Review: Mini First Aid Nottingham and Derby

Boom Buddy mum, Kim Shawver, shares about her Mini First Aid session in Belper.

We attended a mini first aid session in Belper in November, provided by the lovely Fliss. All I can say is wow! Every parent or caregiver should do this course!

It was a small group, which was perfect for the practical sessions as everyone got a go. Three of us had babies or toddlers with us which means you dont have to worry about childcare for your infant. I took Emerson who sat still listening almost the whole time. It's very flexible if you need to take a moment to feed, change or sooth your little one.

We started off with some theory and common first aid misconceptions, which was helpful, and then we covered each of the main topics, from bumps to burns, looking after wounds to first aid essentials, and of course, dealing with emergencies. A lot of advice had changed since I was a child and it was also very different to the adult first aid courses I've been on, so even if you've done one of those, the child first aid session is brilliant to brush up on infant- and child-specific first aid.

The later part of the session included hands on practice where we went through what to do in emergencies involving choking, unresponsiveness and cardiac arrest. It was so good to be able to physically see and practise what to do in these situations with the dolls, especially choking, which is such a common issue with children. It really helped to put my mind at ease knowing I was equipped with the knowledge I would need to help save my or another child's life if they ended up in one of these situations.

I have a mini first aid set in my changing bag at all times and, thankfully, I've only had to use it for small bumps and scrapes. But knowing what to keep handy in an emergency and knowing they have sets you can buy on the day was great so you can go away with both the knowledge and equipment to be prepared when out and about.

I highly recommend this course. It's only 2 hours, but provides so much information, and should be a must do if you're a parent or regularly care for any babies or children. You never know when you may need it!

Maria, owner of Mini First Aid Nottingham and Derby, provides Boom with insightful blog posts every other month. They can all be found on our blog in the Health and Wellbeing section.

Mini First Aid offers award winning First Aid training for parents/carers, classes for children, and First Aid Industry body accredited workplace training.

Are you a parent or carer who wnats to brush up on your First Aid skills? Why not attend one of our informal 2 hour baby and child first aid classes near you. Visit www.minifirstaid.co.uk to find out more.