Have a Heart
At the Shed, we’re always aiming to improve our skills for the benefit of self and others and our most recent training at the Shed was well attended. Glen and Stevie led the course and it was clear from the start that they each had considerable experience. Heartstart Inverclyde is a British Heart Foundation initiative, which has been running for around 26 years now. The pair took us through our paces and although some members had done the course before, all agreed that it was beneficial. Within the Shed, safety is paramount so updating skills is something we all focus on.
The course lasted for two hours and once the leaders had talked us through the session, we had the opportunity of trying for ourselves, just how to put the procedure into practice. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for adults, toddlers, and babies were all covered with variations discussed re two overlapping hands, one hand or just two fingers depending on who or what we would be dealing with.
Models were used for our practice sessions and this helped give us some confidence re what to do if we encounter someone lying on the ground. There was some amusement in the room when we talked about songs that would help the rhythm while carrying out compressions. Stayin’ Alive, stayin’ alive……., by the Bee Gees. Another well-known song is Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive. Then there was a throw back to an old favourite that may not be quite as acceptable nowadays, and certainly not suitable for the team going out to teach within schools – McEwan’s is the best buy, the best buy, the best buy……… Some of our older members will remember that one. The important factor is that the song should be 100-120 beats per minute so just use the one that you remember. The point is, it doesn’t matter. The training is all about learning the basics of what to do to save someone’s life.
This was a free course, which was really worthwhile and showed us how to check if someone is breathing – shout first, check if they’re breathing, check for blockages in nose and throat. Phone an ambulance or get someone else to do that if there is another person around. Start compressions and continue until emergency help gets there. Put them in the recovery position once things move on.
We briefly covered how to deal with choking, one I was certainly familiar with in young children, and we touched on minor injuries. The expertise of Glen and Stevie was appreciated even by those who were familiar with such situations. They described the basics of a defibrillator and how it works. At the Shed, we are fortunate that the Baptist Church next door to us has a defibrillator, but CPR could be the important technique to save someone’s life, especially if there is no-one else around and time is of the essence.
I managed to get quotes from a few of those who attended: Sandy, our current board chair and also a supervisor on the shop floor, organized the training. When I asked him what he thought of the course he said ‘Very informative – a useful update of my knowledge’. Brian, also a supervisor said ‘It blew away the cobwebs and refreshed the memory.’ John, currently our secretary and a supervisor said ‘A quick 2 hours in the Shed with Heartstart by Glen and Stevie covered the elements well. They kept it interesting and engaged the group. Well worth doing.’ Last but not least, Gary, another supervisor, said ‘It’s given me confidence to deal with a situation that could arise.’
If you are reading this and are not yet a member, you are welcome to join online for £20 per year. This entitles you to participate in any of our activities, join the gardeners, bee-keepers, or train on the machines on the shopfloor.
Contact me directly for dates of our Meet & Greet sessions. jean@inverclydeshed.co.uk