First Aid and Spinal Board training

The following set of pictures shows the Brigade practicing a number of First Aid techniques which Brigade members re-do on a regular basis in order to be fully prepared should they require them on a callout.

Brigade members prepare to practice applying a vacuum splint.

In this photo the vacuum splint has been applied to Captain Dave's arm and has all the air taken out of it. This gives it a rigid and strong feel and gives excellent protection to a broken bone.

The Brigade carry three different sizes of splint and here the leg splint is being used.

Here the Brigade's rescue blanket is being checked.

The blanket can be used in extreme weather conditions or when a casualty is in need of protection from the elements and is carried with the main basket stretcher.

Here the Brigade's Spinal Board (yellow) and Basket Stretcher (orange) can be seen.

Along with the Spinal Board and Basket Stretcher the Brigade also have a Scoop Stretcher. The Scoop stretcher can be used for spinal injuries and offers an alternative method of rescuing a casualty.

As demonstrated in this picture, the Scoop Stretcher can be split in two and placed on either side of the casualty.

It is then pushed together and the casualty is placed on a stretcher without moving.

Now using the Spinal Board, Brigade member Gordon is rolled onto the stretcher and then two head blocks are applied to keep his head still.

This is ensured by the application of two straps across his forehead and chin.

Gordon is then strapped to the Spinal Board with straps across his Knees, Knackers and Nipples.

Gordon is then lifted and placed in the Basket Stretcher which is easier to carry.

The Basket Stretcher is designed to be winched by a helicopter.

Now practicing First Aid - Brigade members use their manikin 'Annie'.

Here Gordon opens the airway.

Here then listens for any indication of breathing.

With no signs of breathing Gordon delivers a rescue breath.

And then performs a chest compression.

Next team members practice using Oxygen on a casualty.

The level of Oxygen released can be controlled. An unconscious non-breathing casualty would be given Oxygen at a level of 15.

Here the Oxygen bottle sits with a 100% mask attached to it.

Red Section Leader Paul takes a closer look at the 100% mask.

And then gives himself a quick top up!

This picture shows a Bag and Mask used as an alternative to mouth to mouth.

Captain Michael demonstrates how best to use the Bag and Mask.

Here Michael and Tony practice working together to operate the Bag and Mask.

While Brigade members are trained to perform CPR by themselves should the need arise, it is easier to do the more people there are to do it. Here two Brigade members operate the bag and mask while Michael delivers the chest compression.