We are fully aware that working in the wood requires the utmost care at all times, and so knowing what to do if first aid was ever needed – needs to be second nature!

In April, eleven members of the Woodland Group were able to take on a full day refresher course in first aid, thanks to the recent Lottery funding. The course was run by Borderlands and took place at Gilwern Outdoor Centre.

The trainer took the team through a wide variety of scenarios from how to deal with an emergency in the first place, personal safety and what to say and do in a 999 call, getting a patient into the recovery position and many useful tips on looking after a casualty while waiting for emergency services assistance.

The group then moved on to CPR (on dummies!) and practiced defibrillator usage. Followed by a session on how to deal with wounds from a simple cut or bruise – to far worse! All sobering stuff but very useful to have a refresher for those who had not attended a first aid course for a while.

Of course, nobody ever wishes for these skills to be put into actual practice, but to have the basic training could save a life so it was all very much appreciated.