Bedford Fire Rescue Service offered PECAM the opportunity to hold an Incident Management Course for its Ride Leaders and TEC, this was following our own Martin Jones attending a course previously held by Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Advanced Motorcyclists.
The course was offered to all Ride Leaders and TEC’s with twelve places available, the course proved very popular and the places were soon filled.
Martin and Ainsley from Bedford Fire Rescue Service presented the course at Stanground Fire Station, the day was split into two modules, the first module presented by Martin was the Incident Management, followed by Basic Life Support presented by Ainsley.
Accidents happen!
When first on the scene, park your vehicle safely, take control and organise the group you are with, know their skills sets, delegate tasks, ensure they are fit and able to perform them
Use common sense – Remember SAFETY is the over-riding factor
Get help – Dial 999 – ask for everything
Give accurate details of the incident, giving correct locations (use what3words)
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment – continually process and identify hazards, take any action to eliminate or reduce any risks – create a safe working area
Manage your adrenaline, arriving at the scene of a road traffic collision can be stressful situation try to stay calm and stay safe
No one knows how they will deal with any situation, if you have kept yourself and the group safe and called 999, you have done enough
If you decide to provide further help, you need to be aware of the possible hazards.
Following lunch break, we had the second module for the day, the basic life support, presented by Ainsley.
Basic Life Support
Ainsley introduced us to DRCAB
D – for danger – make sure the area is safe
R – for response – is the patient alert? has the patient a voice? does the patient respond to pain?
C – for catastrophic bleed – apply direct pressure / apply indirect pressure / use a tourniquet
A – for airway check – check that the airway is clear and open, using the chin lift
B – for breathing – check that the patient is breathing, if not start CPR compressions
Using the Fire Stations Resusci Anne, Ainsley demonstrated how to carry out CPR, by placing the heel of your palm on the centre of the persons chest, then place the palm of your other hand on top and press down by 5 to 6cm at a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
Ainsley also assisted us with the technique in removing a helmet from an unconscious patient.
The whole course was an eye opener, lots of help and tips that we all hope we will never have to use.
Many of the group will be looking into the supplies for first aid kits, that were recommended by Martin and Ainsley.
Thank You!
A lot of thank you’s, firstly to Martin Jones for organising, to Bob S for refreshments and the biggest thank you to Martin and Ainsley from Bedfordshire Fire Rescue Service for giving up their Saturday to present the Incident Management Course to the attending PECAM Members.
There are plans to arrange another course, keep an eye out on Slack for details on how to sign up.