Hello again. How’re you all holding up? As we come to the end of another week of lockdown I thought I’d just check in and let you know a bit about what I’ve been doing since I spoke to you last.

As many of my pupils will be aware, the reason I only work during school hours is because I have 2 primary school aged boys. The lockdown has provided us with lots of extra time together which has been a blessing in many ways but very trying as well at times! They’re not the quietest of chaps but they make me laugh every day and give me endless joy, as well was keeping me very busy at a time when I am unable to work! I decided a couple of weeks ago to try and make sure I still continued my personal development as an ADI during this time so I’ve tried to carve out a bit of quiet time to myself once a week to brush up on some training.

This week I’ve completed an online refresher course in first aid. I’ve been a first aider in previous jobs and try to regularly keep my knowledge up to date, as you never know when you might need these life saving skills. Did you know that as a driver you are significantly more likely to need to use these skills? Car crashes are sadly inevitable and the more time you’re out on the roads, the more likely you are to encounter something. I’m obviously in the car for many hours each day (usually! I think I can count on 1 hand the amount of times I’ve driven in the last 4 weeks!) so I see these skills as essential.

Perhaps you could all spend a bit of time brushing up on these skills this week too? Whether you are a current pupil or someone who got their licence years ago, refreshing these skills could make a huge difference to your confidence if you encounter someone in need of help. Nothing beats hands on experience, and obviously at the moment a classroom style course isn’t going to be available to you, but there are lots of useful places online that you could use to tide you over until a practical course becomes available. Listed below are some websites that you might find useful, remember as well that your Highway Code and Driving The Essential Skills will also have information and guidance in the about what to do if you encounter someone injured at the scene of a crash.

In the meantime, stay safe and feel free to drop me a message if there’s anything you want to discuss (I’ve had video chats and phone conversations with a couple of pupils already, I’m always here to help even if it can’t be face to face in the car).

USEFUL LINKS:

Red Cross

St John’s Ambulance

Highway Code Guidelines