Basic first aid

[babyonboard]

Is it worth taking an actual course in this, rather than being confident in the basics from books/ online etc?
Any experiences would be appreciated.

St john's ambulance and red cross do basic courses. I think everyone who is related to a child, or knows a child, should do a basic course - but then I am biased as I used to teach them. Basic CPR and knowing how to deal with choking are very useful skills, and not hard to learn, and you never know when they might come in useful.

I've done online learning, and read a book, but I think practical experience may be valuable. We were recently in a situation where I wasn't at all confident to help, and I really regret that I couldn't.
Do they run courses quite frequently?
Thanks

My local education authority run first aid courses, I did a course a few years ago.

My DP discouraged me as he said he'd heard of people being sued for actual bodily harm in cases where they have tried to administer first aid, but that seems to be a bit of an 'urban myth' as I can't find any cases of it.

urban myth. Better to try and save someone's life than wonder if they'll sue you after.

I haven't worked with StJ's for years as I am now back in the NHS, but your HV should know, or try local phone book. I used to work for local authority and we offered short courses to all our staff, and full first aid training to reps from each department. Work places have to have trained first aiders - Health and Safety regs, so if you are in employment, your employer should have a local contact.

St johns do course ALL the time! Check their website (not sure what it is!) I did a course, i am terribly squeamish and fainted 3 times, however last summer i was involved in a motorbike accident (i was a pedestrian) and the guy didnt have a helmet on, and went head 1st into a fire hydrant, after knocking down my friend. I was the only one around who had the faintest idea what to do, and i endded up saving his life. If i hadnt down that course i would feel terrible now that i would have just had to watch him die! Everybody should do one.