First Aid: A Skill That Can Save Lives

You never know when or where you'll need first aid—sometimes even the most basic skills can make a life-changing difference.

First aid is a vital skill that many people encounter through work, youth clubs, or school programs. It’s about knowing how to react in a medical emergency, and in some cases, timely first aid can drastically improve the outcome for someone in need.

We don’t plan for injuries or illnesses—they’re often unexpected. Every activity we do carries some risk. Emergencies can happen anywhere: at home, during a journey, or outdoors on an adventure. The basics of first aid remain the same regardless of the location, and these fundamentals are often enough to keep someone alive until professional medical help arrives.

First Aid Is for Everyone

First aid isn’t just for professionals—it’s for anyone who wants to help keep people safe. We offer courses designed for:

• Children and Teens: Teaching young people essential first aid skills to build their confidence and prepare them for emergencies.
• Parents and Guardians: Perfect for parents, grandparents, or in-laws who may babysit or care for little ones. These courses ensure they’re ready to handle common accidents, from choking to minor injuries.
• Friends and Community Members: You don’t need a special reason to learn first aid. Whether it’s to support your friends, family, or neighbours, these skills can make you a reliable first responder in any situation.

Comprehensive First Aid Training

We believe everyone should have access to first aid training tailored to their needs and environments. That’s why we offer a wide range of courses, covering:

• Basic Life-Saving Skills: Learn essential techniques, from CPR to managing choking.
• Paediatric First Aid: Focus on caring for babies and children, addressing common injuries and illnesses for young ones.
• First Aid at Work: Ensure workplaces comply with regulations and are prepared for on-the-job accidents.
• Outdoor First Aid: Designed for adventurers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts, equipping you to handle injuries in remote settings.
• Forest First Aid: Focus on emergencies in wooded or rural areas, including dealing with insect bites, cuts, and environmental hazards.
• Equine First Aid: Tailored for those working with horses, covering injuries to both riders and animals.
• Marine First Aid: Specialised training for water-based activities, including hypothermia, drowning response, and injuries on boats or near water.

Meet Rob – Your Instructor

With over 15 years of experience in the sports and outdoor industry, I (Rob) bring a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to every course I teach. My background includes:

• Serving on a Mountain Rescue team
• Working in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, where I adapted first aid approaches to meet individual needs
• Teaching outdoor activities as part of Forest School programs

My experience spans a wide range of first aid situations—from biking accidents to mountain walking and kayaking, handling injuries like broken bones and hypothermia. I’m passionate about empowering people with life-saving skills and making first aid approachable, effective, and relevant for everyone.

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Why First Aid Matters: A Scenario to Consider

Outdoor Climbing: A Fall Leads to a Broken Ankle

Imagine you’re at the crag, bouldering with friends on a sunny day at Harrisons Rocks. Suddenly, one of your friends takes an unexpected fall and lands awkwardly on their ankle. It’s immediately obvious that they have badly injured themselves—they’re in acute pain and can’t put any weight on the injured leg.

What would you do?

This is where first aid training makes all the difference. As a first aider, you would:

• Assess the injury: Determine if it’s a suspected break or sprain.
• Immobilize the ankle: Use a splint or pad it with clothing, securing it with a bandage.
• Provide comfort and warmth: Keep the person calm and warm while arranging for emergency services to reach your location.

With the right training, you’ll feel confident knowing how to respond calming in these critical moments.

Join Us to Learn First Aid

No matter your background, first aid skills can empower you to save a life or make a critical difference in an emergency. Whatever your motivation to learn first aid, at Chimera Climbing Chatham we have a First Aid course to suit your needs.

For more information about our courses or to book your place, visit our website or email us at firstaid@chimeraclimbing.com.

Prepare yourself for every eventuality.