Understanding how to use a tourniquet is essential for first responders in emergencies. Tourniquet usage can ultimately save a person’s limb or life. Professional first aid training can help you secure this valuable knowledge.
However, there is also a flip side to tourniquet use. Depending on the circumstances, tourniquet misuse can cause issues. This situation is currently happening in Ukraine and is causing severe problems.
While your employees may not need to go to Ukraine, they may need to travel to hostile countries as part of their work. Understanding what they must do in a medical emergency can help protect themselves and their colleagues.
This article discusses tourniquet usage, the problems in the Ukraine, and first aid courses for your employees.
The Critical Role of First Aid Training and Tourniquet Usage
Many believe first aid is available as we live in a resource-positive environment. As a result, there has yet to be a focus on people learning more first-aid techniques. However, things have changed over the last few years. The average wait time for an ambulance has increased. Now, there is a higher sense of duty and obligation for people to learn more profound first-aid skills.
Training more people in first aid can provide more protection during emergencies. People can take a more hands-on approach instead of relying on medical care. It will help reduce stress in a time of need and save more lives in work and home environments. Learning how to use a tourniquet can make a huge difference. It can help the injured person till further help arrives.
Tourniquet Use in Emergencies
A tourniquet can help in many different emergencies. For example, somebody might break a leg while hiking in a remote location in the UK. The break could rupture an artery, causing severe blood loss. If the weather is stormy and the terrain is difficult, it may be impossible to airlift them out on a helicopter. A trained first aider can take control and use a tourniquet. This intervention could save their life.
Other accidents at work or home are also possible when people get careless. Typical examples are people using chainsaws or heavy farm machinery. In such cases, blood loss might result in a person losing a limb. A tourniquet can make a difference in such traumatic situations.
The Current Problems of Tourniquet Usage in Ukraine
The tourniquet is a valuable medical tool for emergencies. However, recent research has highlighted problems in Ukraine due to tourniquet misuse. A piece of medical equipment that can help save lives and limbs is doing quite the opposite. In Ukraine, tourniquets are used too often and left on injured people for too long.
You might be wondering how this can be. Here are a few reasons why:
- Russia currently controls the airspace in Ukraine. As a result, helicopters cannot transport people to hospitals.
- First aid responders should only use tourniquets for an hour or a maximum of two hours. Due to poor road conditions, it takes hours to reach specialist medical care.
- Assessing and providing medical care in combat can be challenging. Some see a tourniquet as a quick fix.
- Inexperienced people are using tourniquets when they are unnecessary.
In comparison, in Afghanistan, people went by helicopter to Camp Bastion for care. Although Ukraine’s situation is extreme, tourniquets can save lives and limbs. Learning how to use a tourniquet can be helpful in many emergencies. Additionally, knowing when not to use one can also be as important.
The Benefits of Practical Training and Hands-On Experience
There are many different ways of learning, but in our experience, a hands-on approach is best. Indeed, to qualify for any First Aid training, you must receive practical training. Using your hands and understanding the connection with the body is critical. Also, trainers are on hand to answer any questions during training.
It’s also important to note that emergencies don’t follow textbook examples. Professional training can help you deal with a multitude of different medical situations. It will help to banish those “rabbit in the headlights” moments. After completing your training, you will feel confident in handling emergencies.
What are the Different Types of First Aid Training?
You can view first aid training as a bonus to employee training. Your company can benefit from enhanced response capabilities, making your work environment a safer place for all. Additionally, it can help you comply with industry standards and regulations in your workplace.
The First Response Emergency Care (FREC) Level 3 qualification is for first responders who have to give emergency medical care. It is essential for people such as:
- cabin crew
- close protection officers
- event medical operatives
- security operatives
The First Aid at Work course is ideal for any of your employees who want to support their colleagues in a medical situation.
First Aid Courses for Employees Abroad
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere. Medical training is beneficial if you have contractors on deployed operations (CONDO). Also, Hostile Environment and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT) can give your employees the skills and knowledge to operate safely and effectively in dangerous locations.
Blue Mountain Group’s Expertise in First Aid Training
Your company and employees deserve expert training. At Blue Mountain Group, we have trained people in First Aid for over twenty years. This experience means we deliver comprehensive and practical training. We value the confidence of our course participants. We ensure everybody who does our training can feel confident to use what they have learned.
Booking First Aid Training for Your Employees
Ensuring your employees have proper first-aid training is crucial. More advanced skills, such as tourniquet training, can be beneficial if specialist medical help is slow to respond. You can enrol your employees in FREC Level 3 or First Aid at Work courses. It will enhance their emergency response skills should a medical emergency occur.
Don’t forget, your employees need to do refresher courses to stay up to date with the latest techniques. Our professional and experienced trainers are on hand to support you and help you pick the right course. Contact us here to learn more about First Aid training for your employees.