JPF First Aid

In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty breaks down what a stroke is, why it’s a medical emergency, and how to recognise it quickly. He explains the three main types of stroke (ischaemic, haemorrhagic and TIA/“mini-stroke”), the FAST test, and the less well-known symptoms that don’t always fit the acronym (such as sudden vision loss, severe dizziness or a sudden, intense headache). John also shares practical first aid actions while waiting for an ambulance, and highlights who can be at risk, including younger adults,  and why acting fast can reduce long-term disability.Key TakeawaysStroke is common and time-critical. Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK (roughly one every five minutes), and brain cells can be dying minute by minute, so urgent action matters.Know the types: ischaemic, haemorrhagic and TIA. Most strokes (around 80–85%) are ischaemic (a clot blocking blood flow). A haemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding in the brain. A TIA can look the same as a major stroke and is a serious warning sign, never ignore it.Use FAST, but don’t stop there. FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999/112) is vital, but some strokes present differently, e.g., sudden vision loss, sudden severe dizziness, or a severe unexplained headache. Treat sudden, unexplained neurological changes as a stroke.What to do while waiting for help. Call 999 or 112 immediately, reassure and monitor the casualty, and check vital signs (airway, breathing, response). Position them lying down with head and shoulders raised, with their head turned towards the affected side if appropriate.Key Moments“This is everyday first aid reality.”“Not all strokes look like FAST.”“If something is sudden, neurological and unexplained, treat it as a stroke.”“You could save a brain, you could save independence and you could also save a life.”About the HostJohn Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/ 

In this episode of JPF First Aid we revisit an earlier episode where we explore a holistic healing practice known as Reiki. Practitioners Karen Gibson and Lucy Jordan discuss what Reiki is, how it works to balance mind, body and spirit through universal energy, and the differences between in-person and distant Reiki sessions.The benefits of Reiki for physical and emotional healing are covered, along with what clients may experience during a session. We share how Reiki can support health and wellbeing by reducing stress, aiding recovery, and providing pain relief through its healing energy.Key TakeawaysReiki is a fantastic way to boost your overall well-being by harnessing the power of universal energy to balance your mind, body, and spirit.Both in-person and distant Reiki sessions can be super effective in reducing stress, promoting healing, and alleviating pain. Plus, you might be surprised by how it can also help you tap into your emotions and let go of stuck energy.When you're receiving a Reiki session, you might notice some interesting things happening. You could feel a range of emotions surfacing, from calmness to excitement, as your energy gets cleared and balanced. And yeah, some people even report seeing colours or auras during the session - which can be a sign that your chakras are getting all aligned and harmonious.Best Moments"Reiki is calm. Every time I get Reiki or give Reiki to myself or friends or family, it is calm, it's about rest and restoring to it's just about calming yourself and others."“…it's sadness, it's laughter, it's relief. If you've ever suffered with anxiety, you've got that horrible sort of not in the pit of your stomach, and your chest feels a little bit tight, like, just, it's relaxing. And it's, I know, we keep saying it, but it's just beautiful.”“You have seven major chakras in your body that the you have one on your crown and this is a violet colour. You have one in between your eyebrows your third eye chakra This is Indigo, like a dark blue. You have your throat chakra which is a pale blue bright blue.”About the GuestsKaren Gibson is a seasoned Reiki and holistic health practitioner with nearly 7 years of experience. Her Birmingham-based studio is a tranquil oasis where clients can receive tailored treatments.Lucy Jordan, a Reiki practitioner herself, first discovered Reiki with Karen's guidance a few years ago. Currently, she's expanding her skillset by pursuing an acupressure course, allowing her to provide comprehensive healing services.About the HostJohn Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, the tables are turned as Ed Nell hosts and interviews John Fogerty, founder of JPF First Aid, to give listeners a clear picture of what it’s actually like to book and attend one of John’s training courses. They break down the different course options (from short basic life support sessions through to full First Aid at Work qualifications), how John supports learners who feel nervous, and how assessments work in a way that’s practical and confidence-building rather than intimidating.They also explore how training is adapted for different audiences (including schools), why smaller group sizes matter, how CPR feedback technology helps learners improve, and how workplace first aid requirements should be shaped by a company’s environment, risks and staff cover. John shares a powerful reminder of the impact first aid training can have when skills are used in real life, and finishes by flagging upcoming first aid updates and extra support sessions via Zoom and newsletters.Key TakeawaysTraining is tailored to what the customer actually needs, often guided by a workplace first aid needs assessment and the level of risk in the role/industry.John outlines options including Basic Life Support (Level 3), Emergency First Aid at Work (Level 3), and First Aid at Work (including requalification routes).He also delivers paediatric first aid and age-appropriate sessions in schools, adapting content significantly depending on the year group.Many people arrive feeling apprehensive. John says a good trainer spots this quickly through body language and sets a welcoming tone from the start.Confidence begins before the day, with clear booking communications, and continues through a supportive, step-by-step approach on the course itself.John explains what will be covered, how assessment works, and reassures learners that he’s there to support them throughout.Workplace first aid courses have regulated maximum numbers (John references up to 12 learners) so one instructor can properly support and assess everyone.This means learners aren’t “lost in the room”, there’s time for coaching, practice, and ensuring each person meets the required standard.John frames assessment as practical skill checks rather than a scary “exam”, focusing on correct steps and safe technique (e.g., CPR sequence, depth, recoil, hand placement, and process).John adapts sessions depending on age: younger children learn how to make an emergency call, approach a casualty, recovery position basics, and simple bandaging.Older primary pupils can cover more across a full day, including CPR, choking, asthma, bleeding and first aid kits, often ending with a quiz to reinforce learning.John highlights how businesses need to consider layout (e.g., multiple floors), response time, staff absences and operational cover, not just ticking a box.The aim is ensuring there are enough trained people available at the right times and locations within the workplace.Key Moments“It all depends really on what the customer’s looking for… and their first aid needs assessment.”“People can get apprehensive… you want to put them at ease from the very beginning.”“Assessment is probably better than an exam… I would coach them, support them in the right way.”“You get a percentage score of how good your compressions really are… it enhances that learning experience.”About the HostJohn Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/

In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty kicks off 2026 by focusing on a skill that isn’t always labelled as “first aid”, but can make a huge difference to mental health support and wellbeing: active, non-judgemental listening. He explains how unhelpful, well-intentioned responses (like “you’ll be fine” or “just push through it”) can shut people down, and shows how listening properly can help someone feel heard, safe and supported, without trying to “fix” them.John explores what good listening actually looks like in practice, why our tone, body language and facial expressions matter just as much as our words, and what to avoid when someone is struggling (rushing, giving advice too quickly, comparing stories, or minimising emotions). John also shares practical ways to improve everyday conversations, at home and at work, by listening to understand, not just listening to reply.Key TakeawaysWhat Active Listening Really MeansActive listening is giving someone your full attention and creating space for them to talk, without jumping in with solutions.It means listening to understand, not listening to reply, noticing when you’re already planning your response and bringing your focus back to the person.In many situations, being heard is “half the problem”, people often shut down when they don’t feel listened to.Non-Judgemental Listening: Why It MattersNon-judgemental listening includes your words and your non-verbal cues, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language can unintentionally come across as judgemental.Judgement (real or perceived) can stop someone speaking up, especially when they’re dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout or emotional distress.You don’t have to agree with everything, but respecting someone’s experience enough to listen properly helps reduce shame, build trust, and encourage honesty.Helpful Responses vs Conversation-StoppersReassurance can backfire when someone is struggling. Phrases like “everyone feels like that” can feel like dismissal and can discourage them from opening up again.A more supportive response acknowledges the feeling and invites them to share: for example, recognising it sounds difficult and asking what’s been making things hard.The goal isn’t to fix the issue immediately; it’s to show the person they’ve been heard and that you’re present with them.What to Avoid When Someone Opens UpAvoid giving advice too quickly, comparing experiences, minimising feelings, or shifting the focus back onto yourself.If you do mention a similar experience, John suggests bringing it back to them: acknowledging it briefly, then making clear the conversation is about them.Don’t let distractions take over; phones, paperwork, and busy environments can signal you’re not really listening. If needed, move somewhere quieter or take a short walk.Key Moments“Even reassurance can feel like dismissal when someone is already struggling.”“We need to listen to understand, not just listen to reply.”“Any silence isn’t considered a failure. It’s space.”“You don’t need perfect words, you just need presence, time and patience.”“First aid isn’t always about what we do, it’s often about how we listen.”About the HostJohn Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/

In this end-of-year “best of” episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogerty looks back over some of the most important topics covered across 2025. He revisits practical first aid foundations (including what to say when calling the emergency services, first aid kit essentials, choking and poisoning), and reflects on mental health themes from the year, including a powerful conversation about bereavement and a reminder of how employers and employees can help build a healthier workplace mental health culture.Key TakeawaysFirst Aid Foundations: Calling for Help (Episode 18)John revisits the key information emergency call handlers need, using the memorable LIONEL prompt: Location, Incident, Other services, Number of casualties, Extent of injuries, Location (repeat).He highlights why location matters so much (postcodes can be misleading) and recommends the what3words app to pinpoint an exact spot, useful if reception drops mid-call.First Aid Kits: What to Include (and Avoid) (Episode 19)A workplace first aid kit should be guided by a first aid needs assessment, including what’s required for your setting and the right quantities.John stresses the importance of checking kits regularly (he references monthly as a minimum), looking for out-of-date items and damaged packaging that may no longer be sterile.Choking: A Clear Step-by-Step Approach (Episode 20)John walks through, recognising severe airway obstruction (unable to speak/cough, colour change, clutching throat) and reinforces asking quick questions like “Are you choking?” and “Can you cough?” (including gaining consent where possible).The core response: up to 5 back blows, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, checking after each attempt.Poisoning: Don’t Make It WorseKey do’s and don’ts include:Don’t induce vomiting, especially with corrosive substances (risk of burning on the way back up).Keep evidence of what was taken (including vomit if it occurs naturally) to help clinicians identify the substance.Monitor breathing and be prepared to place in the recovery position if unresponsive and breathing, or start CPR if breathing stops.Bereavement: There’s No “Getting Over It”John revisits a conversation with counsellor Lynne Walsh, who emphasises that grief is not a straight line; it can be rocky, up and down, and influenced by significant dates and “firsts.”A key message is language: rather than “getting over” someone, we often adjust to life without them, while still carrying a continuing bond or sense of connection.Workplace Mental Health: Shared ResponsibilityJohn closes the year by revisiting workplace wellbeing: the idea that both employers and employees can shape a healthier culture.Practical actions discussed include mental health policies/action plans, training (including mental health first aid awareness), open communication, recognition, and involving people in decisions and workload management.Key Moments “We have a well-known way of remembering that information… and it’s called LIONEL.”“What three words… can actually pinpoint… in a 3 metre by 3 metre square.”“When helping somebody who is severely choking, we want to ask that question, ‘Are you choking?’”“We never get over the loss of someone significant… we begin to adjust to a life without that person.”About the HostJohn Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.Find out more at: https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogerty revisits the crucial guide to understanding meningitis and sepsis, two life-threatening conditions that can be difficult to spot. He explains the symptoms, how they may appear differently in babies, children, and adults, and why it's vital to act quickly if you suspect either condition. John also covers essential first aid tips for both, as well as preventive measures such as vaccinations and good hygiene practices.Key TakeawaysRecognising Meningitis: Symptoms include a high fever, headache, a stiff neck, and sensitivity to light, with a rash appearing later. In babies, it may manifest as unusual crying, vomiting, and a reluctance to wake up.Sepsis Symptoms: Symptoms include blue or pale skin, difficulty breathing, confusion, and a high-pitched cry in children. Sepsis may occur after any infection and requires urgent medical attention.The Importance of Early Detection: If you spot any symptoms of meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or visit the hospital immediately. Early treatment is critical to improving outcomes.First Aid and Prevention: Clean wounds properly, follow antibiotic instructions, and ensure vaccinations are up to date to prevent sepsis. For both conditions, acting quickly is key to providing effective care.Key Moments“Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord—get to the hospital immediately if you spot the signs.”“Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection, and it can affect anyone—especially those with weakened immune systems or after surgery.”“If a rash doesn’t fade when you press a glass against it, this is a strong indicator of meningitis—seek medical help immediately.”“With sepsis, acting quickly can prevent long-term damage, so don’t hesitate to call 999 if you’re unsure.”About the HostJohn Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/