Health & First Aid
First Response Courses
All adult leaders need to hold a current first aid qualification. This can either be a recognised first aid certificate from an approved training organisation or the Guide Association's First Response Certificate.
Whichever qualification you hold it needs to be reassessed every three years. This is because protocols and thinking can change quite rapidly in first aid.
Application
Application for both initial first response and first response renewal training is via the Wiltshire South Booking Form sent with a stamped self addressed envelope to the First Aid Advisor (address in county directory).
On receipt of your form your name will be placed on the waiting list for a course. Depending on the options you have given on your application form as to where and when you can attend, it may take up to six months for you to get on a course, usually it is considerably quicker.
New Guiders
If you are undertaking your adult leadership course you will need First Response before you can complete this qualification. Please apply early, otherwise you may find you are delayed finishing your leadership qualification due to a wait for First Response.
Other Qualifications or Experience
If you hold equivalent first aid qualifications from other organisations it may not be necessary for you to undergo First Response. This may also be the case if you work in a profession where you are regularly assessed on resuscitation and basic life support skills. If you think this may be the case please contact the First Aid Advisor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before applying for a place on a course. This may prevent you having to attend a course unnecessarily.
Courses
Approximately six courses are held each year either at Berwick or in West Wilts (usually at Holt). Please note no courses are held in July or August, so if you need a renewal for camp/holiday apply early!
Courses start at 9.30am and run to around 5.00pm with short breaks for coffee and lunch during the day. In order to obtain your certificate of attendance you need to attend for the whole of the day. The course is the same length whether you are attending for the first time or renewing your certificate.
When you have been accepted on a course you will receive a letter giving details of the course. To secure your place on the course you will need to return the slip along with a deposit. Please don't leave this to the last minute, as if not enough positive replies are received by 7 days before the course, the course will be cancelled. Your deposit will be returned to you when you attend the course.
Other First Aid Training
It is sometimes possible to arrange first aid sessions for Senior Section who are undertaking Duke of Edinburgh Courses please e-mail the First Aid Advisor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Equipment
Resusci-Annes are available to borrow from Berwick. Please contact the First Aid Advisor if you wish to borrow these. Please do not just take them. They may have been promised to someone else or may be required for a First Response Course at Berwick. Just imagine turning up to teach a course only to find the Annie's are missing!! A phone call or e-mail is all that I ask.
