Training: First Aid

Training for First Aid was very important. We had to be familiar with the general procedures relating to the application of First Aid, particularly relating to cycling expeditions.

First Aid training was completed with Mike Southall. We found First Aid quite easy to understand and so we covered all of it on one of our combined meetings, and this was on the 3rd April 2000.

We had to cover all eventualities, everything from scratches, cuts and grazes to hypothermia and we also covered some ailments and injuries. We also learnt about unlikely things like snake bites and Weil’s Disease.

The main things we had to learn about were:

• Scratches, cuts and grazes
• Severe bleeding
• Bruises
• Burns and scalds
• Blisters
• Nose bleeds
• Snake bites
• Midge and gnat bites
• Wasp and bee stings
• Sprains and strains
• Dislocation and fractures
• Shock
• Fainting
• Aches (head, ear, tooth, etc)
• Cramp

We organised a First Aid Kit to take with us with the following items in it:

12 Adhesive Plasters
1 Roll Bandage
1 Medium Wound Dressing
2 Triangular Bandages
2 Pairs Polythene Gloves
3 Blister Pads
1 Pair of Scissors
1 Sun Barrier Cream
1 Lip Salve
1 Small Conforming Bandage
6 Antiseptic Wipes
2 Plain Gauze Squares
6 Safety Pins
2 Ten Pence Coins
1 Telephone Card

We packed these into a neat box and clearly labelled it ‘First Aid Kit’.