Help on hand

THERE will be more trained first aiders in Herm this year.

The idea is to have as many 'first responders' as possible in each department. The role of a first responder is to help the patient as much as possible in the time between the incident being reported and the arrival, if necessary, of paramedics from Guernsey.

Graham Le Maitre, pictured, from St John Ambulance and Rescue, came over for several days to instruct the trainees. This was followed by a written exam and several practical assessments.

In the past, it has been established that it takes less than an hour on average from the time of an accident or serious incident in Herm to getting patients to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. This is very fast, considering the logistics and number of emergency staff involved. But in cases of serious injury, the role of a first responder can be instrumental in the patient's treatment.

Although major incidents are rare in Herm, it is important to have as many trained staff as possible.

A few years ago the island staged a major incident in conjunction with the emergency services in Guernsey to test the procedures in place.

What became apparent was that although there were several trained first aiders in the island, they were all either special constables or on the fire team. So while they were all busy putting out the imaginary fire, controlling the crowds, securing the area and collecting the Fire and Rescue team from the harbour, there was no one free to treat the wounded.

The new first aiders have been trained in the use of anaesthetic gas Entonox and oxygen, as well as the treatment of wounds, resuscitation, CPR, choking and care of stroke victims and diabetics.

This year there will be first responders among the staff at the White House Hotel and Mermaid Tavern, as well as much of the service team and both gardeners. All the island's special constables and many of the fire team are also now trained first aiders.