Putting first aid first
Adults with learning disabilities in Rugby have been learning to save lives, at a recent First Aid training day run by The British Red Cross.
Warwickshire County Council contacted The Red Cross and asked them to run the course for 12 people who use Rugby Community Support Services (CSS) service who were keen to improve their skills in basic first aid.
The Red Cross have developed an inclusive first aid programme, which enables students with disabilities to participate in basic first aid training.
Peter Bayley-Bligh Community First Aid Training Co-ordinator who ran the course said: “We have a creative approach using lots of visual aids. We work on what people can do and adapt the course accordingly.”
“The course is broken down into modules so people can be certificated for what they are able to do and then can keep adding further modules.” he explained.
Claire Kalinauckaus, who works for the County Council at Rugby CSS, said: “It has been a brilliant opportunity for people to learn skills like calling an ambulance and how to resuscitate someone.”
“Everyone who has taken part has benefited, and some will be going on to do further training.” she added.
Sarah O’Shaughnessy, deputy manager of Rugby CSS said: “Our service is all about supporting people to develop skills which will enable them to live independent lives, and basic First Aid skills are essential for everyone so this is a really positive step.”
Rugby CSS offers Day Service provision to adults with learning disabilities in the Rugby area.