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PRE HOSPITAL CARE

Effective Skills Training Ltd significantly expands its first aid offerings with a dedicated suite of courses focused on Advanced First Aid and Pre-Hospital Care. These programs are specifically designed to go beyond the scope of conventional basic first aid, providing participants with higher-level skills, often leading to a Level 3 qualification. This advanced training is crucial for individuals who may be the first responders in more complex or high-risk situations, bridging the gap between standard first aid and professional emergency medical services.

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  • FAQ Award for First Responders on Scene, Emergency First Responder Level 3:

    • Definition: This robust Level 3 qualification is designed for individuals likely to be the initial responders to an emergency, often in situations where immediate professional medical assistance may be delayed or complex. It equips them with advanced patient assessment skills and the ability to manage various medical emergencies and traumatic injuries before paramedics or other definitive care arrive.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Scene Management & Safety: Comprehensive assessment of the incident scene, including dynamic risk assessment and effective communication with emergency services.

      • Advanced Patient Assessment: Systematic primary and secondary surveys (DRSABCD, AMPLE history, top-to-toe examination), vital signs monitoring (pulse, respiration, level of consciousness), and interpretation of findings.

      • Management of Medical Emergencies: In-depth care for conditions such as cardiac arrest (advanced CPR, effective AED use, post-resuscitation care), stroke, heart attack, diabetes, asthma, anaphylaxis (including auto-injector use), seizures, and poisoning.

      • Management of Trauma: Advanced control of severe bleeding (including tourniquets and haemostatic dressings), managing shock, head injuries, spinal injuries (including manual inline stabilisation and basic spinal immobilisation), chest injuries, abdominal injuries, fractures, dislocations, and burns.

      • Oxygen Administration: Safe and effective use of medical oxygen.

      • Airway Management: Techniques beyond basic head-tilt chin-lift, potentially including airway adjuncts like oropharyngeal airways (OPAs).

      • Communication & Documentation: Effective handover of patient information to arriving emergency services and accurate record-keeping.

    • Who is it for? This course is ideal for security personnel, event medical staff, industrial first responders, remote workers, volunteer community first responders, search and rescue teams, expedition leaders, and individuals aiming for higher first aid capability in challenging environments.

  • Sports First Responder Level 3:

    • Definition: This specialised Level 3 qualification focuses specifically on the unique challenges and types of injuries encountered in a sporting context. It equips individuals with advanced skills for immediate pitch-side or event-side assessment, treatment, and management of sports-related medical emergencies and traumatic injuries.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Pre-Event Planning: Understanding risk assessment specific to sports, equipment checks, and emergency action plans.

      • Advanced Injury Assessment: Systematic assessment of musculoskeletal injuries (fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains), head injuries (including concussion recognition and management), spinal injuries (including manual inline stabilisation).

      • Pitch-Side Emergency Care: Immediate management of an unconscious athlete, advanced CPR and AED use in a sports environment, central bleeding control, and management of specific sports-related medical conditions (e.g., sudden cardiac arrest in athletes, exercise-induced asthma, heat exhaustion/stroke, anaphylaxis).

      • Safe Moving & Extrication: Techniques for safe movement and extrication of injured athletes from playing surfaces or challenging locations.

      • Concussion Management: Detailed understanding of concussion signs, symptoms, and return-to-play protocols.

      • Environmental Considerations: Managing injuries and illnesses related to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, lightning).

      • Communication & Handover: Effective communication with team management, coaches, and arriving medical professionals.

    • Who is it for? Sports therapists, sports coaches, team medics, athletic trainers, event medical staff for sports events, physiotherapists, and individuals directly involved in the immediate care of athletes.

  • First Aid Responder Level 3:

    • Definition: This is a comprehensive and advanced Level 3 first aid qualification designed for individuals who require a broad and deep understanding of emergency care in a general context, going significantly beyond the standard First Aid at Work. It focuses on systematic patient assessment and managing various medical and trauma emergencies.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • In-depth Patient Assessment: Detailed primary and secondary surveys, comprehensive vital signs assessment, and gathering patient history.

      • Advanced Airway Management: Use various airway adjuncts (e.g., OPA, NPA) and suction.

      • Oxygen Therapy: Safe and effective administration of medical oxygen.

      • Cardiovascular Emergencies: Advanced management of cardiac arrest (CPR, AED, post-resuscitation care), heart attack, and stroke.

      • Respiratory Emergencies: In-depth management of asthma, anaphylaxis, and other breathing difficulties.

      • Diabetic Emergencies: Recognition and management of hypo- and hyperglycaemia.

      • Trauma Management: Comprehensive control of severe bleeding, management of shock, spinal injuries, head injuries, chest and abdominal trauma, burns (various classifications), and major fractures.

      • Environmental Emergencies: Detailed understanding and management of hypothermia, hyperthermia, and drowning.

      • Poisoning & Overdose: Recognition and initial management.

      • Incident Management & Documentation: Organising an incident scene, prioritising casualties, and meticulous record-keeping.

    • Who is it for? Individuals needing a higher level of general emergency first aid capability, such as community emergency responders, charity volunteers (e.g., St John Ambulance, British Red Cross), security staff, event medical support, and those aspiring to roles within the broader pre-hospital care environment.

  • First Responder Annual Refresher:

    • Definition: This essential course is designed to maintain and refresh the advanced skills and knowledge of individuals with Level 3 First Responder qualifications (e.g., Emergency First Responder, Sports First Responder, First Aid Responder). It ensures ongoing competence and keeps responders up-to-date with guidelines or best practices changes.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Review and Reinforcement of Core Skills: Intensive practical revision of critical life-saving interventions, including advanced patient assessment, CPR, AED use, central bleeding control, and management of key medical emergencies.

      • Scenario-Based Practice: Engaging in realistic simulations of emergencies to apply and refine skills under pressure.

      • Updates on Guidelines: Learning about any changes or advancements in first aid protocols, equipment, or legislation.

      • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Opportunities to discuss and analyse challenging scenarios encountered in the field.

    • Who is it for? All individuals who have completed a Level 3 First Responder qualification must maintain their skills and knowledge annually, as professional bodies recommend and often require by employers for continued competence.

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Effective Skills Training Ltd offers a specialised range of Trauma and Life Support Courses. These are advanced Level 3 qualifications designed to equip individuals with critical skills for managing severe trauma and immediate life-threatening medical emergencies. They often bridge the gap between standard first aid and professional pre-hospital or hospital care.

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Trauma and Life Support Courses:

  • Major Incident Trauma Level 3:

    • Definition: This advanced course is specifically designed for individuals who may be involved in managing trauma casualties in larger, more complex incidents, such as mass casualty events, industrial accidents, or public emergencies. It goes beyond individual casualty care to focus on the systematic approach required when multiple people are injured, and resources may be strained.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Incident Command Principles: Basic understanding of incident management, scene control, and communication within a multi-agency response.

      • Triage Systems: Practical application of widely recognised triage systems (e.g., START/SALT) to rapidly assess and prioritise casualties for treatment and evacuation based on their injuries and prognosis.

      • Mass Casualty Trauma Assessment: Adapting primary and secondary surveys to assess multiple patients in a chaotic environment efficiently.

      • Advanced Trauma Interventions: Application of immediate life-saving interventions for severe trauma (e.g., massive haemorrhage control, airway management in trauma, tension pneumothorax recognition and basic management) in a high-pressure, multi-casualty setting.

      • Communication & Handover: Effective communication strategies for liaising with emergency services, incident commanders, and other responders.

    • Who is it for? Emergency services support staff, event medical teams, industrial first responders, security teams in high-risk environments, volunteer search and rescue, and organisations requiring a structured response to large-scale emergencies.

  • Immediate Life Support Adults Level 3:

    • Definition: This Level 3 course focuses on equipping responders with the skills to recognise and manage critically ill or injured adult patients in the immediate moments of a life-threatening emergency. It provides a structured approach to patient assessment and intervention, bridging the gap between basic and advanced cardiac life support.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Systematic Assessment (ABCDE approach): Rapid and accurate assessment of Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure in a critically unwell adult.

      • Advanced Airway Management: Use of airway adjuncts (e.g., oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways) and suctioning techniques.

      • High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation: Advanced techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and effective use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and potentially manual defibrillation (depending on scope).

      • Recognition of Peri-Arrest Conditions: Identifying and initiating management for conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest (e.g., severe breathing difficulties, shock, abnormal heart rhythms).

      • Management of Common Medical Emergencies: Initial management of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, anaphylaxis, severe asthma, and diabetic emergencies.

      • Team Dynamics & Communication: Working effectively as part of a resuscitation team requires clear communication and leadership in an emergency.

    • Who is it for? Healthcare support workers, nurses, doctors in non-critical care roles, dental practice teams, sports medics, industrial responders, and other professionals who may be the first to respond to a critical medical emergency in adults.

  • Immediate Life Support Paediatric Level 3:

    • Definition: Similar to the adult ILS course, this Level 3 course is specifically tailored to infants and children's unique physiological and psychological characteristics. It provides immediate life support skills for paediatric patients in critical emergencies, adapting assessment and intervention techniques for this vulnerable population.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Paediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT): Rapid visual and auditory assessment of a child's appearance, breathing, and circulation.

      • Age-Appropriate Airway Management: Techniques for securing and maintaining an airway in infants and children, including appropriate airway adjuncts.

      • Paediatric CPR & Defibrillation: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation tailored for infants and children, including correct AED use with attenuated pads or manual defibrillation.

      • Recognition of Deterioration: Identifying early signs of critical illness or injury in children.

      • Management of Common Paediatric Emergencies: Initial management of severe respiratory distress, anaphylaxis, seizures, sepsis, burns, and trauma in children.

      • Communication with Families: Sensitive and effective communication with parents/guardians during an emergency.

    • Who is it for? Paediatric nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals working with children (e.g., in schools, community health), advanced childminders, and anyone routinely providing care to children in potentially critical settings.

  • Dental Immediate Life Support Level 3:

    • Definition: This Level 3 course is specifically designed for dental professionals and their support staff. It focuses on the recognition and immediate management of medical emergencies that can occur within a dental practice setting. It ensures the entire dental team can respond effectively to a patient collapse or medical crisis.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Recognition of Dental Emergencies: Identifying signs and symptoms of common medical emergencies specific to the dental environment (e.g., syncope, anaphylaxis, cardiac events, choking on dental materials, epileptic seizures, diabetic emergencies).

      • Rapid Assessment & Response: Implementing a systematic approach to assessing a collapsed or unwell patient in the dental chair.

      • CPR & AED Use: High-quality CPR and effective use of an AED within the confines of a dental surgery.

      • Airway Management in Dental Settings: There are specific considerations for airway management with a patient in a dental chair, including foreign body airway obstruction.

      • Emergency Drug Administration: (If within scope of practice) Understanding the use of essential emergency drugs that may be carried in a dental practice.

      • Team Roles & Communication: Defining roles within the dental team during an emergency and ensuring clear communication.

      • Post-Resuscitation Care: Initial care of the patient after a successful resuscitation attempt until paramedics arrive.

    • Who is it for? Dentists, dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dental receptionists – essentially all dental practice team members.

  • Immediate Life Support Healthcare Level 3:

    • Definition: This Level 3 course provides comprehensive immediate life support training for various healthcare professionals. It is designed to meet the standards expected in multiple healthcare settings, from primary care to hospital wards, equipping staff with the skills to respond to adult and potentially paediatric medical emergencies.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Advanced Patient Assessment (ABCDE): In-depth systematic assessment of adult patients (and potentially children, depending on the course variant) in critical conditions.

      • Advanced Airway Management: Proficiency in using various airway adjuncts and techniques for airway control.

      • High-Quality CPR & Defibrillation: Mastery of CPR techniques and effective use of both AEDs and manual defibrillators.

      • Recognition and Management of Deterioration: Identifying early signs of patient deterioration and implementing appropriate interventions.

      • Common Medical & Trauma Emergencies: Comprehensive management of critical medical conditions and initial care for severe trauma within a healthcare context.

      • Ethical & Legal Considerations: Understanding ethical dilemmas and legal responsibilities in resuscitation.

      • Team Leadership & Followership: Developing skills to lead or contribute to a resuscitation team effectively.

    • Who is it for? Nurses, doctors, allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, radiographers), medical students, and other healthcare personnel working in hospitals, clinics, community health services, or primary care settings must maintain a high level of immediate life support competency.

  • Tourniquets, Haemostatic Dressings & using BSI Critical Injury Kits:

    • Definition: This efficient and focused Level 3 course provides in-depth training on advanced techniques for controlling catastrophic haemorrhage, a leading cause of preventable death in trauma. It moves beyond basic direct pressure to teach the practical application of specialised equipment.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Recognition of Life-Threatening Bleeding: Rapid identification of bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure alone.

      • Tourniquet Application: Correct and safe application of commercial tourniquets to limbs, understanding indications, contraindications, and potential complications.

      • Haemostatic Dressing Application: Properly packing and applying haemostatic dressings into wound cavities.

      • Pressure Bandages: Effective use of specialised pressure bandages for severe bleeding.

      • Critical Injury Kit Components: Understanding and utilising other components often found in "Critical Injury Kits" or "Trauma Packs" (e.g., chest seals for penetrating chest injuries, large trauma dressings).

      • Decision-Making: Knowing when to use which advanced bleeding control technique based on the injury type and location.

      • Documentation: Basic principles of documenting the application of these devices.

    • Who is it for? First responders, security personnel, event medical staff, remote area workers, tactical medical personnel, law enforcement, industrial first aiders in high-risk environments, and anyone who might encounter severe traumatic bleeding in their role.

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Effective Skills Training Ltd offers specialised courses in Oxygen and Medical Gas Administration, vital for responders and healthcare professionals. These courses ensure the safe and effective delivery of crucial medical gases in emergency and care settings.

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Oxygen and Medical Gas Administration:

  • Oxygen Provider Level 2:

    • Definition: This Level 2 course provides foundational training in the safe and effective administration of oxygen. It's designed to equip individuals with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to provide supplemental oxygen to casualties in various emergencies, enhancing their overall first aid capabilities.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Physiology of Respiration: Basic understanding of how oxygen affects the body and why it's administered.

      • Indications for Oxygen: Identifying when oxygen therapy is appropriate (e.g., severe breathing difficulties, shock, cardiac arrest, major trauma).

      • Oxygen Safety: Understanding the hazards associated with oxygen (e.g., flammability, cylinder handling, storage) and vital safety precautions.

      • Equipment Setup and Use: Practical skills in assembling oxygen cylinders, regulators, and various oxygen delivery devices (e.g., non-rebreather masks, simple face masks, nasal cannulae).

      • Flow Rates: Understanding and setting appropriate oxygen flow rates.

      • Monitoring: Basic monitoring of the casualty's response to oxygen.

    • Who is it for? General workplace first aiders, healthcare support workers, carers, sports coaches, lifeguards, and any individual who may need to administer oxygen in an emergency as part of their role.

  • FAQ Award in Oxygen Therapy Administration Level 3:

    • Definition: This more advanced Level 3 qualification provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of oxygen therapy administration beyond basic emergency use. It covers a broader range of clinical considerations, different delivery methods, and potential complications, suitable for those requiring a higher level of competency and certification.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Respiratory Physiology in Detail: A deeper understanding of respiratory function, oxygen transport, and the pathological conditions necessitating oxygen therapy.

      • Advanced Indications & Contraindications: Detailed knowledge of when oxygen is indicated and when it should be used with caution or avoided.

      • Types of Oxygen Delivery Devices: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of various high-flow and low-flow oxygen delivery devices, including their specific uses, advantages, and disadvantages.

      • Humidification: Understanding the role of humidification in prolonged oxygen therapy.

      • Monitoring and Assessment: Advanced patient assessment related to respiratory distress and the ongoing monitoring of oxygen saturation (e.g., pulse oximetry) and patient response.

      • Potential Complications: Awareness and basic management of possible complications of oxygen therapy.

      • Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding the professional responsibilities and legal framework surrounding oxygen administration.

    • Who is it for? Advanced first aiders, first responders, event medical personnel, healthcare support workers, ambulance care assistants, and other professionals who require a certificated higher level of proficiency in oxygen therapy.

  • ADMINISTRATION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL GASES:

    • Definition: This course provides a broader scope of training, covering the safe and effective administration of various emergency medical gases, not limited solely to oxygen. This often includes gases like Entonox (a 50% nitrous oxide / 50% oxygen mix, commonly known as "gas and air" for pain relief). It ensures responders can safely handle, prepare, and administer these specific gases in pre-hospital or clinical emergencies.

    • Key Learning Outcomes:

      • Properties of Medical Gases: Understanding emergency medical gases' physical and chemical properties (e.g., oxygen, Entonox).

      • Specific Indications and Contraindications: Detailed knowledge of when each medical gas is indicated and, crucially, when it should not be used due to potential risks or underlying patient conditions.

      • Safe Handling & Storage: Rigorous training in safely handling, storing, and transporting high-pressure medical gas cylinders.

      • Equipment Setup & Administration: Practical skills in setting up and safely administering specific medical gases using their respective delivery systems (e.g., Entonox demand valves).

      • Patient Assessment & Monitoring: Assessing the patient's condition before, during, and after administration, and monitoring for desired effects and potential side effects.

      • Adverse Reactions & Management: Recognition and initial management of adverse reactions or complications from gas administration.

      • Legal, Ethical, and Documentation: Understanding the legal framework, ethical considerations, and proper documentation procedures for administering emergency medical gases.

    • Who is it for? Paramedic support workers, advanced first responders, dental professionals (especially those using N2O for sedation), specific industrial emergency responders (e.g., in hazardous environments), and other healthcare roles involving a range of emergency medical gases.

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