First Aid Training for Swimming Teachers: Ensuring Safety in Every Stroke

First aid training is the culmination of our series of blogs on the Spring Term 2024 Instructor Training Meeting. Our experienced trainer, David Ashton, equipped the team with essential skills to respond effectively in emergency situations. David is accredited by the National Pool Lifesaving Society UK (www.rlss.org.uk). He led a comprehensive session showcasing SwimWay’s dedication a secure and protected environment for team members and swimmers. Here, we explore the pinnacle of our training series, underscoring the core value of safety in all our endeavors.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED): A Lifesaving Device

Understanding the significance of prompt intervention in cardiac arrests, David emphasized the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). A majority of cardiac arrests initiate with ventricular fibrillation (VF), an abnormal, fast, irregular heartbeat. Electrical defibrillation, administered through AEDs, is established as the most effective treatment. In the training, instructors learned the step-by-step procedures for:

• • Adult CPR (both dry and drowned)

• • Child CPR

• • Infant CPR

• • Two-Person CPR

• • CPR for Upper Spinal Cord Injury.

Secondary Survey: Thorough Assessment for Comprehensive Care

David also covered a secondary survey, ensuring a thorough assessment of a casualty’s condition. This involved checking breathing, head, mouth, neck, chest, arms, abdomen, pelvis, legs, and feet for any abnormalities.

Dealing with External Bleeds, Shock, and Broken Bones: A Calm and Assured Approach

In external bleeding, shock, or broken bones, instructors received training on properly immobilizing and providing reassurance and monitoring. A range of specific scenarios were simulated, including:

• • Adult Dry CPR with AED

• • Adult Spinal CPR

• • Drowned Adult CPR

• • Child CPR

• • Child Two-Rescuer

• • Pocket Mask CPR

• • Child CPR with AED

At the end of the meeting, instructors departed empowered with essential skills for diverse emergency situations. This meticulous training stands as a testament to SwimWay’s unwavering commitment. It reaffirms our dedication to fostering a safe and secure environment for instructors and the swimmers we cherish. As we look ahead, the journey doesn’t end here. The next training meeting is on the horizon, scheduled for late April as we kick off the Summer Term.

Click here to learn more about SwimWay’s termly team meetings and health and safety policies.