WITH the summer fast

WITH the summer fast approaching and with it an increase in visitor numbers, Herm is preparing for every eventuality.

There are more islanders registered as first aiders than ever before. Volunteers have completed a course with St John Ambulance to train as first responders. This means that in any emergency situation, they are able to apply first aid and attend to the patient until Guernsey paramedics arrive. The first responders are then free to assist the paramedics until the patient is well or removed to hospital.

For the first time there will be a dedicated phone number for emergency attention on Herm. It will be held by all island departments and will be available to guests. Even out of regular office hours, it will put them directly in touch with the on-call first responder, enabling a quick response and faster assistance.

Even the island schoolchildren are getting involved.

Katie Sweeney from St John Ambulance visited the island's primary school to teach the children some basic first aid. This is especially relevant in a place like Herm, where the children are free to venture from home and could feasibly be alone if encountering a casualty.

The largest part of the course focused on resuscitation and the recovery position, along with helping victims of fainting and electric shocks. They also learned how to deal with bone, muscle and joint injuries.

All the children received a St John Ambulance Young First Aider part 3 certificate, and completed the Heartstart emergency life support programme from the British Heart Foundation.