A FIRST of its kind course has received positive feedback from farmers.

In December, an agricultural specific first aid course launched by H&H Group took place at Borderway Mart in Carlisle, and was attended by 30 farmers from across the region.

The event had generated interest across the industry due to its unique and specialist nature. The course had been over-subscribed and produced a waiting list even before the first session had taken place.

Non-executive director of H&H Group, Colin Lindsay, spearheaded the course with the aim of ensuring that the farming community was better protected. He was inspired by a similar event in Sweden, the results of which lowered mortality rates in the industry.

Colin said: “We covered a whole range of scenarios using real farm equipment to aid the appearance of a real-life experience. None of the content was for the light-hearted. We covered impalement on a bale spike, a fall from a height with suspected spinal injury, CPR with and without a defibrillator, dealing with crushing injuries that may require amputation and how to treat head trauma. The practical sessions were rotated around relevant farm equipment."

All the first aid kits used were bespoke for farms through a company which provides first aid advice and kits for expedition use and also suitable for battlefield scenarios. This included an Israeli bandage, an army field dressings tourniquet alongside regular bandages.

“First Aid for Farmers is a unique course and extremely hands-on, offering the cutting edge of first aid and support for farmers,” said Colin.