North Devon based First Aid training delivered by qualified and experienced instructors that provide
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09/12/2025
No one wants to be unwell over Christmas, but it’s important to know where to access help if you need it. By being prepared now, you can relax over the festive season.
Many GP practices will offer appointments on Christmas Eve, and some pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day treatment for minor illnesses.
If urgent medical advice is needed, you can call NHS 111 at any time. The service is available 24/7 and will direct you to the most appropriate care.
08/12/2025
✅ Even the Grinch can learn CPR – so what’s stopping you?
This holiday season, our favourite green cynic has discovered something even he can’t steal: the power of early, high-quality chest compressions.
💙 At the European Resuscitation Council, we believe that everyone – from healthcare professionals to holiday sceptics – can make a life-saving difference.
❤️ Join us, upgrade your CPR knowledge, and help strengthen a community ready to act when it matters most.
🫶 Because saving a life isn’t about being festive ... It’s about being prepared.
🩺 Learn CPR. Share CPR. Save lives.
Courtesy: AI-generated image inspired by holiday themes.
05/12/2025
Tis the season of festivities… and colder temperatures! It is important you are prepared for any winter emergency. So we’ve pulled together a list of essential first aid and emergency supplies that we recommend keeping in your vehicles throughout the winter.
1. Dressings, bandages & plasters: For covering wounds, controlling bleeding, and preventing infection.
2. Cleaning wipes & hand sanitiser: To clean wounds and reduce the risk of infection.
3. Powder-free gloves: To protect both you and the casualty from cross-contamination.
4. Foil blanket: Helps keep someone warm and reduce the risk of shock or hypothermia.
5. ‘Tuff-Kut’ scissors/trauma shears: Safe, durable scissors for cutting clothing, bandages or seatbelts.
6. CPR face shield: A barrier device to keep both rescuer and patient safe during rescue breaths.
7. Up-to-date first aid info: Keep a current first aid guide in your kit, or visit our first aid advice (link at end). Most importantly, make sure your training is up to date.
8. Hand and foot warmers: Heat packs that keep your extremities warm in freezing conditions.
9. Thermal socks and gloves: Insulated layers that help maintain circulation and protect against frostbite.
10. Lip balm and moisturiser: To protect skin from dryness and cracking in cold, dry weather.
Alongside these necessities, be sure to have extra of any personal medication, snacks and bottled water. You should also always have a warning triangle in your car with high-vis clothing.
Stay safe and warm!
sja.org.uk
04/12/2025
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
We are running our festive Christmas Day lunch this year which is open to those who for whatever reason, find themselves without company this Christmas. You are so welcome!
Course Overview
Learners who complete the Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid
(RQF) are equipped with a broad set of skills enabling them to administer
first aid in challenging outdoor surroundings which may be a few
hours away from the support of the emergency services.
The course is designed for unsupported adults who run potentially high-risk
activities which involve venturing out into the wilderness such as Outdoor
Activity Leaders, including those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh
scheme.
During the 2 day course, learners will develop the skills and knowledge
needed to deal with a range of outdoor first aid situations.
What’s Covered?
Roles and responsibilities of a first aider in an outdoor environment
Administering first aid and managing multiple casualties outdoors
Stabilising and insulating casualties and providing shelter
Extremes of temperature
Fractures, head and spinal injuries
Drowning casualties
Different types of burns and scalds
Secondary survey, medical conditions
Poisoning and venomous bites
Catastrophic bleeding
Summoning appropriate help from emergency or rescue services
Ofqual regulated 2 day course
Course aligned with the institute for outdoor learning.
Call 07550 099426 or email firstaidathand@aol.com
03/12/2025
⛑️ BUDE ⛑️
Emergency First Aid at Work
Neetside Community Centre
Friday 6 March or Monday 30 March
Accredited course for HSE requirements with 3 year qualification.
We will come to you at your premises for groups of 4+ for bespoke training.
Ever felt like you’re channelling your inner Eleven, just without the superpowers?
Nosebleeds can happen to anyone, so read our advice and be prepared. 👃🩸
20/11/2025
Swap Black Friday For Colour Friday
THIS CHRISTMAS, SHOP SMALL
The 28th November 2025 will be the day that millions of us in the UK start our Christmas shopping. Yet while Black Friday will be booming, over a million small businesses will be breaking… and could you imagine how colourless our gifts and decorations would be without them?! So this Christmas, shop small and support Colour Friday instead. It’s the alternative day we launched several years ago to help celebrate the remarkable colour, creativity and community spirit that independent businesses bring to the UK. And if you are a small business owner yourself keep scrolling to find out how we can help you celebrate.
Did you know...
If you spend £10 at a local independent shop, it can result in up to £50 more being recirculated in the local economy than if £10 was spent at a chain (because business owners are more likely to spend their money locally)?¹
Small businesses play a crucial role in increasing UK employment rates (employing around 16.9 million people)?²
They contribute £2.18 trillion to the UK economy (around a quarter of our GDP)?³
And yet the UK is expected to spend £3.9 billion on Black Friday this year,⁴ while a million small businesses fear closure?⁵
By opting to shop at small local businesses, you can contribute towards building a more vibrant and diverse economy that better reflects the needs and values of the whole community?⁶
Over a third of people asked said they love independent businesses for their remarkable creativity — especially their originality, imagination and care?⁷
We know 81% of UK consumers said they would consider shopping small this Christmas.⁸
Will you?
Help us celebrate Colour Friday instead
17/11/2025
A yellow cold-health alert has been issued for the South West region until Saturday 22 November.❄️
Please check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.
16/11/2025
Emergency First Aid at Work 🏥
Thursday 18 December in Bideford - 3 places left!
Paediatric First Aid blended learning
Tuesday 16 December in Barnstaple - 4 places left
We will come to you for bespoke training at your premises - 2 dates remaining in December and January.
⚠️ It’s a very wet November morning for many of us across the South West.
Storm Claudia is expected to bring more heavy rain today into early Saturday, which may cause flooding and travel disruption. Strong easterly winds are also forecast.
Please by:
🚗 Avoiding flooded areas and never driving through floodwater
🚨 Only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency
🌧️ Staying up to date with the latest forecasts from the Met Office: metoffice.gov.uk
Stay safe and plan ahead.
12/11/2025
As we move into winter, it's important to remember there are plenty of health options available to help you stay well.
💊 Pharmacies can help with advice and treatment for things like sore throats and rashes.
💻 If you’re unsure, NHS 111 online can guide you to the right care ▶️ https://111.nhs.uk/
🚑 Reserve 999 for life-threatening emergencies only.
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Based in North Devon, First Aid at Hand Limited is your local First Aid training organisation for all ages.
First Aid knowledge is an essential life skill for people of all ages and you could be the person to make a difference in an emergency; it could even be a loved one!
First Aid at Hand is here to provide you with the necessary skills for when an accident or incident occurs before the emergency services can get to the scene.
Director’s Chaz Luther and Lorraine Rawle have a background working for the emergency services at home and abroad and are now combining their talents to provide First Aid training and skills to the people of North Devon and beyond.
This training can be tailored to suit your workplace or community organisation and can be adapted to cover First Aid requirements for different environments. Click our event tab for details of public courses and workshops, private courses at your premises.
With more communities receiving AED devices, now is the perfect chance to learn how to use these life saving machines and can also be covered in your First Aid training.
First Aid at Hand are approved by Qualsafe Awards, and Awarding Organisation recognised by Ofqual to offer regulated qualifications.
