Since launching Mini First Aid Wirral in 2017 I have had the pleasure to meet many people across the Wirral and Ellesmere Port on my classes.  Anyone who has attended a class will know I like to talk!  It’s the one thing I always got shouted at in school for, but hey ho, I’m 42 this year so I doubt I’m going to change anytime soon.

For those who have yet to attend a class I thought I would let you know a little bit about me and why Mini First Aid is so important to me. 

I was born on the Wirral and spent my childhood being tormented by my 3 lovely brothers, I always wanted a sister but that never happened, maybe that’s why I’m a bit of a tomboy, you know what they say,” if you cant beat them, join them.”

I was very traditional in my education, GCSE’s, A-Levels and then off to Manchester to study for a degree in Health Studies.  Throughout my summer vacations from University I always returned home and worked with adults with learning disabilities, I have very fond memories of this job and what it taught me about myself and others was priceless.  Towards the end of University I started to think about what I was going to do when I left and stumbled upon the ambulance service.  That looks like fun I thought, I think I’ll do that until I can figure out what I want to do when I’m a ‘grown up’!  Well, 18 years later and I’m still employed by the ambulance service, maybe I’m not ‘grown up’ yet!

It may sound like a cliché but I honestly love helping people, there is a great amount of satisfaction that comes from providing support to people in their time of need whether that be medically, physically or emotionally.  The past 18 years as a paramedic have taught me so many life lessons about people and about myself;  I have dealt with situations that I never believed I would be able to handle but my over whelming desire to help others has helped me through these difficult times.  I honestly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today had it not been for my experiences as a paramedic, and for this I am truly thankful. 

My years working as a paramedic have shown me that even a small amount of first aid knowledge really can help to save a life.  Many times I have turned up to a patient and have been so impressed by the basic first aid that has been given to them by a member of the public or a family member.  As I say to all my attendees, there is no point in the likes of me turning up with drugs and other medical interventions, if the basics haven’t been done first.  Basic first aid is easy to learn, it doesn’t have to be boring (no death by power point, I promise!)  and the benefits can be amazing and life changing. 

Last year I realised I wanted to do something different but something that would still have first aid at the heart of it and this is when I discovered Mini First Aid.  Kate Ball launched Mini First Aid back in 2014 and since then it has grown from strength to strength and to be a part of this fantastic home-grown, award winning business was something I could not pass up. 

I secured the Wirral and Ellesmere Port franchise in April 2017 and have not looked back since.  Mini First Aid was the ideal opportunity for me; financially giving up my full time job was not an option (pesky expensive kids!). So being able to be a part of an established, successful model whilst still having full control over my business and area, was the perfect match for me.  Advertising, marketing, organising and delivering the classes it’s all down to me and only me, its hard work and I am constantly on the go but I love it. 

This year, as well as delivering more 2 hour classes, I am hoping to get into more schools, groups and nursery’s to deliver our award winning first aid for kids classes.  I will also be launching our new ‘Sit, Chop, Chew’ class aimed at teaching younger children the importance of food safety and choking awareness.   

 I am so excited to continue to expand and spread the word of Mini First Aid and I want to thank you for the support I have received so far from my family, friends and the lovely reviews I have received from people who have already attended a class; I really do appreciate it, thank you.

So that’s me and my business, if you would like to attend a class or would like any further information, please just get in touch and I look forward to meeting lots more of you very soon.

P.S.  Told you I like to talk!!