I just came off a refresher course in First Aid / CPR A last week. I really shouldn't say refresher as it has been over 20 years since my last instruction. My course was taught by St. John's Ambulance (another FA organization in Canada, not unlike the Canadian Red Cross. I had actually started my Red Cross course earlier last year but I had a family emergency and I had to withdrawl.) It was a 20-hr course that matched the requirements of OH&S (16 FA and 4 CPR) over 2 1/2 days. There are differences in approach between the 2 agencies but they weren't drastic - RC taught a bit more biology and theory while SJA was tuned to be very practical. Overall I'd say it was a great course.

• My how things have changed in the protocols since I first took it. Gone are the ideas about torniquets for example - they don't teach it because it isn't nearly as useful as applying direct pressure to a wound.
• AR is taught only in passing as it is believed that only better trained personnel should use that method (you need to be able to accurately judge the pulse rate of the victim). CPR is the main method and even that protocol has changed over the years. Currently what is being taught is 2 quick breaths, listen for breathing and circulation check then 30 chest thrusts. 2 cycles of that then recheck for breathing and circulation and 5 more cycles, etc.
• Way back when I was I kid and got my advance swimming lessons, we were all taught AR and it was never with a mask. Now all practice is done with the mask and gloves because of Hep A,B and to a lesser extent Hep C and HIV.
• I also remember a technique that involved a butterfly movement where you would bring the victims arms back in a sweeping motion while kneeling at their head then sweeping their arms to the chest and then chest compressions - that is no longer being taught except in the armed forces for nerve agent, etc type of victims where contact with the mouth may impair the helper.

It was both great fun breaking off in to groups to practice the techniques and bandages on manequins and each other. There are some procedures that are taught First Aiders and a number that are not because at that level most people don't have the background training to make use of them. Hopefully, my company will continue to sponsor this training and will pay to keep my current every 3 years.

However, on my own I decided I wanted something more because I do a lot of camping. So I checked into a Wilderness Medical Associates - Wilderness First Responder course. That's an 80 course taught over 9 days plus homework. I am looking forward to that and expand on my abilities to react in a situation. I have had two instances where FA training could have helped where I've been the late comer to an accident scene. I've always wanted to pitch in and help but without the knowledge and confidence I've always thought ill prepared to help out previously.

This course also led into a workplace discussion about a public access defibulaltor or A.E.D. We don't have one in the building but we have about 600 occupants in the building and serve the general public. So we are going to do some research into the feasibility of having one located on the main floor. An A.E.D. requires further training (4 hr) as well as co-ordination with EMS. We are only 5 min away from EMS but then again every minute counts!