First aid ‘may be particularly useful in winter’

First aid courses are popular in the UK. Many employees are sent on them, including some of those who work in corporate organisations, schools, charities and local councils. Indeed, in some situations, having an individual present who has had first aid training can make the difference between life and death.

The need for the skills developed at first aid courses may be particularly necessary during the winter, it has been suggested. According to a representative from St John Ambulance, many more injuries occur when the conditions are icy and treacherous.

Commenting on the issue, Bernard Ingram, county executive officer for the charity in Northamptonshire, said more people suffer physical damage when freezing temperatures take hold, AboutMyArea reports.

He added: “In winter, especially during … snowy and icy conditions … we can expect an increase in the number of sprains and fractures we are treating because more people are slipping and falling in the cold weather and damaging their wrists, ankles or collarbones.”

The expert went on to point out that certain people are also more at risk of experiencing problems connected with respiratory conditions like asthma when it is cold.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust remarked: “On average, our activity has increased by ten per cent during the current spell of bad weather and in response we have activated our severe weather plan.”

When people experience medical problems as a result of the freezing temperatures and icy conditions, or indeed under any other circumstances, it is vital that they receive attention as soon as possible.

These days, there is a legal requirement concerning how many staff members in certain firms have to had first aid training. This means that a number of risks in the workplace can be reduced. There are a whole range of courses that individuals can take in order to help them become proficient in the discipline.