://www.ajuda.org.uk/product-category/courses/first-aid/

Overheating Kills: Tips for elderly care in hot weather.

Although we all love the warm weather, after a few days of non-stop stuffiness and sweating, it can become uncomfortable, and even more so for elderly people.

In times of extreme heat, it’s important to check in on your elderly family, friends and neighbours regularly to make sure they are safe and well. As we age, our bodies find it more difficult to adjust to changes in condition, this along with other age-related illnesses and various medications can affect our ability to cool down. During heatwaves, we often see an increase of heat related illnesses and even heat-related deaths if it becomes too extreme.

If you are caring for an elderly person this summer, take a look at our blog to refresh yourself on some of the ways you can prevent the heat from making them unwell and spot any issues early on.

Tips for keeping cool. 

  • The hottest time of the day is between 11am – 3pm, so advise them to avoid spending time outside during this period
  • Encourage them to drink cold drinks regularly. Make sure the fridge is stocked up with plenty of fluids.
  • Suggest they avoid much physical activity unless necessary, but if they would like to keep active or go outside encourage this to be done in the evening.
  • In extreme heat, windows and blinds can be closed to keep a room cool
  •  Loose and cool clothing will help to avoid overheating
  • If they are uncomfortable, having a cool bath or shower can help
  • Discourage drinking caffeine and alcohol as these can cause dehydration

Signs of Overheating

  • Breathlessness
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Chest Pain
  • Confusion
  • Cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Headache
  • Thirst

To treat the initial signs of overheating, the tips above such as a cool area, cold bath and rehydration should be followed to attempt to naturally cool the person down. If not treated, overheating can turn to heatstroke.

Heatstroke Symptoms

  • Fainting or feeling faint
  • High body temperature
  • Strong, rapid pulse or slow, weak pulse
  • Behavioural changes
  • Staggering
  • Lack of sweating in extreme heat
  • Dry Skin
  • Confusion
  • Coma

If you notice any of the above symptoms, call the emergency services immediately for help as there are medical measures that can be taken to relieve the symptoms of heatstroke.

If you would like to refresh your knowledge on some key topics surrounding elderly care, Ajuda have a variety of online Health & Social Care courses to develop awareness of Strokes, Diabetes, Dementia and Mental Health. Along with this we also cover topics such as Duty of Care, Fire Safety, End of Life Care and Safe Handling of Medicines.

These courses are a quick and inexpensive way to refresh your knowledge on key caring topics, and ensure you are prepared to save lives in any situation. They can be done at your own pace, from the comfort of your home.

If you would like to know more about enrolling onto any of our online courses, please contact the office today.

 

Dementia Action/Awareness Week May 16th – 22nd

Dementia Action Week is a national event that sees the UK public taking action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. In 2022, the Week will take place on 16 – 22 May.

Stand up for your loved ones this Dementia Action Week

Coronavirus has exposed the fact that families facing dementia have been failed by a social care system that is inadequate, hard to access, costly and unfair. People with dementia have been worst hit by the pandemic, accounting for a quarter of all coronavirus deaths in the UK.

The time has come for governments to set right decades of unfairness and underinvestment and to build a social care system we can all be proud of.

This Dementia Action Week, Alzheimer’s Society needs your help to call on the Government to rebuild the social care system in 2022. Will you get involved and show you care?

34.5 million of us know someone living with dementia in the UK. Together we can bring about change.

One in three of us born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in our lifetime, and there will be one million people living with dementia by 2025 making dementia care one of the greatest challenges facing our society. With few existing treatments, it’s social care not the NHS that people affected by dementia rely on. People with dementia represent the majority of social care users, so it is vital that the care system is made fit for purpose.

A new system we can be proud of

We need system that means every person living with dementia, and every carer, can get the support they need to stay happy, healthy and independent for as long as possible. This means quality care that is right for them, free and easy to get, no matter where you live – like the NHS.

The time has come to set right decades of unfairness and underinvestment and for Governments to create a legacy to be admired.

Alzheimer’s Society won’t stop until everyone can access the dementia care they so critically need, now and in the future.

Here at Ajuda we have a great offer on our Dementia Awareness Online Training??

Try this by Clicking here

Use SELFEDUCATE3 code at checkout and save 35%

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

We all need to be more Cyber Security aware!!!

We all need to be more Cyber Security aware.

Here at Ajuda, we have launched a brand new online training course to give an insight around how we can all play our part in remaining cyber secure.

Our full suite of interactive video-based online courses can be white labelled and distributed by you.

Employees, managers and directors should all have a good understanding of the threat posed by cyber-attacks and the importance of guarding against data breaches.

This short online Cyber Security E-Learning course will explain why cyber attacks and data breaches happen and provide practical advice on how to set up effective defences.

First, the Cyber Security online course will identify potential ‘cyber threat actors’ who initiate cybercrime, along with looking at the main motivations behind cyber-attacks on individuals and organisations.

On a more practical level, you’ll learn how to recognise and deal effectively with phishing attempts. The online Cyber Security course will highlight the importance of keeping passwords secure and cover security for devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers.

You’ll learn how to report a suspected cyber attack, and what to do if you genuinely make a mistake.

Finally, the Cyber Security E-Learning course will underline the importance of cooperation and show how working closely together helps overcome a wide range of cybersecurity issue

Click here to book this course now 

Ajuda offers Free Defibrillator Training

Do you have a Defibrillator??  Would you know how to use it if there was  an emergency??

We will come out to your venue and train you and your team free of charge and ensure that you all know how to use your new Defibrillator.

Take advantage of our free training session when you purchase this specially created package for just

£1495+vat

This fantastic package includes:

•           1 x iPAD SP1 AED (Fully Automatic)

•           2 x Electrode Pads

•           1 x Wall Bracket

•           1 x Carry case

•           1 x AED Location Sign

•           1 x AED Location Sign Supporting Poster

•           1 x AED Emergency Response Kit

iPAD SP1 AED (Fully Automatic)

Endorsed by the British Heart Foundation Part Funding Program, this AED is ideal for schools due to its innovative Adult/Paediatric switch which automatically alters the shock strength without having to change electrode pads (Adult – 150 joules, Paediatric – 50 joules). The switch is housed under a safety cover to prevent accidental switching.

As a Fully Automatic AED, iPAD SP1 will read a casualty’s heart rhythm; if they have a shockable rhythm the AED will instruct the rescuer to stand back and will proceed to automatically shock the casualty if required. This means it is easy for anyone to use, even if they have not been trained.

The iPAD SP1 AED also features:

•           Voice prompts and flashing indicators guide the user through CPR and defibrillation, with built in Ambient Noise Detection (auto volume adjusting up to 90db) and Metronome (this feature can also be turned off if required).

•           Automatically senses when pads are due to expire of when

            connection has been lost and alerts the user.

•           Built in CPR Sensor to encourage responder to continue/perform CPR.

•           Durable device with an IP Rating of 55. 

•           Electrode Pad Life of 3 years from date of manufacture

•           Can be programmed if CPR protocols are altered.

•            7 Years Warranty

AED Emergency Response Kit

This kit has been created to contain everything required to help a rescuer to administer the required shocks as soon as possible when a casualty collapses. This should be kept alongside the AED at all times.

The kit includes:

•           1 x CPR Pocket Mask

•           1 x Pair of Medium Gloves

•           1 x Face Cloth/Flannel

•           1 x Disposable Razor

•           1 x Pair of Scissors

iPAD SP1 AED Wall Bracket

Ideal for storage when there isn’t a requirement for security – for example if the AED is stored in an office or reception area of a school – this wall bracket can be attached to a wall for quick, easy access to the defibrillator.

AED Location Sign and Supporting Poster

Including a sign to show the location of an AED and a supporting poster which provides basic information on how to use an AED, with the aim to give the rescuer greater confidence that they will be able to use it effectively.

Contact us today to order and arrange your free training session on 02920576883 or email admin@ajuda.org.uk

Cyber Essential Certified 

We are pleased to announce that Ajuda Training has achieved Cyber Essentials Certification!

Cyber Essentials is a government backed scheme that helps Ajuda protect against a whole range of the most common cyber-attacks and demonstrates our commitment to cyber security.

This certification gives you our customer peace of mind and reassurance that our defences will protect against the vast majority of common cyber-attacks and online threats simply because these attacks are looking for targets which do not have the Cyber Essentials technical controls in place.

Cyber attacks come in many shapes and sizes, but the vast majority are very basic in nature, carried out by relatively unskilled individuals. They’re the digital equivalent of a thief trying your front door to see if it’s unlocked.

After being subject to rigorous checks it has been found that our defences will prevent these attacks.

 

If you would like more information about this latest certification, please email admin@ajuda.org.uk

New Year, New Me? Take it easy

Going into the new year is often associated with introducing meaningful changes in our lives to achieve great goals. This might be a great motivational tool for some people or may bring in some difficulties for others. Setting new goals and expectations for the new year is one thing, but the trend of comparing them between one another, thus introducing a concept of competition into it, cannot do much good in the long run.

How should you approach it then?

The most important resolution we suggest for this year is to TAKE IT EASY.

Small Steps = Achievable Goals

The best way to accomplish your new year’s resolutions is to set a few small but concrete, attainable goals alongside long-term aims. Don’t set too many goals, as they might overwhelm you at some point and make you feel discouraged.

  • Do more than just taking a hopeful approach.
  • Be specific.
  • Understand why a specific goal is essential to you.
  • Make a plan.
  • Create a checklist.

Let us help you with setting specific goals and achieving them!

Learning new skills can boost your confidence and help you build a sense of purpose, and raise your self-esteem. These can then be reflected into your relationships with other people. Increased belief in your abilities and worth, improve your satisfaction in life and often helps boosts your optimism. This can not only make you happier and healthier but also can contribute to you being more successful.

In order to support you and your mental wellbeing from the beginning of the 2023 journey, we have prepared a wide range of events you can participate in to learn a new skill. 

We offer both face-to-face and online courses to suit you all!

Our Online Training platform is the perfect way for you to keep learning from the comfort of your own home. We offer many courses to suit all learning needs, such as:

Emergency First Aid Annual Refresher

Paediatric First Aid

Basic Fire Safety Training

Food Safety Level 2 (Manufacturing, Catering & Retail)

Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment (Leading to CSCS Green Card) – including an online exam

We have so many more courses so you can complete at your leisure, with courses to suit all learning needs.

Check our website to get a reduced price on all Online Courses. Please hurry up and get our bestselling courses with a 35% discount before we run out of space! Contact us now for your unique discount code 

Telephone 02920576883

Email admin@ajuda.org.uk

MOVEMBER

Movember is a global campaign which quite simply asks you to pay attention to, talk about, raise funds for and most importantly raise awareness for men’s cancers and other men’s health issues.

It’s important to be aware of the different health issues men suffer with, whether it be physical health or mental health.

Did you know a lot of men won’t go to the doctors to get a problem checked as they are embarrassed and ashamed of their own body image? Stupid right? WRONG!

According to Healthline “Many men admit they put off going to the doctor as long as possible, sometimes even when they’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms.”

They also state:

“Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they avoid going to the doctor as long as possible, and 37 percent said they withhold information from their doctors.”

“Experts say this is an ongoing issue that keeps doctors from detecting life-threatening issues early, resulting in bigger health dangers and sometimes death.

There is no need to be ashamed about going to the doctors especially if you believe there is a serious problem at hand, do not let others ideals define you as person. This world is as much about unity as well as it is about individuality.

Movember has had nothing but a positive effect towards its goal. Last year (2020) £99.5 million was raised for Movember! This is a perfect example of how human humanity can be, joining together to raise that much money in a month. Now where does this money go? Ill let Movember tell you.

These donations allow us to raise awareness, invest in vital men's health initiatives and run Movember each year. Globally, we're tackling some of the biggest issues affecting men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer

-Movember-

Now how do you get involved in MOVEMBER?

 First thing you must do is register here.

https://uk.movember.com/register/?utm_medium=display&utm_source=sun.co.uk&utm_campaign=movember-causes-hair-raising-feat-sign-up-2018-10-18

Now you have signed up you can decide whether your working alone or with a team!

There are also other events available such as dodgeball tournaments, quizzes and fun runs. You can find more info on that here.

https://uk.movember.com/events/

Have you been made Redundant???

You could get Funding for your Training and Development

ReAct is a funding scheme provided by the Welsh Government for anyone who's facing redundancy and lives in Wales.

It's a grant that funds qualifications and courses to aid your personal development, allowing you to bring your skills up-to-date and add valuable qualifications to your CV.

ReAct awards up to £1,500 to fund your training. You can split the funding between numerous courses and it can help you cover expenses while you train, like childcare and travel, if you need extra support.

All you have to do is chat to an adviser at Careers Wales who'll discuss your options, complete your funding paperwork and put you in touch with a training provider – that's where we come in.

Here at Ajuda we are committed to helping the Welsh Government and Careers Wales to deliver the ReAct retraining programme. We specialise in certain industries and topics, so when you're shopping around for the right course, be sure to check out all the courses we have available to you..

We can help you gain qualifications in:

  • First Aid
  • Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth courses available)
  • Fire Safety
  • Fire Marshal
  • Leadership and management
  • Business skills
  • Education and training
  • Customer service
  • Health and safety

All of these courses and many more can be found here

What sets us apart from the competition?

We have a team of reliable dedicated, enthusiastic dedicated trainers ready to teach 24 hours a day, 7 days per week if required.

We can teach our courses through the medium of Welsh.

All our professional trainers hold full teaching qualifications.

Ajuda offer free First Aid Training to local school children.

Our exam papers are available in 14 different languages.

Our industry knowledge is extemporary

Where do I start if i want to access the Welsh Government's ReAct funding?

1. Call Careers Wales on 0800 028 4844 and make an appointment

Once you are booked in, all you need to do is turn up for a chat. This will be when you discuss what training is best suited to you. You'll have personal support from a specialist guidance adviser, who will help you look at your CV, discuss your work experience and map out your career ahead. They'll advise which courses you'd benefit from and you can tell them which skills you'd like to develop.

2. Help Careers Wales to fill out your application

You will now need to apply to the Welsh Government to access the £1,500 grant. Careers Wales fills out the forms on your behalf based on what you want to do and what's discussed in your meeting. They will make it really easy for your so you can concentrate on your future.

3. Pick who you want to deliver your course

There are a number of training providers that are ready to deliver courses through the ReAct retraining programme. Ajuda is one of the providers based in Cardiff Bay. All you will need to do is let us know that you have secured the grant and we will book you onto course your interested in.

4. The Welsh Government pays your course fees

You do not need to do anything.

Our team at Ajuda will contact Careers Wales and the Welsh Government, so the billing process happens completely behind the scenes.

5. Enjoy Your Training Course(s)

All you need to to is attend the course and enjoy learning new skills.

Contact Careers Wales today

We are ready to welcome you to our Learning Academy