British Red Cross urges people to learn first aid

The British Red Cross is calling on runners and spectators alike to learn basic first aid skills – ahead of the Asics Greater Manchester Marathon 2017.

Around 130 Red Cross first aid volunteers will give their time to ensure the safety of around 15,000 runners taking part in this year’s marathon on Sunday (2 April), but the charity is urging participants to learn some basic first aid as part of their ongoing training regime.

“Learning some simple first aid skills doesn’t take long at all, but could make a real difference to you or one of your running buddies if you’re faced with a first aid emergency,” says British Red Cross first aid education development manager Tracey Taylor. A keen runner herself, Tracey took part in last year’s Greater Manchester Marathon and is in training for this year’s London Marathon.

“First aid is really easy to learn,” says Tracey, “and even though running is a relatively low risk activity, it’s important that people feel able to help if something happens while they’re training or competing. Learning first aid boosts confidence levels and it’s definitely a life skill everyone should have.”

Meanwhile runners taking part in this year’s event can rest assured they will be in safe hands. Red Cross first aid volunteers have been providing cover at the event since 2014, and are skilled to deal with everything from sprains and strains, to more serious conditions.

First aid volunteer Andy Owen, who’s volunteered for 12 years, says: “The Asics Greater Manchester Marathon is billed as the UK’s flattest, fastest marathon so lots of experienced runners take this as their opportunity to really push themselves and try for a new personal best, while lots of first timers also sign up to take part.

“Sprains and strains are the most common injury but we’re equipped to deal with a range of things from slipping injuries, to people who collapse, or experience diabetic emergencies when they burn through all their sugar or get too dehydrated in the final miles of the race.

“For the volunteers, it’s great fun to be part of this special event and many of the same volunteers return year after year to cheer the runners on and look after anybody who needs first aid.

“On behalf of everyone at the Red Cross we’d like to wish everyone good luck.”

The Red Cross is always interested in hearing from people interested in becoming first aid volunteers. For more information, visit http://www.redcross.org.uk/Get-involved

How to help a runner who is experiencing heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is caused when the body loses too much water and salt through excessive sweating – such as during a long run on a hot day. It usually develops gradually.

How to recognise: Nausea, headaches and dizziness are all signs of heat exhaustion.

Key action: Cool the person down and give them plenty of fluids to drink.

Steps to take

• Help the person to lie down in a cool, shady place.
• Give them plenty of water to drink. Oral rehydration salts or isotonic drinks will help with salt replacement.
• Keep an eye on the person and call for help if their condition worsens.

How to help a runner with a sprain or strain

The injuries experienced most often in running are to the lower limbs and include strains and sprains. They happen where there has been a very sudden movement to part of the body or as a result of overuse of a muscle.

How to recognise: Someone with a strain or sprain will have pain, swelling and/or bruising around a joint or muscle. If the injury is at a joint, the person may have difficulty moving a limb.

Key Action: Apply an icepack to the injury

Steps to take

• Apply an ice pack to the injury.
• Get the person to rest the injured part of their body in a raised, comfortable position. If there is no improvement seek medical advice.