In this end-of-year “best of” episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogerty looks back over some of the most important topics covered across 2025. He revisits practical first aid foundations (including what to say when calling the emergency services, first aid kit essentials, choking and poisoning), and reflects on mental health themes from the year, including a powerful conversation about bereavement and a reminder of how employers and employees can help build a healthier workplace mental health culture.

Key Takeaways

First Aid Foundations: Calling for Help (Episode 18)

• John revisits the key information emergency call handlers need, using the memorable LIONEL prompt: Location, Incident, Other services, Number of casualties, Extent of injuries, Location (repeat).
• He highlights why location matters so much (postcodes can be misleading) and recommends the what3words app to pinpoint an exact spot, useful if reception drops mid-call.

First Aid Kits: What to Include (and Avoid) (Episode 19)

• A workplace first aid kit should be guided by a first aid needs assessment, including what’s required for your setting and the right quantities.
• John stresses the importance of checking kits regularly (he references monthly as a minimum), looking for out-of-date items and damaged packaging that may no longer be sterile.

Choking: A Clear Step-by-Step Approach (Episode 20)

• John walks through, recognising severe airway obstruction (unable to speak/cough, colour change, clutching throat) and reinforces asking quick questions like “Are you choking?” and “Can you cough?” (including gaining consent where possible).
• The core response: up to 5 back blows, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, checking after each attempt.

Poisoning: Don’t Make It Worse

• Key do’s and don’ts include:
• Don’t induce vomiting, especially with corrosive substances (risk of burning on the way back up).
• Keep evidence of what was taken (including vomit if it occurs naturally) to help clinicians identify the substance.
• Monitor breathing and be prepared to place in the recovery position if unresponsive and breathing, or start CPR if breathing stops.

Bereavement: There’s No “Getting Over It”

• John revisits a conversation with counsellor Lynne Walsh, who emphasises that grief is not a straight line; it can be rocky, up and down, and influenced by significant dates and “firsts.”
• A key message is language: rather than “getting over” someone, we often adjust to life without them, while still carrying a continuing bond or sense of connection.

Workplace Mental Health: Shared Responsibility

• John closes the year by revisiting workplace wellbeing: the idea that both employers and employees can shape a healthier culture.
• Practical actions discussed include mental health policies/action plans, training (including mental health first aid awareness), open communication, recognition, and involving people in decisions and workload management.

Key Moments

“We have a well-known way of remembering that information… and it’s called LIONEL.”

“What three words… can actually pinpoint… in a 3 metre by 3 metre square.”

“When helping somebody who is severely choking, we want to ask that question, ‘Are you choking?’”

“We never get over the loss of someone significant… we begin to adjust to a life without that person.”

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, host John Fogerty revisits the crucial guide to understanding meningitis and sepsis, two life-threatening conditions that can be difficult to spot. He explains the symptoms, how they may appear differently in babies, children, and adults, and why it's vital to act quickly if you suspect either condition. John also covers essential first aid tips for both, as well as preventive measures such as vaccinations and good hygiene practices.

Key Takeaways

Recognising Meningitis: Symptoms include a high fever, headache, a stiff neck, and sensitivity to light, with a rash appearing later. In babies, it may manifest as unusual crying, vomiting, and a reluctance to wake up.

Sepsis Symptoms: Symptoms include blue or pale skin, difficulty breathing, confusion, and a high-pitched cry in children. Sepsis may occur after any infection and requires urgent medical attention.

The Importance of Early Detection: If you spot any symptoms of meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or visit the hospital immediately. Early treatment is critical to improving outcomes.

First Aid and Prevention: Clean wounds properly, follow antibiotic instructions, and ensure vaccinations are up to date to prevent sepsis. For both conditions, acting quickly is key to providing effective care.

Key Moments

“Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord—get to the hospital immediately if you spot the signs.”

“Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection, and it can affect anyone—especially those with weakened immune systems or after surgery.”

“If a rash doesn’t fade when you press a glass against it, this is a strong indicator of meningitis—seek medical help immediately.”

“With sepsis, acting quickly can prevent long-term damage, so don’t hesitate to call 999 if you’re unsure.”

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 John Fogerty is joined by hypnotist Steve Woods to explore what hypnosis really is and what it isn’t. Steve explains how hypnosis works with the subconscious mind to change automatic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping people with issues such as anxiety, phobias, sleep problems, performance blocks, addictions, and exam nerves.

They discuss who hypnosis is suitable for, how a typical session works (including online), and why genuine change only happens when someone truly wants it. Steve also shares real-life examples, including helping people overcome a fear of blood, regain their enjoyment of golf, and manage pressure around exams and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

What Hypnosis Is (and Isn’t)

• Hypnosis is about changing the way the mind responds – helping you think, feel, and act differently at an automatic level.
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• It works by accessing the subconscious “protection” part of the mind, which decides whether situations feel safe or not.
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• You remain within your own morals and boundaries – you can’t be forced to do something you don’t truly want to do.
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Who Hypnosis Can Help

• Steve believes everyone can be hypnotised if they want change and are willing to follow instructions (they don’t have to “believe” in it).
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• It can help with anxiety, fears and phobias (including blood and needles), sleep issues, weight management, performance (e.g. sport, business, public speaking), addictions, and exam or driving-test nerves.
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• Hypnosis is generally suitable for most people, with the main exception being those with split personality disorders due to safety and unpredictability.
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Mindset, Anxiety and Habits

• Anxiety often arises from the mind trying to protect us, treating embarrassment or humiliation as if it were life-threatening.
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• Hypnosis can break the cycle of being anxious about feeling anxious by retraining the mind’s automatic response.
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• With addictions or unhelpful habits (smoking, gambling, drinking), real change happens when the person themselves recognises the problem and is ready to change – not just because others want them to.
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Key Moments

“Hypnosis, to me, is a change of mind – getting the mind to think differently, act differently, and respond differently, especially in that automatic part of the mind.”

“With anxiety, we get anxious about being anxious. The protection part of the mind is asking, ‘Is this safe?’ and often reacts as if embarrassment were something that’s going to eat us.”

“The biggest benefit is that people stop feeling like they’re trying. They just feel naturally motivated to do things differently.”

“You’ve got to want the change. I can’t make your partner or your child stop smoking or gambling – they have to want it for themselves.”

“In hypnosis, we create new memories of how you want things to be, so when your mind checks, it finds a calm, successful experience instead of the old fear.”

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.