In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty speaks with Lynne Walsh, a counsellor specialising in bereavement, loss, and health-related issues. Drawing on her background in palliative care and counselling, Lynne offers compassionate insights into how people experience and cope with grief. The conversation explores the uniqueness of bereavement, the impact of resilience and vulnerability, and the importance of personalised support.

Key Takeaways

Grief is different for everyone. Each loss brings individual emotions based on the nature of the death, personal relationships, and life circumstances.

Bereavement doesn’t follow a set path. Some may feel worse after the first year as the reality of the loss sinks in.

Our past experiences, support systems, and overall wellbeing, including housing, finances, and mental health shape our ability to cope with loss.

Overworking, alcohol, or emotional suppression may offer temporary relief but can delay healing and increase pressure over time.

Key Moments

“We never get over the loss of someone significant; we adjust to a life without them.”

“There’s often relief after the first year of milestones, but sometimes that’s when the sadness deepens.”

“Staying busy might work for a while, but emotions can build up like pressure behind a dam.”

“The person struggling may not be who you expect; it’s important not to make assumptions.”

About the Guest

Lynne Walsh is a qualified, BACP-accredited counsellor with over 20 years’ experience, including work in palliative care and with a national bereavement organisation. With a background in nursing, she offers compassionate support across a wide range of issues, including grief, loss, illness, disability, carer support, and life transitions. Lynne creates a calm, safe space for clients and believes counselling can be life-changing, helping individuals make sense of their experiences and find a way forward, whatever challenges they face.

Connect with Lynne: https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/71282/lynne-walsh/burton-on-trent-de15

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.

On this episode of JPF First Aid, we're revisiting a powerful conversation with Mandy Gutsell from Know Limits Ltd about the impact of menopause. Mandy addresses the stigma surrounding menopause and shares advice on navigating this natural phase of life. We delve into practical tips for creating supportive environments both at work and in everyday life. Mandy stresses that although it can be a difficult process to go through, it’s a time of natural change and that you are never alone in what you’re going through.

In this episode, we discuss a lot of the challenges posed by menopause, and steps you can take to help cope, with tips and tricks to make people more comfortable in both the workplace and everyday life.

Key Takeaways

Menopause is a time of natural change. It's not like you wake up one day and suddenly there's this dramatic change, it tends to happen over a period of time and Mandy addresses some of the signs and symptoms of it.

Mandy believes that there’s a stigma around menopause, particularly in Western culture. We dive into some of the reasons as to why this may be, and how we can help to tackle that stigma.

More can be done in the workplace to help people going through the menopause and create a more comfortable environment for them. This can even be little things such as having dialogue with them and taking on board their needs.

Key moments

“I remember being aware of these changes and thinking to myself, well, I don't know. Do I speak to somebody about that? Am I just, almost getting into my head about it too much? What will people say? I felt quite embarrassed by it.”

“We're also in a culture which, to some extent, is great, where there's a lot of information out there, and that's a good thing, so we can find out a lot more things. But equally, the amount of information you can get can also be quite conflicting sometimes.”

“It shouldn't be something whereby a person is made to feel there's something wrong with them or that, they're somehow, being made to feel that they're being a burden or embarrassed.”

About the guest

Mandy Gutsell is the founder of Know Limits Ltd and has been helping individuals and organisations since 1991. There are four main services to the business - Coaching, Therapy, Supervision and Training/Consultancy. The key thread running through the four services is the underlying focus on mental health. At Know Limits they believe in encouraging NO limits and placing no limitations on the mind however they are firm believers in boundaries and KNOWing your own limits, hence their philosophy: Know your Limits, whilst having No Limits.

Mandy delivers a range of courses with the Training Service. This includes Mental Health First Aid England courses for staff in workplaces to qualify as Mental Health First Aiders. Mandy's expertise is in care, education, health, emergency frontline services, HR and Health and Safety leads. She supports the people who support others to try and reduce the risk of burnout.

Connect with Mandy: https://www.knowlimitscoach.com/

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, we're revisiting the world of children's mental health and the creative ways we can support it. 

Jessica Radford is someone who’s doing just that, she's the author and creator of the Animal Advisor series, a collection of children's books that help young readers deal with life’s challenges in a gentle, thoughtful way.

Jessica was in a job where she was unhappy. After handing in her notice, she was out of work for several months but after seeing a squirrel struggling in her garden it opened up a whole new career. Jessica began her Animal Advisor series and journey as an author, and hasn’t looked back since.

Key Takeaways

Jessica explains how her books not only help to promote good mental health in children, but also those slightly older or those buying the books for children.

You can have money and be in a comfortable position, but the most valuable thing is your mental wellbeing and how you are feeling.

As well as writing the books, Jessica also does a lot of work to help a number of different charities, which she discusses in this podcast.

Key moments

“I felt that I had no right to feel unhappy because I was so lucky to have what I had and I thought that I had it all but in truth, I wasn’t living a very fulfilling life.”

“I feel as if I’ve got so much to say now and I’ve tried to cover as many issues as I can with my books. I’ve written nine stories in the series so far and I have loads more ideas.”

“It’s getting people thinking more about mental health and I know there’s a lot more awareness these days but there is still a lot of stigma around it, and I wanted to help normalise talking about mental health.”

About the guest

Jessica always had a love of books and reading from a very early age. She attempted to write a few stories when she was a child and after losing touch with writing for a while, sat down at her laptop a few years ago and her first story, ‘The Squirrel Who Couldn’t Balance’ just ‘happened’. Since then, the stories just seemed to have flowed and Jessica’s love of writing has returned with a vengeance. 

Jessica loves spending time with her family, walking, visiting the theatre, and has a great love of music and dance. Of course, she loves to read too and personally, enjoys reading a wide variety of books, particularly historical fiction (especially anything about the Tudors or World War 2 era), crime and thriller novels plus, as a child, she was always drawn to animal stories. 

https://www.jessicaradford.co.uk/

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 the 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, 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 Fogarty speaks with Karen Hagan, a financial advisor from 4 Oaks Financial Services, about the link between financial wellbeing and mental health. With over 27 years of experience, Karen shares clear, practical guidance on pensions, investments, and protection policies, while also discussing how financial uncertainty can affect our mental health. This episode offers supportive advice for anyone looking to take control of their finances and improve their peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Pensions: A pension is simply a savings pot for retirement. Karen breaks down how they work, the benefits of tax relief, and why relying solely on the state pension is risky.

Investment Basics: Investments can help grow savings over the long term, but they come with risks. They may not suit everyone, especially those who prefer financial stability.

Importance of Protection: Life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection provide peace of mind by securing your finances in the event of unexpected illness or loss of income.

Emergency Funds Matter: Having a small buffer (even just £20–£50/month) builds financial resilience, helping you cope with unexpected costs and avoid spiralling into debt.

Mental Health Link: Financial struggles can lead to anxiety and poor mental health. Support from a trusted advisor or guidance services like Citizens Advice can be a valuable first step.

Key Moments

“A pension is just a pot of money that gives you an income when you retire, it’s really that simple.”

“An emergency fund, even a small one, can stop a financial wobble turning into a crisis.”

“I've seen the impact of financial stress on mental health, it’s why I trained in mental health first aid.”

“No judgement. I just need to understand the whole picture to offer the right help.”

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, John Fogarty, founder of JPF First Aid, as he shares his personal journey from working in the travel industry to dedicating himself to first aid and mental health training. John opens up about the pivotal moments that inspired him to start his business, his passion for helping others, and the importance of mental health awareness. This episode highlights how first aid knowledge can make a life-changing difference, and John’s experience provides valuable insights for anyone looking to make an impact in their community.

Key Takeaways

Transitioning Careers: John discusses his shift from the travel industry, where he worked as a cabin crew member, to first aid training, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Importance of Mental Health Awareness: After a personal experience with a friend, John became passionate about mental health, emphasising the need for open conversations and practical knowledge in supporting those struggling.

Diverse Training Courses: John delivers a wide range of first aid courses, including emergency first aid, CPR, paediatric first aid, and mental health awareness, catering to various audiences from schools to businesses.

Handling Mental Health Crisis: John shares his own experience of stepping in to support a friend contemplating suicide, highlighting the power of early intervention and the need for understanding and empathy in mental health crises.

Supporting Businesses and Communities: JPF First Aid offers training that empowers individuals to handle real-life emergencies, from physical first aid to mental health challenges, ensuring people can react confidently and correctly in critical moments.

Best Moments

“Starting my own business during COVID was challenging, but rewarding, especially when you see people achieve their first aid qualifications and know they can make a real difference.”

“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing I’ve given someone the confidence to handle a first aid emergency, or to support someone in a mental health crisis.”

“It’s not just about physical first aid; mental health training is just as essential. It can save lives and improve communities.”

“The impact of having the right knowledge to step in during a crisis is invaluable—it’s why I’m passionate about offering these training courses.”

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, John Fogarty takes us through the critical steps in dealing with poisoning. From household chemicals to food poisoning, he explains the different types of poisons, how they enter the body, and how to respond effectively in emergency situations. John provides essential first aid techniques, such as monitoring breathing, avoiding inducing vomiting, and ensuring you keep evidence of the poison. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to be prepared for poisoning emergencies.

Key Takeaways

Different Routes of Poison Entry: Poisons can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or injection. Each route requires different first aid approaches.

Initial Response: Always call for an ambulance immediately, place the casualty in the recovery position, and avoid inducing vomiting.

Household Poisons: Common household chemicals like bleach and oven cleaner can cause burns, redness, and difficulty breathing. Ensure the poison is identified and keep evidence for medical professionals.

Food Poisoning: Caused by bacteria like E. coli or salmonella, food poisoning requires rest and hydration. Call for medical help if symptoms worsen.

Plant and Drug Poisoning: Recognising symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and seizures is crucial. Always aim to keep a sample of the poison and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Key Moments

“The key with poisoning is early intervention—always call for an ambulance as soon as possible.”

“Do not try to dilute poisons with water or milk—science suggests this could have adverse effects.”

“Food poisoning can take hours to show symptoms—rest and hydration are essential, but call an ambulance if the condition worsens.”

“With plant poisoning, it’s vital to identify the plant and keep samples for medical professionals to determine the best course of treatment.”

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 provides a 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 Fogarty explores burns and scalds, covering different types, severity levels, and essential first aid treatments. He explains when burns require medical attention, how to manage minor injuries effectively, and what to do in cases of chemical or electrical burns. This episode provides vital guidance for handling burns safely and minimising long-term damage.

Key Takeaways

Types of Burns – Burns can be caused by dry heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, cold, or friction. They are classified as superficial, partial thickness, or full thickness, depending on severity.

First Aid for Burns & Scalds – Cool the affected area under running water for at least 20 minutes, remove any jewellery, and cover with a sterile dressing or cling film (loosely applied).

When to Seek Medical Help – Burns on the hands, feet, face, or genitals, full-thickness burns, burns covering more than 1% of the body, and those affecting vulnerable individuals (children under five, pregnant women) require medical attention.

Chemical Burns – Flush the affected area with plenty of water, avoid using cling film, and seek urgent medical advice, especially if the burn is severe.

Electrical Burns – Ensure the area is safe before approaching the casualty, turn off the power source if possible, and seek immediate medical help, as internal injuries may not be visible.

Key Moments

"Never use ice or apply creams to a burn—cool running water is the best treatment."

"Full-thickness burns may not be painful in the centre due to nerve damage, but they are serious and need urgent care."

"For chemical burns, identifying the substance involved helps paramedics and doctors provide the best treatment."

"Electrical burns can have hidden dangers—always prioritise safety before giving first aid."

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 Episode 20 of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty, founder of JPF First Aid, tackles one of the most feared first aid scenarios—choking. He explains the difference between mild and severe choking, how to provide immediate assistance, and the importance of quick intervention. This episode equips listeners with essential life-saving techniques to confidently manage a choking emergency.

Key Takeaways

Mild vs. Severe Choking: Mild choking allows for some airflow, meaning the casualty can cough. Severe choking is a full airway obstruction requiring immediate action.

Encouraging Coughing First: If a person can still cough forcefully, they should be encouraged to do so rather than receiving physical interventions.

Steps for Severe Choking:

1. Ask if they are choking – This confirms the need for intervention and gains consent.
2. Give up to 5 back blows – Use the heel of your hand, striking between the shoulder blades while leaning the casualty forward.
3. Perform up to 5 abdominal thrusts – Stand behind them, clench a fist between the navel and sternum, and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
4. Call 999 or 112 if needed – If the object is not dislodged, emergency services must be contacted. Continue alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts until help arrives.

Special Considerations: Pregnant casualties should receive chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. If a choking person becomes unresponsive, start CPR immediately, checking for airway obstructions before giving rescue breaths.

Importance of Training: Attending a first aid course provides hands-on practice, ensuring confidence in responding to a real-life choking emergency.

Key Moments

"Choking is one of the scariest emergencies, but knowing the right steps can save a life."

"Encourage a strong cough first—don't give water, as it may worsen the blockage."

"Always call for help if choking persists. CPR may be needed if they become unresponsive."

"First aid training is vital—practicing these techniques in a course makes all the difference in an emergency."

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 Episode 19 of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty, founder of JPF First Aid, discusses the essentials of first aid kits and the latest updates on the recovery position. He highlights what should and shouldn’t be included in a first aid kit for home, work, and vehicles. He also explains the correct approach to placing an unresponsive casualty in the recovery position, considering recent guideline changes.

Key Takeaways

First Aid Kits - What to Include: Essential items include sterile dressings, plasters, triangular bandages, gloves, and a general guidance leaflet. Medications, creams, and ointments should not be included.

Regular Kit Maintenance: First aid kits should be checked at least once a month to ensure sterility, replace expired items, and restock essential supplies.

Recovery Position Updates: If a casualty is unresponsive but breathing, assess for injuries before moving them. If injuries are present, keep them in the found position unless the airway is at risk.

Pregnancy Considerations: Pregnant individuals should always be placed on their left side to prevent compression of the inferior vena cava, ensuring proper blood flow.

Spinal Injury Precautions: If a spinal injury is suspected, only move the casualty if necessary to maintain an open airway. Keep the head, neck, and back aligned when repositioning.

Key Moments

"A well-stocked first aid kit can make a life-saving difference—check yours regularly."

"Rolling casualties onto their injury is no longer the default—always assess first."

"For pregnant casualties, always position them on their left side to protect both mother and baby."

"Maintaining an open airway takes priority, but spinal alignment should be preserved whenever possible."

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.