Could you save a life?

Roi Humphris says a workplace first aid course is also useful outside work in situations where bystanders need to step in and help until an ambulance arrives. Picture / Kelly Blizard

While mopping up blood or "rescue breathing" is not something most look forward to or even think about, graduates of St John's Workplace First Aid course say the training is invaluable - and not just for work.

After two intensive days of learning and assessment, participants become qualified and certified "first aiders".

NZQA credits are available, and for those sponsored by work it's two days out of the office.

Still, it was with pale face and churning stomach that this squeamish reporter headed to the course, described by senior tutor and ex-ambulance officer Roi Humphris as the organisation's "flagship" education service.

"It's certainly the most popular because, sadly, people don't go on first aid courses because they want to go," he says. "They go because they have to."

Despite this, St John reports the majority of ex-students who use their first aid at a serious incident will not be at work at the time.

And not everyone at the North Shore course I attend has been ordered to go by their employer.

Some are self-employed, two want to become volunteer ambulance officers and one 18-year-old is here because she simply doesn't want to be another useless bystander, like those who couldn't help when she was seriously injured in a car accident. Most also see the course as useful for their hobbies - boating, fishing, tramping, endurance racing - as well as essential for parents.

Roi is a large man with a blackish sense of humour, a beard and extensive first aid knowledge.

He has been teaching St John students how to save lives for nearly 20 years, and just a couple of months ago was rewarded in a very personal way when two ex-students helped his elderly mother.

"In the classroom you can never actually do first aid," he tells us in the warm-up session, after the obligatory introductions.

"I'm not going to pop an artery to test you. I'm not going to break someone's leg and let you guys 'explore' what you think you should do."

Participation is big in this class, although in the form of role-play. There's no exam, just a booklet with checklists that are mainly peer assessed and cover topics such as rescue breathing, CPR, severe bleeding, poisoning, fractures and shock.

Building confidence is very important. Years down the track Roi knows some will find it difficult to remember exactly how many times you are supposed to push on someone's chest when their heart has stopped beating, before you breathe into their mouth or nose.

It doesn't matter in the scheme of things, he says. What's really important is that you have the basic skills to be able to give it a shot. Currently, only 40 per cent of people have started CPR when emergency services arrive - down from 70 per cent in the early 90s.

"People are too scared to do CPR in case they do it wrong," says Roi. "But what can they possibly do wrong? The person is already dead. You've just got to get into it and hope for the best."

Out of his St John uniform, Roi has used CPR twice - once on a stranger on Takapuna Beach, the second time on his father.

"It's really important that you do CPR, not just for the patient, but for yourself," he tells the class. "They may have injuries incompatible with life. But at least you can stand there, look at yourself in the mirror and say that you had a go."

Hygiene and safety are big in the class - there are wipes and face shields for the freaky-looking doll's mouths we practise breathing into.

But practicality and making do with whatever you have is also emphasised. A T-shirt can do as a mouth shield for rescue breathing, likewise a wet sheet can help cool burns and a pillow is an effective splint for a broken arm.

Recounting when a student pulled him aside to ask what would happen if a patient not breathing had a whopping cold sore, Roi recalls telling her: "Cold sore? Oh dear, they're dead ... because you're obviously not going to help them."

Roi is quick to acknowledge that many trained workplace first aiders may never need to do anything more than bandage a cut. They shouldn't, he says, if all health and safety procedures are being followed.

Despite this, the course could never be a waste of time. Who says you won't be first on the scene at a car crash, or with your mum when she has a heart attack?

"If you are lying in the middle of the road and a bus has just ripped off your leg you don't want to hear, 'It's okay, help is on the way'," Roi tells the class. "Wouldn't you rather hear that help is already here? Advanced paramedics think they can walk on water - and they usually can," he continues. "But the truth is they don't get far without first aiders. You are the most important people in the medical system."


FIVE FIRST AID SITUATIONS YOU COULD MEET

Last year, there were 252,731 work-related claims to ACC. Would you know what to do if someone around you has an accident or suffers a medical problem?

Hand Injuries

From paper cuts to amputations, the hands are what we work with and are most likely to be injured.

What do to: If there is blood, wear gloves and immediately stem the bleeding by applying pressure for 10 continuous minutes (don't check to see if it has stopped) or longer if the injury requires it. Clean the cut and dress it to prevent infection.

In the case of a missing finger, place the digit in a plastic bag first, then into ice and call 111.

Falls

Another common accident, whether it be stairs, or off a ladder or roof. With varying results.

What to do: Don't move the patient unless their airway is blocked, in which case move onto side. Check breathing and pulse, keep them warm with a blanket, check for bleeding and stop it, immobilise any broken bones/suspected broken bones. Reassure patient and, if serious, call 111.

Minor Burns

At almost every workplace there is the potential for burns, whether from a cup of tea or a steam burn, touching hot machinery or even chemicals or extremely cold liquid gases.

What to do: Cool by flooding with cold tap water for at least 10 continuous minutes to reduce both pain and further damage, but 20 minutes is better.

Cover with cling film to prevent infection and reduce pain, much of which is caused when the burnt area is exposed to air. See doctor or call ambulance as appropriate.

Diabetes-related

Diabetes is on the rise in this country and if a patient's blood sugar is too low or too high they could be in big trouble. Insulin and food intake must be balanced to maintain correct sugar levels.

What to do: Diabetics often know if they need their medication or, conversely, if they haven't eaten enough glucose. But patients can worsen rapidly and may not remember, appearing drunk and, without help, they could fall into a coma. Roi Humphris of St John advises : "Feed them. If they need more sugar they will begin to improve within a couple of minutes. If not, they will stay the same. Call the ambulance."

Seizures

People have seizures for a variety of reasons, although epilepsy is the condition we all know.

What to do: If someone has a seizure, give them room and let them go for it, says Roi. Do not put anything in their mouth or try to restrain them, although if outside, put something under their head to protect it. Cover them with a blanket and if the seizure has not stopped after 10 minutes, or multiple seizures occur, call an ambulance. Do not send the person straight home, let them sleep first or wait for a family member to escort them.

* Always fill out the accident register if you hurt yourself at work.

* More information: ph 0800 FIRST AID

- THE AUCKLANDER