After months of dabbling in the online world, here we are with a shiny new blog on our website. We will update regularly with news and educational content.
We've finally pushed the button.
Hello, thank you for taking the time to visit my new blog. I hope this will become a valuable resource for people, working on the edge, where you are the first responder.
Invenio Training has been operating for over 10 years, we specialise in outdoor first aid training, but we have many returning clients for regular first aid training for the workplace, schools and colleges.
We love teaching first aid, it should not be scary, but simple skills that can make a huge difference to someones when they need help.
But we don't just teach the skills, we stick with you for the long haul. We offer free refresher training, post incident support and offer you the tools to remain confident and competent to deliver first aid.
Why start a first aid training company?
Is often a question I am asked. When I was 19 I was a soldier on my first deployment. We had been briefed that morning that a patrol was going to be targeted. It turned out that it was mine, we were the lead vehicle in a two vehicle patrol and we were hit by an IED (improvised explosive device) causing massive damage.
Getting a grip
Up until that point I thought I was bullet proof, but I was suddenly confronted with multiple casualties, my limited training went out the window. I was not seriously hurt, but my dog (I was a dog handler) and the other soldiers were. My head was ringing and I felt sick, gear was everywhere and I could smell smoke. We had a fire suppression system, but with someone lying over my legs I couldn't reach it. Luckily, the other vehicle was on scene, the QRF (quick reaction force) arrived and the area secured. Everyone was treated and evacuated (the dog was fine, but retired soon after, he did not like vehicles after this experience). This was a turning point for me, leading me down the road to where I am today.
Rocky Moment
(Cue Rocky theme and training montage) I served for a further eight years in the army, followed by six years as a prison officer. During this time I retrained as an outdoor instructor as outdoors was always my first love. I joined Outward Bound as an instructor in the Lake District and worked through the roles to head of centre. I sat on various industry boards and committees (AHOEC and AAIAC). I also volunteered as a member of the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team for six years, retrained as a college lecturer, set up a course for students to become outdoor instructors and qualified as a prehospital medic working for South Central Ambulance Service and in primary care.
Sharing is caring
I now feel as if I have the experience (30 years), the background and skill set to share knowledge and help others not to freeze the moment they need to step up and help someone. I remain compliant for frontline work, working regularly on the ambulances and in primary care to keep my skills current which in turn supports my teaching. I still log hours as a Rock Climbing Instructor, Mountain Leader, and volunteer for the Mountain Training Association.
The 3 c's
The 3 C's are not a band, but it is my commitment to you. I am all about confidence, competence and compassion. After training with Invenio, you will have access to regular free face to face training opportunities and updates to keep you confident and competent.
But wait there's more...
After the IED, I felt isolated, there was a lot of doubt and regret. As a teenager, I witnessed a horrific event and was told to 'get a grip and man up'. I did, but I have never forgotten the sight and smell of that day, even though there were other equally dramatic days to follow. I am glad to say that now, there is better support and help for first responders, and our armed forces.
We've got this
Unfortunately, there is not so much support for first aiders as we often work alone and self employed. With this is mind, I am with you for the long haul. You invested in me, I will invest in you. This is where the compassion comes into play, not only for the casualties but for yourself.
After an incident there are circles of casualties, the victim, the witnesses, family, friends and you. You will want to talk, you will have questions, what should I have done? could I have done more?...
If you would like to, you can contact me. I use the stress continuum used by first responders to offer peer support to team members.
If you would like to talk through an incident, please do contact me. We've got this.
Thanks for reading and I do look forward to meeting you soon.
Bruce
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