As part of our general staff training and to provide a safer swimming environment, all our coaches are trained in First Aid and CPR for Adults, Children and Infants.
As part of our normal procedures, we require all students or parents of students to fill out a medical form prior to taking part in our classes. In addition, it is your responsibility to only take part in lessons if it is safe for you to do so; and to inform us of any other injuries or conditions you have that may impair the safety of yourself or other swimmers.
The form will ask if:
- our staff are permitted to take the appropriate actions should a medical emergency arise
- the student carries an Epi-pen
Medical Emergencies
In the case of emergencies, the correct quick action can change the outcome. During lessons, the coach is usually the first point of help.
In some settings, there may be other personnel that are also qualified to give First Aid, such as life guards. Do note that we may be required pass over the handling of a situation once they arrive on scene.
Consent not given
Should adult students or parents of children under 18 years of age not give consent for us to take action should a medical emergency arise, then the most we will be able to legally do is call emergency services and wait for them to arrive.
Or, if an adult becomes unconscious we will be able to take action.
Some medical situations that may arise
Severe allergic reactions / Epi-Pen Users
If the student carries an Epi-pen, they must show it to the coach before EACH lesson and let the coach know where it will be during the lesson.
Whilst the person with the allergy may be diligent, we can’t control the actions of others.
Choking
Back blows for infants that are unable to stand by themselves.
Do not give back blows to adults or children that can stand if they are choking. This will make the food go deeper down into their lungs. Always use the Heimlich move.
Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
If drowning occurs and we perform CPR there is a higher chance of that person coming back round since the squeezing of the lungs will help get the water out.
So far, we haven’t had to use our training, and we hope we don’t have to in the future. Stay safe!