What should I do if I’ve missed my CPR training due to Covid-19?
I have many people at the moment saying “I’ve missed my CPR training, what should I do?” First thing is don’t panic! The CQC are not going to come with a heavy hand a big stick! They are going to look at what you’ve done instead. After having had a discussion with my local CQC inspector this is my advice:-
Complete a risk assessment
You need to record and be able to demonstrate what you have done. Document how you have mitigated the risk of missing your training by detailing what you have done instead. If you’re the Practice Manager this will need to include all staff.
Get in touch with your trainer
Have you checked with your trainer, can they offer you a Covid-safe session? Can they offer you anything electronically via Zoom or Teams? I’m going to try presenting via Zoom in a couple of weeks so that we can split the team across two rooms to enable better distancing. I’m also preparing a small set of slides detailing the main changes due to Covid. Do speak to your usual trainer to see what they can offer you.
Hire an external larger venue
Many of my practices have waiting rooms that are too small to allow for appropriate distancing. If this is your situation could you hire, for example, a community hall that would allow your training to go ahead? Again talk to your trainer they may be able to help.
Can you access any on-line training?
There are companies that offer on-line medical emergency training and some may even offer on-line CPR training. This would not be sufficient in normal times but we’re not in normal times currently. Before you pay for something new do check with the provider that these resources have been updated with the Covid guidelines. The Resuscitation Council also have various resources available; there is the Lifesaver website and they have posted a video showing what to do in a first aid setting and an infographic for what to do in a primary care setting.
Have a practice meeting
The CQC inspector I spoke to said as a minimum you could have a practice meeting whereby you go through your medical emergency equipment and update each other on when and how to use each item.
Plan ahead…
Once things return to ‘normal’ everyone is going to want to catch up with their training. I’m happy to book sessions a year in advance and I’m not the only trainer that is happy to do that. Therefore do consider getting in contact with your trainer and arrange your next session. If it has to be moved again I’d be happy to do that, I’m trying to accommodate everyone as best I can at the moment. We all just have to be kind and understanding to everyone’s position.
Questions
I hope you’ve found this blog useful and supportive. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or comments.
Take care, Helen
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