First aid training on offer for farming and forestry workers

The charity has adapted its current course in emergency first aid at work to reflect the serious risks that agricultural and forestry workers face.

A higher proportion of people working in agriculture, some four per cent, sustain work-related injuries than in any other type of job.

The charity’s workplace training director, John Cavanagh, said: “The nature of their work means that farming and forestry workers face high and severe risk levels.

“Sadly, that’s reflected in the large volume of injuries reported every year.

“These are people frequently using big, powerful machines and vehicles, often working in remote locations, so it’s vital to know what to do when accidents happen, particularly as injuries can be significant and life-threatening.”

For more information, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 0844 770 4800.

Mr Cavanagh added: “Our expert trainers will equip people with first aid skills to help show them how to deal with a range of incidents in the countryside and be the difference between a life lost and a life saved in an emergency.”

Recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive revealed that 144,000 injuries are reported in the two industries each year, resulting in 160 fatalities between 2010 and 2015.

Specialised content in the new one-day course includes advice on managing severe bleeding caused by cutting tools such as chainsaws, amputations and crush injuries.

It also offers tips on treating casualties suffering from extremes of heat and cold or from Lyme disease.

Training is delivered either on site or at one of St John Ambulance’s training centres across the region.