* This is an odd sponsored post! I first noticed Bumps and Bashes when they followed me on Twitter. Eager to know more I started chatting with them, and visited their web page. Bumps and Bashes offer a 3 hour course for parents, whilst focusing on children and babies, they also cover adult first aid scenarios too. I am so passionate about first aid, I think every parent should be taught first aid, either as part of antenatal classes, or in the post natal period. Bumps and Bashes classes are "low impact" on your life, just 3 hours, and you have the necessary skills to save a life. Time and money well spent.
I have not been paid for this review, but was honoured to be invited to attend a complimentary session to learn more.
I took my inital first aid course at the age of 12. I kept up my skills, doing numerous courses. I have found that I have used my skills on many occasions. First aid doesn't teach you to be a nurse or a doctor, and suprisingly many doctors and nurses don't actually know first aid. I have seen a young GP try to move a patient who had fainted. Fortunately an experienced GP ran down the corridor and shouted instructions. First aid is not about making diagnoses, or being a hero. It's about being present, aware, and maintaining a person in a reasonable state of health until formal medical help arrives.
When Joseph was born I knew he was at high risk of cot death, and also of aspiration (breathing in fluid). I knew he might have apnoeas (episodes of cessation of breathing in his sleep). Before leaving the unit, our unit Sister made sure all parents had learnt resusciation. It was terrifying. I had used my first aid skills on many occasions but now I was facing the real scenario that it could be my child that I may have to resucitate.
And yes, one night, Joseph stopped breathing. We'd had a lot of trouble getting him to settle at night and the neonatal outreach sister had suggested we put him to sleep in his pram. One night I heard a thrashing, then it stopped. I flew out of bed, instinctively I knew something was wrong. I scooped into the pram, fished Joseph out, and put him in the recovery position on my arm. He vomited everywhere. I was never so grateful to be covered in baby sick. He had aspirated and choked.
I knew what to do, I had been well prepared. And this is why I believe first aid classes are so important. If something happens to your child, you want to know what to do. Being well versed in first aid gives you confidence.
At the class I attended with Bumps and Bashes, I was impressed at how much time we had to practice each manouvre, and the number of dummies available. Instruction was friendly, informative, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The paediatric first aid booklet we were given was easy to read and I'm going to keep mine in my kitchen, alongside the helpful list of numbers. Who would have though of putting your own address on a form near your tea and coffee supplies? Think about it, friends who pop around may know your house as the "brick place on the corner with the lavender bushes" but not the address. If you are giving CPR to your child you don't want to be stopping to give someone your address to call the ambulance. Genius.
Classes are held in Manchester and Cheshire. Classes can also be held in your own home.
And the cost, just £34 per person. I think its money so well spent, and will give you skills that could save a life.
I have not been paid for this review, but was honoured to be invited to attend a complimentary session to learn more.
I took my inital first aid course at the age of 12. I kept up my skills, doing numerous courses. I have found that I have used my skills on many occasions. First aid doesn't teach you to be a nurse or a doctor, and suprisingly many doctors and nurses don't actually know first aid. I have seen a young GP try to move a patient who had fainted. Fortunately an experienced GP ran down the corridor and shouted instructions. First aid is not about making diagnoses, or being a hero. It's about being present, aware, and maintaining a person in a reasonable state of health until formal medical help arrives.
When Joseph was born I knew he was at high risk of cot death, and also of aspiration (breathing in fluid). I knew he might have apnoeas (episodes of cessation of breathing in his sleep). Before leaving the unit, our unit Sister made sure all parents had learnt resusciation. It was terrifying. I had used my first aid skills on many occasions but now I was facing the real scenario that it could be my child that I may have to resucitate.
And yes, one night, Joseph stopped breathing. We'd had a lot of trouble getting him to settle at night and the neonatal outreach sister had suggested we put him to sleep in his pram. One night I heard a thrashing, then it stopped. I flew out of bed, instinctively I knew something was wrong. I scooped into the pram, fished Joseph out, and put him in the recovery position on my arm. He vomited everywhere. I was never so grateful to be covered in baby sick. He had aspirated and choked.
I knew what to do, I had been well prepared. And this is why I believe first aid classes are so important. If something happens to your child, you want to know what to do. Being well versed in first aid gives you confidence.
At the class I attended with Bumps and Bashes, I was impressed at how much time we had to practice each manouvre, and the number of dummies available. Instruction was friendly, informative, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The paediatric first aid booklet we were given was easy to read and I'm going to keep mine in my kitchen, alongside the helpful list of numbers. Who would have though of putting your own address on a form near your tea and coffee supplies? Think about it, friends who pop around may know your house as the "brick place on the corner with the lavender bushes" but not the address. If you are giving CPR to your child you don't want to be stopping to give someone your address to call the ambulance. Genius.
Classes are held in Manchester and Cheshire. Classes can also be held in your own home.
And the cost, just £34 per person. I think its money so well spent, and will give you skills that could save a life.
