Edged weapon first aid

Discussion in 'Filipino Martial Arts' started by Aloysius, Oct 7, 2010.

  1. Aloysius

    Aloysius Valued Member

    Hi all,

    I was just wondering if anyone here has attended an edged weapon specific first aid course ?

    > Do you remember who ran it ?
    ->Was it useful and practical or just interesting ?
    -->Is there anyone here that is interested in attending an edged weapon specific first aid course ?
    --->Do you carry a first aid kit to class as standard ?

    Thanks for your responses.

    -Al-loo-wish-ous.
     
  2. Tom1990

    Tom1990 Valued Member

    I've never heard of an edged weapon specific first aid course. However, I hope as a member of Saint John's Ambulance, I can help.
    A few basic principles are (and I mean basic. You really need to do a first aid course to have any hope of applying these principles correctly):

    -if to a limb, apply direct pressure and raise the limb above heart level to reduce the bleeding
    -if to the torso, simply apply direct pressure to stem bleeding
    -raise legs to increase amount of blood to vital organs

    ...As you have probably guessed, the principles of first aid (taught in all decent first aid courses) apply to pretty much all bleeds. If you were to do a course, you (like me) would know how to treat most of the injuries that can occur with edged weapons.

    Some of the courses out there are upwards of £300. But, if you do an FAW (first aid at work) course, your employer will usually pay for it. Or you can do it for free when you join Saint John's Ambulance.

    (note: the skills taught, as I found out, can only really be put to use competently, when you have practised them in real situations, quite regularly. YOU CAN NOT CALL YOUR SELF A COMPETENT FIRST AIDER IMMEDIATELY AFTER A FIRST AID COURSE. As you will soon find out, there is a quite a leap between getting the qualification and treating the casualty.)

    Hope some of this was helpful
     
  3. Aloysius

    Aloysius Valued Member

    "I've never heard of an edged weapon specific first aid course."

    Sayoc run them, I was wondering if anyone on these forums had attended the same one.

    I have attended first aid courses, basic, advanced, wilderness (and even one for my dog !) It's been a while so am looking to refresh. I was due to attend a knife first aid course run by Sayoc last year, but had a scheduling conflict.

    My Dad, a paramedic of 20 years, he always says that a credit card would be good for stab wounds because the card could seal the hole air tight. He is getting on now bless him, so not sure how viable that would be. What do you think ?
     
  4. Tom1990

    Tom1990 Valued Member

    That is common treatment. It is used mainly when there is a penetrating chest wound that causes the lungs to lose their pressure. The card (or my preference, the crisp packet) can be used very well (although in all honesty, it is not something i have needed to apply personally). When the casualty breathes in, the card (or crisp packet) is sucked into the open chest wound and thus closes it to maintain the pressure in the lungs so the casualty can keep breathing. When the casualty breathes out (assuming you only tape down 3 sides of the card/packet) the card/packet no longer forms an airtight seal around the wound and thus any fluids can drip out to avoid fluid collecting on the lungs.

    Interesting to find out of an edged weapon specific first aid course, be interesting to find out if an actual recognised qualification comes out of it.

    I may be missing something here but, the courses that I did (nothing specialised) they included the bleeding and fracture topic is enough detail so that after the course (and a little real world practice) I now feel that I can competently treat most (if not all) the injuries that can occur in edged weapon incidents (to the first aid level). I haven't been doing first aid for a life time, only 3 years. Practice is where the real knowledge is gained in first aid.
     
  5. Tom1990

    Tom1990 Valued Member

    May I suggest, to avoid needing a refresher course down the line, that you do an FAW course through an employer. I am not aware of how much you know/practice but, this would prove very valuable experience if you are not already involved in this area. If you can't get an employer to pay for the course, rest assured that the initial expense (say £250-£300) should almost be fully returned to you after 3 full years of employment at your place of work. I think the employer pretty much has to pay you extra which works out at about £80-£90 per year for me. The FAW qualification lasts for 3 years. 3years x £80 = almost a full return. (Plus you get experience and confidence in your first aid ability).

    Hope this reply was more helpful.
     
  6. Dizzyj

    Dizzyj Valued Member

    I'm qualified in First Aid at Work and Sports First Aid, both of which deal with cuts. I carry a mini first aid kit with me whenever I take a bag somewhere, particularly when I'm going to a martial arts class. Never know when it is needed!

    I agree with Tom on the need for practical experience, I'm going to be volunteering with St John's Ambulance as well as the American Red Cross when I'm over there to get some first hand knowledge. I've dealt with a couple of minor incidents since getting my qualifications, but I'm mostly theory only so far. :hat:
     

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