Active First Aid

23/04/2026

CANINE FIRST AID

By engaging in certified training, staying informed about seasonal risks, and equipping yourself with appropriate first aid supplies, UK dog owners can enhance their preparedness for canine emergencies.

Current Spring time risks for dogs within the uk may include:

Grass seeds: these can become embedded in the dogs skin, ears, or paws and can lead to infections.
Toxic plants: bulbs such as daffodils and tulips as well as other common spring time flora can be harmful if ingested.
Allergies: pollen and other allergens may cause sneezing, itching as well as skin irritation.
Beach hazards: saltwater ingestion, eating sand (!) washed up palm oil and hidden debris can pose threats.
Snake bites: around 100 dogs a year are reported to have been bitten by Adders (the UK’s only wild venomous snake).

Whether you are a dog owner or work with dogs the skills taught on a canine course can be invaluable. Dog professionals particularly have a duty of care to the animals they work with, and completing a canine first aid course ensures they are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations—potentially saving a dog’s life before veterinary care is available.

The next face to face course is Sunday 3rd May in Llanberis, North Wales https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid

19/04/2026

FIRST AID CHANGES FOR 2026

The Resuscitation Council UK revises its first aid and resuscitation guidance every five years so that training stays aligned with the most up-to-date scientific evidence. This happened late 2025 and these changes are now being implemented.

The biggest change you may notice is to Dial 999 as soon as someone is unresponsive (i .e. you can’t wake them up).

So why the change? Because emergency call handlers are highly skilled at guiding you through what to look for, including tricky signs like abnormal breathing. Getting them involved early cuts down delays—and in these situations, every second really counts.

If you’re on your own, switch your phone to speaker. If someone else is there, get them to make the call while you continue your checks. Of course there are implications if you don’t have a phone or you are in an area with no mobile signal and these are discuss on my courses.

Put simply:
Unresponsive (can’t wake them up) = Call 999. No hesitation. No delay.

17/04/2026

COVID COURSE MEMORY

This photo popped up in my Facebook memories today… one of my COVID-safe first aid courses.

Just six people in the room. Doors and windows wide open. Clearly marked “pods” on the floor, each one separated by plastic sheeting. Every candidate had their own kit box under their chair and a full-body manikin to work on independently.

It was a completely different way of teaching — careful, controlled, and a little surreal at times.

Looking back, those really were strange days… but also a reminder of how adaptable we can be when it truly matters.

15/04/2026

CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

Continuous learning isn’t just a requirement—it’s a responsibility. My governing body REC lays down strict requirements for CPD which enables me to continue to be awarded my REC Instructors Certificate.

Over the past 27 years I've completed hundreds of hours of CPD and today I've just renewed my online RECOVER CPR: Pet CPR course to make sure I'm up to date with all the changes.

Whether it’s refreshing core skills, learning new techniques, or keeping up with the latest guidelines, every bit of learning makes a difference.

15/04/2026

CANINE FIRST AID

When your dog becomes injured or unwell whilst out and about, one of the challenges you may have is how you are going to get them to a veterinary surgery.

Panic is natural, but staying calm and thinking clearly is what helps your dog most in that moment. On our canine first aid courses we will look at practical options of how you may do this.

Things to consider are:

• Keeping them as still as possible to avoid worsening any injuries
• Using a coat, blanket, or even a makeshift stretcher (see below) if needed
• Supporting their whole body—especially the head, neck, and spine
• Avoiding giving food or water if they may need urgent treatment (ask your vet)
• Reassure them with your voice—they will take comfort from you

Planning ahead is just as important. When you’re out exploring, always think: “If something went wrong right now, how would I get my dog to safety?”

Would you know what to do?

These are the real-life situations we cover on our canine first aid course — because being prepared isn’t about fear, it’s about giving your dog the best chance when it matters most.

Next canine course is Sunday 3rd May at Boulder Adventures here in Llanberis.

14/04/2026

Welcome to LDUK, a registered charity founded by Lyme disease patients and run by volunteers. We're the largest Lyme disease support network in the UK.

12/04/2026

CANINE FIRST AID COURSES

Every year, thousands of UK dogs are hit by cars — and over 1 in 5 won’t survive. Would you know what to do?

Recently, I had a close call. A visitor opened their car boot and their dog suddenly jumped out and ran straight across the road. I wasn’t going fast and I immediately hit the brakes and just avoided it.

Learn what to do in an emergency

🚨 Gain confidence when it matters most

🚨 Because help isn’t always immediately there

🚨 Don’t wait until it’s your dog. Be prepared.

The next canine first aid course is Sunday 3rd May here in Llanberis. Get in touch if you would like more details or visit the website https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid

11/04/2026

BANDAGES AND DRESSINGS

When it comes to first aid, not all bandages are created equal! Knowing what to use (and when) can make a huge difference in how well a wound heals—whether it’s for humans or our four-legged friends.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

🔹 Wound Dressings
These are your first line of defence. They go directly onto the wound to protect it, absorb blood, and reduce the risk of infection.
👉 Use for: cuts, grazes, surgical wounds, or anything that needs covering.

🔹 Non-Adherent Dressings
A must-have in any kit! These are designed not to stick to the wound, making them much more comfortable to remove.
👉 Use for: burns, delicate wounds, or anything that might reopen if disturbed.

🔹 Crepe Bandages
These are stretchy, reusable bandages that provide light support and hold dressings in place.
👉 Use for: sprains, strains, or securing a dressing without too much pressure.

🔹 Cohesive Bandage (also known as vet wrap)
This clever bandage sticks to itself but not to skin or fur—perfect for animals (and wriggly patients!).
👉 Use for: securing dressings, light support, and situations where tape won’t stay put.

💡 Top Tip:
Always check circulation after applying any bandage—too tight can cause more harm than good!

First aid isn’t about fancy equipment—it’s about knowing how to use what you’ve got. A well-stocked kit and a little knowledge go a long way 🙌

09/04/2026

08/04/2026

⭐ Great news for Lyme disease awareness and research ⭐

The study “Lyme disease in UK primary care: a knowledge, attitude, and practice survey” by Delaney et al has been named the No. 7 most read research article of 2025 in BJGP Open.

This is hugely encouraging to see. Many members of the Lyme Disease UK community took the time to respond to this survey, helping to highlight patient experiences and the realities of Lyme disease in primary care. Your voices helped make this research possible.

Last year we also explored the findings and what they mean for patients in our web article: https://lymediseaseuk.com/lyme-disease-in-primary-care-and-patient-outcomes/

It’s great to see such strong interest in this topic among healthcare professionals and researchers. Continued attention to Lyme disease in primary care is an important step toward improving awareness, diagnosis and patient outcomes.

Thank you to everyone in our community who contributed to the study.

07/04/2026

CANINE FIRST AID

The next Canine course is on Sunday 3rd May. There are still a few spaces left. If you are interested please get in touch or visit the website at https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid