Active First Aid

01/03/2026

CANINE FIRST AID CPD
Continued professional development (CPD) is essential for first aid instructors because it ensures training reflects current guidelines, improves teaching effectiveness, and enables learners to receive accurate, confident, and up-to-date lifesaving instruction.

This afternoon I listened to a 1 hr 30 min presentation on ‘Rethinking Heat Injury in Working Dogs’ by Dr Janice Baker from the Veterinary Tactical Group. Incredibly interesting topic as heat injury is the number one cause of preventalbe illness of death in working dogs. The take home message for all of us is prevention is better than cure, keep the working dog cool throughout its tasking not just when it’s over heating; core temperature is not reliable in predicting heat injury; RAPID cooling with any resources available; cool first transport to vet thereafter; conditioning the working dog is key to its ability to tolerate higher temperatures.

27/02/2026

26/02/2026

AUTOINJECTORS FOR ANAPHYLAXIS

As of January 2026, Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors are no longer in circulation in the UK.

Following a National Patient Safety Alert in May 2023, all unexpired Emerade auto-injectors were recalled due to the potential for device failure (failure to activate).

If you still have an Emerade Pen in the UK, you should immediately contact your GP to request a prescription for a replacement brand, such as EpiPen or Jext, or the new Neffy Nasal Spray. Once you have obtained the replacements, return your Emerade pens to your local pharmacy for disposal.

26/02/2026

26/02/2026

It was a pleasure to meet with Ann and Jane yesterday from Hyfforddiant Menai Training to discuss the recent updates to resuscitation and first aid guidance.

Collaborating with fellow providers is incredibly valuable — it gives us the opportunity to explore how new guidance is interpreted, share best practice, and ensure these changes are implemented consistently and effectively within our courses.

Professional dialogue like this strengthens standards across the sector and ultimately benefits the learners and communities we serve.

Hyfforddiant Menai Training

26/02/2026

NONE STERILE WOUND WIPES

The UK Health Security Agency and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have warned that some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should not be used on broken skin or wounds due to contamination risks linked to serious infections.

Please check your home, workplace, and school first aid kits.
Only use sterile wound-cleaning wipes or sterile saline on open wounds.

Not all wipes are safe for wound care — check the label carefully.

Stay safe and review your kits today.

22/02/2026

CANINE FIRST AID

Well done to everyone who took part in the canine course today. It was fantastic to get outside to put your skills into practice with real-life scenarios, especially the challenge of moving and transporting the inured dog. Here are some images of the day.

https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid

20/02/2026

CANINE FIRST AID COURSE

All set up and ready for this Sundays canine first aid course and there is a last-minute spot still available.

One space has come up on this Sunday’s Canine First Aid Course — don’t miss your chance to learn lifesaving skills every dog owner should have! Get in touch if you are interested.

https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid

19/02/2026

ONE DAY FIRST AID COURSES
I have a few dates for the HSE one day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course coming up at the end of March.
Currently there is still space on Wednesday 25th March and Thursday 26th March.
Please visit the web site for details.
www.activefirstaid.co.uk/emergency-first-aid-at-work

16/02/2026

CANINE FIRST AID COURSE
I’ve just had a last minute place become available for this Sundays canine first aid course. If you are interested please get in touch or visit the website for details.

https://www.activefirstaid.co.uk/canine-dog-first-aid

16/02/2026

TOURNIQUETS

I’ve recently been undertaking some CPD on the use of tourniquets and came across some conflicting advice between American and UK guidance. It highlighted how important it is to follow the correct national recommendations, so I thought I’d share a brief and useful overview of the current UK guidelines.

Location: Apply directly to the skin, 5–8 cm (or 2-3 inches) above the wound, between the injury and the heart. Do not place directly over a joint (elbow or knee).

Application: Tighten the strap, then twist the windlass (rod) until bleeding stops completely (there may be a little seepage). Secure the windlass in the clip.

Pain: The procedure will be extremely painful; reassure the casualty, but do not stop.

Documentation: Note the exact time of application on the device or the casualty's forehead or cheek.

Management: Never remove or loosen a tourniquet once applied; this is for medical professionals only. Once it’s on, it’s on!

Second Tourniquet: If the first tourniquet does not stop the bleeding, apply a second one just above the first.

When to Use:
Catastrophic Bleeds: For amputations, mangled limbs, or arterial bleeding that cannot be stopped by direct, focused pressure. Can be used for stabbings, severe workplace accidents, and road traffic collisions.