First aid in Derriford hospital




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First aid at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth

Everyone has to go through a medical checkup before they go to Antarctica - so most people who go South are pretty healthy. But accidents happen which is why everybody has to do basic first aid training.

People who are going to really remote places or who are going for a long time get the opportunity to do advanced first aid training with BASMU - the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit at Derriford Hospital.

As part of the training we learnt how to insert canulas (plastic tubes) into people's arms, give injections, inchubate (put tubes down people's windpipes), put plaster casts on and do CPR.

We had a Doctor on base throughout the winter and both Jon and Lil organised extra first aid training for us. The Dentist spends the summer on the ship and arranges appointments with the crew and the staff of the research stations. I worked as a dental assistant with Wendy on my voyage down.

Actually when I first applied to BAS I had a medical check-up which showed that I had a heart murmer. I went to Derriford Hospital to have an ultra-sound. Apparently it was fine so I could travel to Antarctca, but it was freaky seeing my own heart.

"Kurafid" the medical handbook

Know your ABC
A = Airway
After checking that the area is safe and that the body isn't just someone sleeping then check that their airway isn't blocked. Scoop out vomit and tilt their head back to pull up the tongue. Don't try to fish out objects at the back of the throat because you might just push them further in.

B = Breathing
If the airway is clear then check their breathing by using your cheek to feel breath and watching to see if their chest rises. If you don't think they are breathing, pinch their nose and give them 2 breaths.

C = Circulation
Next check their circulation. You can check their pulse on their neck or wrists. If there is no pulse then you need to start doing chest compressions. 15 compressions to 2 breaths - if you are by yourself.

Last updated 12th July 2006