Uncle_Albert
War Hero

I hear from various sources that the extraordinarily useful in-unit 1st aid courses (run over two weekends) are withdrawn, with the idea from someone undoubtedly full-time RN that those doing them can instead go on the 5 day course like the rest of the RN.
This, of course, means that one would have to take time off work to do it, and since it's not ORT for most (all?) branches, those doing this will be few and far between.
Which means that when those currently qualified reach the end of their ticket lifespan, they will suddenly be unable to act as 1st aid cover on weekends out and about, sailing expeds and all the other AT for which a 1st aid ticket is always helpful and often compulsory, and whatever else needs someone with a 1st aid ticket hanging about.
Before I start flying off handles and writing to my MP, can anyone with more knowledge than I confirm or deny this rumour, and if possible explain the thinking behind it? I really don't see what possible problem there was with running them in unit - we had properly qualified staff, the correct equipment, the syllabus and exam direct from Haslar and an excellent turnout from people who took the skills and set about being useful with them, even if it was just to be the qualified first aider needed in so many other training evolutions. Given that in unit it was two weekends rather than five days, and the travel costs were HTD rather than a return ticket to Pompey, I wouldn't be surprised if it was cheaper too.
This, of course, means that one would have to take time off work to do it, and since it's not ORT for most (all?) branches, those doing this will be few and far between.
Which means that when those currently qualified reach the end of their ticket lifespan, they will suddenly be unable to act as 1st aid cover on weekends out and about, sailing expeds and all the other AT for which a 1st aid ticket is always helpful and often compulsory, and whatever else needs someone with a 1st aid ticket hanging about.
Before I start flying off handles and writing to my MP, can anyone with more knowledge than I confirm or deny this rumour, and if possible explain the thinking behind it? I really don't see what possible problem there was with running them in unit - we had properly qualified staff, the correct equipment, the syllabus and exam direct from Haslar and an excellent turnout from people who took the skills and set about being useful with them, even if it was just to be the qualified first aider needed in so many other training evolutions. Given that in unit it was two weekends rather than five days, and the travel costs were HTD rather than a return ticket to Pompey, I wouldn't be surprised if it was cheaper too.