Skill Development Courses

With temperatures rocketing in England, who would choose to spend a sunny Saturday learning theory in the York room? Only someone who is dedicated to learning, and clearly no club is more dedicated to learning than Hellfins, as Saturday 9th August found Cleggy, Ernesto, Kev, Janos, Peter, Pippa, and Sally listening to Phil and Shona teach the O2 admin skill development course.

"Wear comfortable clothes - there’ll be plenty of rolling around on the ground" advised Phil. "Bring plenty of crisps - there’ll be no time for lunch" advised Janos. And how right they both were! Interspersed amongst the six theory lectures was so much rolling around, sucking noses, compressing chests, and of course administering oxygen, that there was barely time for lunch. Indeed, the day was so busy that the time flew by and when Shona announced that it was time for the exams at the end of the day, everyone seemed slightly surprised that the day was almost at an end.

There were two parts to the exam - a tricky theory paper and then a practical exam for which, the students split into groups. One pair role-played the part of injured victims. Another pair were examined as they played the part of heroic rescuers. This practical exam was especially tough as the "victims" did their utmost to make things difficult for the rescuers. The clear Oscar winner was Kev, for the brilliant performance when he managed to knock himself unconscious returning to the hold of a burning ship.

A sterling display of nose sucking meant that everyone passed. Then it was on to the pub and restaurant for some food and liquid refreshment. Strolling down the embankment to Gabriel’s Wharf, the group received several strange looks from passers by. The group soon worked out that this was because Phil was carrying a large bag marked "Little Anne Doll - Adult Version." It contained a Resusi-Anne manikin of course.

A few pints and some very tasty food later, it was home to bed for a good nights sleep before the Practical Rescue Management (PRM) course, which was held the next day at Wraysbury.

Ten o'clock on Sunday morning found the group enlarged by Sid but losing Cleggy and Sally. It was a baking hot day, and although it is hard to believe, Wraysbury was perfect venue. The shallow water of Wraysbury had heated up to tropical temperatures at the surface, and even though everyone was in wetsuits, it was so hot that people often left them unzipped. Briefings had to be carried out in the water.

The day itself was great fun. The group enacted several grisly scenarios: divers run over by speedboats; divers drifting helplessly in currents; and drivers surfacing unconscious after a too rapid ascent. Hopefully scenarios that members of Hellfins will not have to deal with for real, but the PRM training will be a great help if the worst happens.

Despite the morbid theme of the scenarios, everyone enjoyed the day. Ropes were thrown, bodies lifted like babies from the water, and of course noses were sucked with gusto. By the end of the day, a group of tired but surprisingly happy Hellfins made their way back to London.

Thanks must go to Phil and Shona, who through their efforts and enthusiasm managed to prove that a day of theory in the York Room and a day training at Wraysbury can indeed be great fun.