It was a great shock to be getting up at 6 o’clock on a Saturday morning, but more of a shock to be volunteered to write about the first aid course, which was held at The Dukeries Leisure Centre, in Ollerton on 28th February 2004. The course was organised by Trevor Chapman, who is the first aid advisor for the BKA and Chief Instructor of the Kashi no ki kenyukai dojo and our teacher for the day was Bernard Walker, both of whom have extensive paramedic experience, which was evident in their confident teaching approach and ability to answer questions concisely. After coffee and biscuits, we were taken through a very comprehensive syllabus of dealing with an unconscious patient, blood loss and shock, cuts, burns and scalds, poisons, strains and sprains, anaphylactic shock, hypoglycaemia and cardio pulmonary resuscitation.

It was great fun to take part in the practical side, practicing our dressing and bandaging skills on each other. Bernard thought my bandaging skills left a lot to be desired, but only after finding out I’d been in nursing for over 29 years. All the resuscitation dolls survived with no long term after effects, in fact mine looked healthier than me after I’d finished with her. The doll receiving treatment from John Bates, however, looked decidedly blue as she was forced back into her carrying case. I think John needs a bit more training.

An important subject covered was the practicalities of dealing with casualties wearing men suffering possible neck injuries or a blow to the head resulting in unconsciousness. Without a doubt the men himo should be cut and a two person team should work together, one to hold the neck secure while the other slowly removes the men. Hopefully when there are sufficient numbers of people qualified in each dojo, this procedure should be practiced, so that there is no hesitation on how to deal with this rare emergency.

All in all the day was a great success with the whole group gaining the appropriate knowledge to deal with all fist aid emergencies within the dojo. In attendance on the day was myself, John, and Simon, from the Kodokan dojo, Alan from the Kashi no ki kenyukai dojo, Mark from Port Talbot, Wales (sorry Mark I forgot to ask where your dojo was) and Karen, who was a non Kendoka. What a friendly bunch they all were and of course Trevor was a great host, I’m only sorry we didn’t have more time to chat. If I ever get run over by a bus in the Nottingham area I would be more than happy to open my eyes and find Trevor, in his little green suit looking down at me.

Thanks everyone, for a memorable day.

Lesley Molloy RGN
Kodokan Kendo Dojo