AIM training grant – first aid training at Trimontium Museum

In early 2023, the Trimontium Trust applied for and were awarded a £300 training grant towards the costs of running First Aid training. 

The aims of providing First Aid Training were as follows:

• Increased confidence of volunteers to deal with medical situations.
• Provide our volunteers with valuable skills that they can take forward to other work/ situations.
• Support for our visitors, providing a safe environment during their time at the museum and at events.
• Train up to 21 volunteers of a variety of ages from 17 upwards, and 3 members of staff.

During March and April 2023, 13 volunteers and 3 members of staff received Emergency First Aid at Work Training. In this course, they learned the basic principles of First Aid, assessing situations, how to use a defibrillator, CPR and a variety of other treatments for minor ailments. It was a hands-on course, with lots of opportunities to practice (and fail) and by the end of the training, our volunteers and staff felt much more confident in dealing with an emergency, whether in the museum or out on one of our guided walks.

“The course was really good. I learnt so much useful stuff that I should have perhaps known for years!”  Bronwen, volunteer.

“Really useful, especially the stages of situation assessment. I feel like I can deal with a situation now, if I am ever faced with it” Frank, volunteer & walk guide.

Our volunteers and staff have also benefited from having useful skills to add to their CV for future work and study applications. Several volunteers have commented that they will find these learned skills useful in other parts of their life too, such as home life, employment and volunteering roles.

Although we hope our volunteers and staff never have to use these skills, the Trimontium Trust are delighted in the feedback we have received, and it is especially pleasing that volunteers feel they have more confidence in their roles.

Frances Mann, Volunteer and Visitor Experiences Manager