DIY diagnosis?

[connyrabbit]

Sometimes I'd like to be able to avoid having to go to the GP just to be sent home with calpol.
Is there a way a non medic can learn to use a stethoscope (is his chest still clear or is his cold/cough turning into a chest infection), and an ear thingy (DS2 has cochlear implants so any early sign of ear infection needs to be treated with antibiotics immediately) without having to go on full nurse training?
These sort of things aren't covered in first aid courses are they?

You know you'd end up going to the doctor anyway just to make sure.

I think if you think there is a chance of infection it is best to get it checked by a professional.