This month's Breakfast Briefing brought together colleagues for an engaging and insightful session focused on lifesaving skills and emotional wellbeing. The session combined practical first aid training with important discussions around mental health and support in the workplace. From CPR demonstrations to advice on coping with trauma, attendees left with valuable knowledge, new confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of both physical and emotional care in emergency situations
In this session we focused on first aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), wellbeing of first aiders and what to do if you have experienced a traumatic event. We had the pleasure of our own Ed-Maskell-White leading today's briefing!
The session began at 7:30am where attendees could grab a bacon roll and a hot drink before starting. This gave our delegates the perfect opportunity to network and relax before the briefing started.
Understanding the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest
In the first part of the session, we began by looking at the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked (blood clot, whereas a cardiac arrest is when your heart stop pumping blood to the rest of the body). Our trainer Ed likened a heart attack to a ‘plumbing’ issue and a cardiac arrest to a ‘electrical’ issue to allow our delegates to better to visualise it.
We then looked at heartbeat rhythms and what they can tell us. If you are breathing normally your chart will show a regular pattern of heartbeat. However, if you were experiencing cardiac arrest or a heart attack your rhythm would be irregular. This helps first aiders, nurses, doctors and more interpret what you are experiencing.
The CPR demonstration and a step-by-step guide on how to administer
Ed gave us an amazing demonstration of CPR including how to approach a patient, checking for breathing, hand placement for chest compressions and how to use a defibrillator. He went through every step thoroughly to ensure the attendees knew what to do if they were in a similar situation.
To start off the demonstration Ed told us: when approaching a patient always approach from the feet. This allows them to see you by only moving their eyes as if they've had a fall, moving their neck could cause more damage. Then to check if they are breathing, slowly tilt their head as doing this quickly could cause neck damage (if they’re already injured) and listen closely to see if they are breathing.
To start CPR, place your palm in the middle of their chest. An easy guide of where to place your hands is go from armpit to armpit and meet in the middle. Ensure that your arms are straight and begin compressions making sure that you are pressing 5-6cm into the chest. If you are unsure about the rhythm for compressions, Ed recommended using the beat from the song ‘Staying Alive’. Make sure that you are consistently doing this for at least 2 minutes and if they haven't recovered continue CPR until the ambulance arrives.
Ed then demonstrated how to use a defibrillator and the difference between a semi-automatic and an automatic defibrillator. A semi-automatic one does everything the automatic one does, it just requires you to push the button to send the shock.
CPR Activity
After being shown how to administer CPR and use a defibrillator it was time the attendees had a go. All delegates had a go, and it was great to see everyone helping each other to remember the steps, speed and depth of the compressions. This was a clear indication that the demonstrations and the information was being taken onboard.
Regrouping after the activity allowed people to feedback on how they found it. Many realised how difficult it is to continue to administer for 2 minutes!
Wellbeing for first aiders
Ed then touched on how the first aiders feel not just the person being helped. Traumatic experiences like performing a lifesaving procedure can have an immediate or prolonged effect on someone in that situation. You don't have to be the one hurt to be affected by the event.
Some emotions that can come from situations like these are:
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Memories, dreams and flashbacks
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Avoiding these feelings and memories
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Feeling down or upset
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Avoiding how you're feeling and your memories of the event
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Loss of memory
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Difficult feelings e.g. blaming yourself
Remember avoiding feelings can lead to you feeling worse, it's always better to tell someone and seek appropriate support.
Healing after trauma - Ed’s tips for practical steps for recovery
- Speak to others, sometimes letting it all out can bring you a sense of relief
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Ask for support. This can be from family or even members at your workplace
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Stick to your routine. Staying on track of your day can sometimes help as being busy can take your mind off it
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Embrace how your feeling - You’ve just witnessed or been through a traumatic event, its normal to be feeling upset or affected by it
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Consider seeking professional help. Speaking to your GP can be helpful who can refer you for further specialist support