Dear candidate,

This letter is to confirm your place on the RYA First Aid course being held at Bury
Lake Young Mariners on Saturday 7 November 2015. Please find directions via
Google Maps or www.blym.org.uk The course will run from 0900-1800 with a lunch
break and two short breaks.
This course requires no previous experience and, through a mixture of engaging
audio-visual presentations, discussions and practical exercises (including the
application of dressings and slings as well as the use of resuscitation manikins and
Epipen training devices), is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid
for all those who go afloat on inland waters or up to 60 miles offshore. The
syllabus is based on the recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The certificate fulfils the requirements for:
A first aid certificate for offshore racers subject to ISAF regs on first aid
training (OSR: 6.05i)
All RYA practical instructors
The MCA Code of Practice for skippers of small commercial vessels up to
category 2, including boat masters. For this requirement the additional CAT
C Medical Stores element can be covered if required and, if it is, certificates
will be endorsed as such
By the end of the course you should be able to:
Perform CPR to current protocols, and understand the differential for
drowning
Understand the importance of the recovery position and modifications for
a small space
Apply direct pressure to a wound to control bleeding
Understand/treat medical shock, including reference to internal and
external bleeding
Treat cold-water shock and hypothermia following immersion and/or
exposure
Recognize the signs of a reduced level of response, to include head
injuries
You should also be made aware of the general treatment for: breathing difficulties,
anaphylaxis, hyperthermia, chest pain, seasickness, diabetic emergency,
fractures, seizures, burns; be able to choose suitable first aid equipment
(including for a boat), understand how to get medical advice or assistance by
radio and understand how to prepare for casualty evacuation by helicopter.
The latest version of the First Aid Manual, authorised by St. John Ambulance and
the British Red Cross and published by Dorling Kindersley (worth 13.99) is
included with this course, as is the RYA First Aid certificate (upon successful
completion). This certificate is valid for 3 years.
The course will be run by Simon Winkley. Simon is an RYA First Aid Instructor,
freelance sailing coach and RYA Sailing Development Officer in Thames Valley &

London region. Simon has a significant amount of experience in sailing,

watersports and outdoor first aid and also works as a hillwalking leader for DofE
groups. He looks forward to helping you gain knowledge of, and confidence in,
providing first aid in a marine environment.
I hope you enjoy the RYA First Aid course.
Kind regards,
Freddie Crane, Groups Coordinator, BLYM