In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty breaks down what a stroke is, why it’s a medical emergency, and how to recognise it quickly. He explains the three main types of stroke (ischaemic, haemorrhagic and TIA/“mini-stroke”), the FAST test, and the less well-known symptoms that don’t always fit the acronym (such as sudden vision loss, severe dizziness or a sudden, intense headache). John also shares practical first aid actions while waiting for an ambulance, and highlights who can be at risk, including younger adults, and why acting fast can reduce long-term disability.

Key Takeaways

Stroke is common and time-critical. Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK (roughly one every five minutes), and brain cells can be dying minute by minute, so urgent action matters.

Know the types: ischaemic, haemorrhagic and TIA. Most strokes (around 80–85%) are ischaemic (a clot blocking blood flow). A haemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding in the brain. A TIA can look the same as a major stroke and is a serious warning sign, never ignore it.

Use FAST, but don’t stop there. FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999/112) is vital, but some strokes present differently, e.g., sudden vision loss, sudden severe dizziness, or a severe unexplained headache. Treat sudden, unexplained neurological changes as a stroke.

What to do while waiting for help. Call 999 or 112 immediately, reassure and monitor the casualty, and check vital signs (airway, breathing, response). Position them lying down with head and shoulders raised, with their head turned towards the affected side if appropriate.

Key Moments

“This is everyday first aid reality.”

“Not all strokes look like FAST.”

“If something is sudden, neurological and unexplained, treat it as a stroke.”

“You could save a brain, you could save independence and you could also save a life.”

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of JPF First Aid we revisit an earlier episode where we explore a holistic healing practice known as Reiki. Practitioners Karen Gibson and Lucy Jordan discuss what Reiki is, how it works to balance mind, body and spirit through universal energy, and the differences between in-person and distant Reiki sessions.

The benefits of Reiki for physical and emotional healing are covered, along with what clients may experience during a session. We share how Reiki can support health and wellbeing by reducing stress, aiding recovery, and providing pain relief through its healing energy.

Key Takeaways

Reiki is a fantastic way to boost your overall well-being by harnessing the power of universal energy to balance your mind, body, and spirit.

Both in-person and distant Reiki sessions can be super effective in reducing stress, promoting healing, and alleviating pain. Plus, you might be surprised by how it can also help you tap into your emotions and let go of stuck energy.

When you're receiving a Reiki session, you might notice some interesting things happening. You could feel a range of emotions surfacing, from calmness to excitement, as your energy gets cleared and balanced. And yeah, some people even report seeing colours or auras during the session - which can be a sign that your chakras are getting all aligned and harmonious.

Best Moments

"Reiki is calm. Every time I get Reiki or give Reiki to myself or friends or family, it is calm, it's about rest and restoring to it's just about calming yourself and others."

“…it's sadness, it's laughter, it's relief. If you've ever suffered with anxiety, you've got that horrible sort of not in the pit of your stomach, and your chest feels a little bit tight, like, just, it's relaxing. And it's, I know, we keep saying it, but it's just beautiful.”

“You have seven major chakras in your body that the you have one on your crown and this is a violet colour. You have one in between your eyebrows your third eye chakra This is Indigo, like a dark blue. You have your throat chakra which is a pale blue bright blue.”

About the Guests

Karen Gibson is a seasoned Reiki and holistic health practitioner with nearly 7 years of experience. Her Birmingham-based studio is a tranquil oasis where clients can receive tailored treatments.

Lucy Jordan, a Reiki practitioner herself, first discovered Reiki with Karen's guidance a few years ago. Currently, she's expanding her skillset by pursuing an acupressure course, allowing her to provide comprehensive healing services.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, the tables are turned as Ed Nell hosts and interviews John Fogerty, founder of JPF First Aid, to give listeners a clear picture of what it’s actually like to book and attend one of John’s training courses. They break down the different course options (from short basic life support sessions through to full First Aid at Work qualifications), how John supports learners who feel nervous, and how assessments work in a way that’s practical and confidence-building rather than intimidating.

They also explore how training is adapted for different audiences (including schools), why smaller group sizes matter, how CPR feedback technology helps learners improve, and how workplace first aid requirements should be shaped by a company’s environment, risks and staff cover. John shares a powerful reminder of the impact first aid training can have when skills are used in real life, and finishes by flagging upcoming first aid updates and extra support sessions via Zoom and newsletters.

Key Takeaways

Training is tailored to what the customer actually needs, often guided by a workplace first aid needs assessment and the level of risk in the role/industry.

John outlines options including Basic Life Support (Level 3), Emergency First Aid at Work (Level 3), and First Aid at Work (including requalification routes).

He also delivers paediatric first aid and age-appropriate sessions in schools, adapting content significantly depending on the year group.

Many people arrive feeling apprehensive. John says a good trainer spots this quickly through body language and sets a welcoming tone from the start.

Confidence begins before the day, with clear booking communications, and continues through a supportive, step-by-step approach on the course itself.

John explains what will be covered, how assessment works, and reassures learners that he’s there to support them throughout.

Workplace first aid courses have regulated maximum numbers (John references up to 12 learners) so one instructor can properly support and assess everyone.

This means learners aren’t “lost in the room”, there’s time for coaching, practice, and ensuring each person meets the required standard.

John frames assessment as practical skill checks rather than a scary “exam”, focusing on correct steps and safe technique (e.g., CPR sequence, depth, recoil, hand placement, and process).

John adapts sessions depending on age: younger children learn how to make an emergency call, approach a casualty, recovery position basics, and simple bandaging.

Older primary pupils can cover more across a full day, including CPR, choking, asthma, bleeding and first aid kits, often ending with a quiz to reinforce learning.

John highlights how businesses need to consider layout (e.g., multiple floors), response time, staff absences and operational cover, not just ticking a box.

The aim is ensuring there are enough trained people available at the right times and locations within the workplace.

Key Moments

“It all depends really on what the customer’s looking for… and their first aid needs assessment.”

“People can get apprehensive… you want to put them at ease from the very beginning.”

“Assessment is probably better than an exam… I would coach them, support them in the right way.”

“You get a percentage score of how good your compressions really are… it enhances that learning experience.”

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at www.jpffirstaid.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.