In this episode of The JPF First Aid Podcast, Ed Nell is joined by John Fogarty, founder of JPF First Aid, to celebrate the launch of his new children's book, Echo the First Aid Frog: Helping Others. John explains how the book was developed to introduce children aged three to seven to basic first aid awareness through colourful illustrations, engaging stories, songs and interactive activities. He shares why teaching children how to recognise an emergency, identify trusted adults and call 999 could make a real difference when someone needs help.

Introducing First Aid at an Early Age: John explains why children should begin learning basic first aid awareness from as young as three. By introducing simple concepts such as recognising when someone needs help, knowing who to turn to and remembering the emergency number 999, children can develop valuable skills that may help them respond confidently in an emergency.

Learning Through Stories and Activities: Echo the First Aid Frog: Helping Others combines illustrated stories with songs, colouring activities, puzzles and checklists to make first aid engaging and accessible. Characters including Echo, David, Emily, Lola the cat and Max the dog help children understand simple situations involving injuries and the importance of staying calm and seeking help.

Knowing Who to Call and Where You Are: One of the book's most important messages is helping children understand how to contact the emergency services and explain their location. John encourages parents, carers and teachers to practise these conversations with children so they are better prepared if an emergency occurs.

Helping Children Identify Trusted Adults: The book includes an activity encouraging children to identify trusted adults at home, school and elsewhere. John explains why knowing who to approach for help is an essential part of early first aid awareness and safeguarding.

More Adventures for Echo: John reveals that this book is just the beginning. Future stories could explore how to recognise an unresponsive person, the recovery position and eventually CPR, with each subject carefully adapted to suit younger children.

Award-Winning First Aid Training: JPF First Aid has been recognised in Corporate Vision's HR and Employment Awards as Best First Aid Workplace Training Provider 2026. John reflects on the recognition and discusses how updated training materials and quick-reference booklets are helping learners understand important changes in first aid guidance.

Understanding and Managing Stress: John explains how his mental health training uses a stress bucket exercise to help people recognise the pressures building up in their lives. By identifying sources of stress and finding positive ways to release that pressure, such as exercise, walking, listening to music or spending time with pets, individuals can better manage their wellbeing.

"If we can start really young to get that message across... we need to try and support wherever possible."

"It's trying to make it fun, engaging, entertaining at the same time, but learning all the important skills."

"You want to get the key message when it's the earlier age of who to call and where you're located."

"I think if we don't know how stress affects us, we can't help other people."

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/

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In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, John Fogarty, founder of JPF First Aid, is joined by Ed Nell to discuss the most common first aid issues people encounter during the summer months. From preventing and treating sunburn to dealing with jellyfish stings, weever fish, bee stings and heat exhaustion, John separates fact from fiction with practical, easy-to-follow advice. Whether you're heading to the beach, watching the cricket or enjoying the garden, this episode is packed with essential tips to help you stay safe all summer long.

Protect Yourself from Sunburn: Apply SPF 30 or 50 sunscreen, reapply it regularly throughout the day, and remember that UV rays can still penetrate cloud cover. Protecting yourself is just as important as protecting your children.

Cool Burns Correctly: If you suffer a burn or severe sunburn, cool the affected area under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Avoid using ice or applying creams immediately, as cooling the skin is the priority.

Recognise Heat Exhaustion: Stay hydrated, replace lost salts with sports drinks if necessary, and look out for symptoms such as headaches, muscle cramps and dark urine. Cooling the body gradually is essential to prevent heat stroke.

Know the Right Treatment for Stings: Ignore common myths such as urinating on jellyfish stings. Instead, use hot (but not scalding) water for jellyfish and weever fish stings, and carefully remove bee stings by scraping them away with the edge of a card before cooling the area.

Be Aware of Summer Triggers: Warm weather, pollen and dehydration can all contribute to asthma attacks. Knowing the warning signs and ensuring inhalers are available can make a significant difference.

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 the JPF First Aid Podcast, host Ed Nell is joined by John Fogarty and special guest Elaine Hutchings - director of a family construction business Hutchings Civils, and a recent JPF Level 3 Mental Health First Aid delegate.

Elaine brings a rare perspective to the conversation: a background in social services and mental health, years of experience in a male-dominated industry and a very real story of how the course helped her support a member of her workforce through a genuine crisis.

Key Takeaways

John's personal reason for building this service is rooted in real loss.

A close friend's battle with bipolar disorder and a subsequent grade four brain tumour diagnosis - which took her life on the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 - is what drove John to build mental health first aid into everything JPF offers.

The three qualification levels serve very different purposes.

Level one builds awareness and reduces stigma. Level two adds depth, practical assessment and structured conversations. Level three is for HR, directors and those responsible for shaping the mental health culture of an entire organisation.

How a course is delivered determines how much delegates retain.

Elaine entered the Level 3 course with a mental health background and still came away with new knowledge. The environment John creates - inclusive, unhurried, non-pressured - means people actually process and hold onto what they learn.

A small, carefully worded message can be the turning point.

Elaine used what she learned to send a WhatsApp to a struggling employee. He opened up to her son, went to his GP and is now being supported. She did not fix anything - she just knew what to say and how to say it.

Key Moments

"I never felt I was being told. We were all inclusive - we went through this together." - Elaine

"Giving the wrong support to somebody in a mental health crisis is so detrimental. We need to get it right."

"I didn't fix anything. But just by sending that message, he opened up - and then he went to the doctors."

About the JPF First Aid Podcast

The JPF First Aid Podcast dives deep into the world of mental health awareness and first aid training. Hosted by Ed Nell and featuring JPF First Aid founder John Fogarty, each episode explores vital techniques, shares real experiences and equips listeners with the knowledge and skills to navigate first aid and mental health challenges with confidence.

Whether you are an employer, an educator, a healthcare professional or simply someone who wants to be better prepared, this podcast is for you.

How to Get in Touch

To find out more about JPF First Aid or to book a course:

Website: www.jpffirstaid.co.uk

If you found this episode useful, subscribe and share it with anyone who wants to be better prepared for a mental health emergency.

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