First Aiders!

[Roger Thorne]

I have just read an article on 4-Bars Rest about Elland Silver Band's unfortunate incident involving a guest player falling at a concert and knocking himself out. Fortunately he was given first aid treatment on the spot, taken to the local A&E department and eventually drove himself home. But the incident prompted Elland Silver Band to realise that they did not have a regisitered First Aider within the ranks of the Band.

How many other Bands are in this position?

My own band have two trained First Aiders within the ranks, both available at Senior rehearsals and one available at Junior rehearsals, and have a 'standard' first aid kit in the bandroom which is also taken to engagements and social events etc. We also organise support from the local Red Cross for our bigger concerts and regularly undertake "Risk Assessments" of our Bandroom and Concert Hall to try and eliminate any potential hazards that might easily cause an accident.

It would be interesting to hear your views and comments on this topic.

(PS: Any information regarding the contents of a First Aid Box can be obtained from your local branch of the Red Cross).

 

[Wonky_Baton]

Its something I have never thought about. A lad had a heart attack in one of my bands a few years back at Blackpool. Luckily another band from the north east were at our hotel with 2 first aiders from the pit and the lad recovered.

Legally I dont think there is an obligation to provide first aiders but with the upturn in compensation cases in England generally where should we head for? There may be a need to do risk assessments for H & S at concerts etc. as the band could be liable for any accidents to players or audience.

There isn't a problem at present but the way things are progressing it may not be long before a band gets sued. We could do with a insurance scheme purely for brass bands to protect everyones interests. :?

 

[hornblower]

Wonky, I have emergency first aid training, which I have to do through work... I'm sure others will too... maybe it's worth asking in other bands as you don't know what peoples requirements are for jobs.....

 

[satchmo shaz]

luckily our band have 2 registered nurses and a st johns ambulance person.......... just what you need on a weekend away !! :lol:

 

[Raspberry]

We've got a Doctor in our band fortunately!

see Bestwood's site for more info

www.bestwoodblackdiamonds.org.uk

 

[Roger Thorne]

Raspberry wrote:

We've got a Doctor in our band fortunately!

So Have Black Dyke and Cory's now . . . :lol:

The only prescription you'll get off these two doctors is to practise 3 times a day after meals.

 

[cornetgirl]

We've got a Doctor in our band fortunately!

I suppose I could be classed as the band medic for Harrogate - I'm a dentist and we have to do a year's medical training as part of the course. I've even acquired a few patients within the band (causing much concern when I start dragging people into the storeroom to have their teeth checked!). Luckily, despite a series of "near-fatal shootings" (!) in the run-up to Christmas, my services haven't been required...yet....

 

[Wonky_Baton]

I found out that Hornblower and Timmy the Tuba are both first aid trained at Dunston. I hope its Hornblower thats on duty if I cark it. Timmy the Tuba sticking his tongue down my throat doesn't bare thinking about - even if I was dead. :roll:

 

[Aidan]

we had a nearly-doctor... does that count!?
our ex-sop player just graduated with a PHD in Astrophysics!!!!!!

Aidan

 

[Straightmute]

We have a dentist, a fireman and a part-time undertaker, so I reckon we're pretty well covered.

Incidentally, when a borrowed player had an epileptic fit in front of the gathered members of St John Ambulance at their Annual Conference a couple of years ago, none of the b****rs got out of their seats to help!

D

 

[satchmo shaz]

weve got a docter from cambridge (Phd in natural science) and 2 doctors in astro physics!!! (I think) thats besides the 2 "proper " nurses and one st john ambulance one !.... we also have another " DR" as from next year!!! and I passed ALL my "O" levels !! :lol:

 

[Singapore Northern Lass]

Well done Shaz!!!

 

[Singapore Northern Lass]

Well done Shaz!!! :wink:

 

[asteria]

Doctors

Aidan,

Would you trust Clive to do the right thing if you collapsed?! (No offence intended Clive )

And what do you mean "spammer of emails", you spammer of texts!

Helen

 

[Di B]

Its something I have never thought about. A lad had a heart attack in one of my bands a few years back at Blackpool. Luckily another band from the north east were at our hotel with 2 first aiders from the pit and the lad recovered.

Legally I dont think there is an obligation to provide first aiders but with the upturn in compensation cases in England generally where should we head for? There may be a need to do risk assessments for H & S at concerts etc. as the band could be liable for any accidents to players or audience.

There isn't a problem at present but the way things are progressing it may not be long before a band gets sued. We could do with a insurance scheme purely for brass bands to protect everyones interests. :?

Not so long ago a guest player had an accident when helping us out on a concert. Usually the items you use belong to the organiser not the band and so they are liable not the band. (IE chairs/marquees etc)

However, if someone ran over your toe with a timp..... I would assume the band may be liable? I *think* bands have liability insurance anyway.

As for first aiders.... we needed one at Pontins and fortunatly one of our players has done first aid at work and assisted. (We could have done with a CPR unit for the player who ran halfway across Pontins to get an ambulance tho! lol!) Maybe bands should consider paying for a St Johns Ambulance course on first aid just in case?

The thought about first aid box is important..... will double check if we have one - thanks!

 

[hornblower]

cheers wonky....... :shock: :shock: :shock: doesn't bear thinking about........

 

[Mr Smiler]

First aiders

I'm replying with my professional hat on as a Health and Safety Inspector.

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 do not make any specific requirements for voluntary organisations to provide first aid facilities or personnel. Places of entertainment, such as concert halls have a duty to protect non-employees (the public and artistes) and should have the necessary facilities (hence St Johns or others). The minimum requirement for employers is to provide an "Appointed Person" and this may be something as simple as someone appointed to call an ambulance in an emergency.

Health and Safety law is often quite vague and is often difficult to interpret. As I said there is no legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act to do this, but it may be deemed wise to have at least some basic provision in place to look after the people who you do have a responsibility for.

 

[cornetgirl]

Re: First aiders

Health and Safety law is often quite vague and is often difficult to interpret. As I said there is no legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act to do this, but it may be deemed wise to have at least some basic provision in place to look after the people who you do have a responsibility for.

Tell me about it...just been updating our H&S file at work.

For our band's tour I'm travelling as the "official" person - more for my own peace of mind as if someone did decide to collapse I'm ethically bound to treat them so I'd quite like to have the correct kit!

I do want a crash helmet with a little flashing blue light though!

Rach x

 

[Aidan]

Re: Doctors

Aidan,

Would you trust Clive to do the right thing if you collapsed?! (No offence intended Clive )

And what do you mean "spammer of emails", you spammer of texts!

Helen

well... no
and i didnt spam texts at all granny!

 

[stopher]

2 Doc in the band

My band is pretty lucky - the Bass Trom is a recently retired paediatrician and the Chairperson is another Doctor. Two of the mums are nurses and we even have a vicar on the committee in case things go extremely wrong and the last rites are needed.

Saying all that, we probably have Britains Brainiest Bass Section!!! One is a Prof at the University, another has a P.H.D, another is studying for a P.H.D and the last one leads the lifestyle of a student!

Chris

Menai Bridge Band