First Aid, Advice News & Updates
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) works by acting as an external, manual pump for the heart. When a person's heart stops beating effectively (cardiac arrest), blood flow to the brain and other vital organs ceases. CPR helps keep oxygenated blood moving until the...
The correct positioning of AED pads is really important. It has been shown to be critical in ensuring the maximum electric shock flows directly through the heart muscle (the myocardium). If the pads are incorrectly places, the shock can bypass the heart muscle or arc...
A recent study has flagged up that as many as 1 in 5 prescriptions may include mistakes, and it has been estimated that GPs, pharmacists, care homes and hospitals could be making up to 237 million drug errors annually. For some patients these mistakes can be hugely...
Having fun in the sun during the summer holidays often includes water, be it in a paddling pool, Lido, villa pool, lake, river or the sea. However, whilst it is refreshing to take a dip, staying safe is vital. Sadly, drowning can happen quickly and quietly. In fact,...
Unpaid carers are a lifeline to those they look after and are of huge benefit to society as a whole. A staggering 7 million of us in the UK are carers and so the relief to NHS services is truly incalculable. Supporting carers and enabling them to care effectively and...
Everyone has suffered from those incredibly itchy bites and stings that keep you awake at night. Although some people may seem more susceptible to bites, others may have spectacular and occasionally life-threatening reactions. This guide gives you a general overview...
All dog walkers should be aware of the dangers of a serious bacterial infection called Lyme disease which is passed on by ticks to them and their dog. Lyme disease can be a devastating disease, yet it can be easily treated if caught early. Dogs, cats and humans...
What is Chickenpox? Chickenpox is usually a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. It causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off. Some...
What is a bleed kit? Bleed kits contain a variety of different products, all designed to stop bleeding in various parts of the body. There may be a blast dressing, a versatile, highly absorbent and padded dressing with an elasticated pressure bandage attached, to...
Marathon day is one of London's most electric occasions, the streets buzz with noise, colour and emotion as 40,000 runners tackle 26.2 miles through the capital. But the day belongs just as much to the tens of thousands of supporters who come out to cheer, wave...
Knife crime is at a record high in the UK. Every day the news reports yet another story of injury or fatality related to knife crime. Would you know how to help with major bleeding while also keeping yourself safe? In the year ending March 2023, there were around...
Running the London Marathon is an extraordinary achievement. Whether you're a seasoned runner or tackling 26.2 miles for the first time, the difference between a great race and a miserable one often comes down to preparation. Here are our top tips to help you arrive...
People often ask if they can get into trouble for giving first aid. Thankfully this is highly unlikely, particularly if you are doing your best and following recognised guidance. If you are kind enough to stop and administer first aid to someone, or need to give them...
Every five years the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), the ERC (European Resuscitation Council) and Resuscitation Council UK publish the latest guidelines for resuscitation. These guidelines align to the National Institute for Health and Care...
What is a seizure? A seizure is the medical term for a fit or convulsion. One in twenty people will have a seizure at some point in their lives. However, not everyone who has a seizure will have epilepsy. Electrical activity happens constantly in our...
