Some Winter Tips to keep you Safe this winter!

Absolutely... which is why we must take care of ourselves! (I so need to start!)

Chasing the dollar can result in Mr Death chasing us... and that's the truth for sure (Which is why everyone should be FIRST AID TRAINED! LOL)

lol Just like the mechanics car that is always the most neglected or the builder that never does any DIY at home

With the recent icy patch and watching some of the loons on the road, I think I'm more worried about someone ploughing into me. Good food for thought, making me think of a "can your biz survive without the gaffer type post" 

As a horrendously and shamefully out of date first aider, can you prove me right or wrong in regard to the recent major accident in soaplands Albert Square (the East Ends unluckiest place to live and car insurance blackspot).

If you didn't see it, a car rolled over onto it's side with the occupants inside with the obligatory pregnant woman and no seat belt. Someone then decided to right the car on it's wheels, (lets hope there were no spinal injuries).

The occupants all bar the pregnant character were then dragged out of the car which at this point hadn't burst into flames, as all TV car crashes naturally eventually do.

I was always taught if there was no obvious imminent danger, to keep the casualty still, check the airway, keep them warm and reassure, waiting for the professionals to turn up. Rather than drag them out and risk paralysis. Obviously if they have limbs missing and gushing blood then that's a different story and fingers crossed there's a confident first aider near by!

So in the event we stumble across a winter accident and are first on the scene, what are your top tips? Just leave them be, reassure and make sure someone's actually phoned an ambulance?

Ah... Soaplands...!

I've actually used the Emmerdale Plane crash as a prelim to a mass exercise once.... complete with Cockpit and pig entrails... 

As far as First Aid is concerned, you're spot on. Unless the casualty is in danger, you keep them where they are, supporting the head, preventing any movement. As the car is upside down, well, we have a bit of a problem if the passengers are still in their seats (usually they flop out). I'd be tempted to support the weight of the casualty, and lower them slowly, whilst trying to support the head etc.

Cars tend not to explode into flames, and simply knocking off the ignition (if you can find it) or disconnecting the battery leads for major crashes. (Modern cars tend to unlock the doors and kill all power after airbag deployment).

This winter, (as in any winter) the chances of coming across someone parked up against a tree on a country lane is much higher than in summer.

Simply, Call for help (999), Keep the casualty warm (With a blanket), Keep their head in a nice central position with your hands either side of their head, Talk to them, reassure them, and wait.

If there is bleeding, then treat this. Is there isn't breathing, then treat this. 

As always, good First Aid training is critical. It not only informs, and educates, but it prepares. Just as your memory serves you well, this training can last a lifetime - but it's so important to be refreshed and up to date.

Our training covers realistic incidents, where others may not, with accredited qualifications, and tutors with a wealth of experience.... Oh... this is so becoming a pitch for us...

;-)

Im the Health & Safety Governor for a local school & i too used the plane falling out the sky scenario for a fire drill once. I blocked all the usual primary exits, making everyone think about a secondary exit- even some of the teachers got confused!

I remember always moaning about fire drill as a child, how my eyes where opened to "acting" out a disaster scenario as above with the school. Major changes where swiftly brought in!

My school had fire drills... and actions on:
1) Nuclear attack
2) Bomb blast
3) Air - raid warning

The joys of being schooled in Germany during the Cold War.

I miss it so much... There was so much certainty, and we just lived with it!

But being prepared, and thinking out the box is so important Clive. Block those exits (In the scenario). Prepare people for the worst!

-Clives Fire Drill Video-

Sadly i wasnt allowed to use smoke - i think it may have scared our pupils !

The Head at the time drew a nice little flame on a piece of paper that said - "Im a fire you cannot get out this way" - simple but effective 

Im off on  Health & Safety course in a couple of weeks with the new head - i'm at a loss as to what i'm going to get out of it, but the school are paying - will get back to you if it was worth it or not

Originally Posted by Garde

“The Head at the time drew a nice little flame on a piece of paper that said - "Im a fire you cannot get out this way" - simple but effective ”

That is a Great Idea! 

Simple but effective as you say!

These things are so important.

I was recently teaching in a brand named international retail outlet (Check me out for not name dropping - and saving us getting sued!). In this multi-national store which yields from somewhere close to the eastern parts of the EU a potential terrorist event occurred whilst I was mid lesson.

The place had a well versed evacuation drill for all the staff, which shows that training pays off.

I must say, as the 200 or so members of staff evacuated, and assembled in the car park - the whole process was really good. Room for improvement, but really good none the less.

We were schooled weekly on the actions on this or that.  It's for the win.

I'm going to nick the heads idea of a fire. Love it!

**** Hastily goes off to Trademark the idea **** Cross my palm with silver, it was my idea, implemented by her 

I did another fire drill not so long ago - one of my other bleats was people looking for the most direct route to the muster area, even if that meant staying in the building longer !

I watched a member of staff walk past a fire door/exit to go through another corridor that then led to the play ground - rest assured that won't be happening again, well not on my watch  

Refer to video above....

"Flings filing cabinet through window" ;-)