| Edward: |
Hello Miss. Shaw, I believe I explained to earlier in my email about the
project? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Yes |
| Edward: |
We will use all or parts of this interview on the website. Are you OK with us
doing this? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
That's fine. |
| Edward: |
What qualifications do you have in Life Support |
| Miss. Shaw: |
National Pool Lifeguard, First Aid at Work and Defibrillation |
| Edward: |
Would it be useful to have this website as a reference, particularly to people
who want to learn first aid and to keep up with changes to the syllabus? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Absolutely |
| Edward: |
Which part of the website would be most valued to you? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
The Test Yourself section, that looks fun! |
| Edward: |
Which sequence do you forget the most frequently? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
We have monthly practice sessions so I know them all inside-out, sorry! |
| Edward: |
Have you ever had to use your life support skills? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Yes, on four occasions. In the first, I worked in a team to deal with a
suspected spinal injury in the pool on an inflatable island. The second, I had
to complete a land based rescue for a elderly gentleman that got out of his
depth and panicked, had to then calm and reassure him. I dealt with an
unconscious casualty. In this, I had to reassure her and keep her calm until
ambulance arrived. She was non responsive except I got her to squeeze my hand
so I knew she could hear me as she couldn't talk. (When she came round she
didn't remember anything expect hearing my voice telling her she was going to
be ok). Finally, I completed a contact rescue on a boy who jumped into the deep
end and couldn't swim, treating him for shock afterwards. |
| Edward: |
Do you find it difficult to keep up to date with the changes which are made to
the syllabus? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Don't find it difficult as have to train once every month working at the sports
centre where qualified tutors teach any changes. |
| Edward: |
How did the recent changes to the life support syllabus affect you? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Changes just meant that I had to learn all the new procedures and be assessed
to see if I was still competent to work at the centre!! |
| Edward: |
Do you think it should be compulsory for everyone / students to learn Life
Support skills? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Yes, it should be compulsory to have a basic understanding and knowledge of
Life Support. |
| Edward: |
Do you think it shows a certain character or type of person who actively goes
out to learn these skills? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Generally, Yes. The person is normally outgoing and confident in their
abilities. Life Support is for a person who likes a challenge, are sociable and
not only can work as a leader but as a team - an extrovert!! |
| Edward: |
Why do you think it's important that students should learn life support? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
It is important because any help given to a casualty before the emergency
services arrive is vital. If for example an incident occurs and the casualty
isn't breathing, early CPR significantly improves there chance of survival.
|
| Edward: |
Is there a lack of Lifesavers / people qualified in Life Support? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
I don't think there is a lack, but the more the better |
| Edward: |
What considerations do you have to make about Life Support as a Swimming
Teacher? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Before teaching a class any medical history must be noted. If you have to deal
with a Life Support incident you must ensure all other pupils in the class are
safe. You have to ensure there are people qualified around and First Aid
equipment around you in case of an emergency. |
| Edward: |
I believe you are currently studying Sport at University? How did you come to
this decision? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
I chose sport and exercise science to study as have always been interested in
sport and have been brought up in a sporting family. I started swimming
competitively at the age of eight at Bramston sports centre for Witham
Dolphins. Whilst going to Witham I became interested in Life Support because I
could see older peers at the centre had a Lifeguard qualification. I then
decided to do courses that were run there...Life Support 1-3, Bronze Medallion,
Award of Merit and finally, at the age of 16, the NPLQ [National Pool Lifeguard
Qualification]. Working for a family run swim school encouraged me to pursue my
career in teaching and gaining the necessary qualifications. |
| Edward: |
Are you aware of any places that offer Life Support / Lifesaving / St. John's
Ambulance Tuition? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Sport centres are always running courses, especially in the holidays...great way
of meeting new people. |
| Edward: |
Are there any other helpful resources that might be good to link to on our
website? |
| Miss. Shaw: |
Nothing I know of, sorry! |
| Edward: |
Thanks for your time. |
