JPF First Aid

In this episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty kicks off 2026 by focusing on a skill that isn’t always labelled as “first aid”, but can make a huge difference to mental health support and wellbeing: active, non-judgemental listening. He explains how unhelpful, well-intentioned responses (like “you’ll be fine” or “just push through it”) can shut people down, and shows how listening properly can help someone feel heard, safe and supported, without trying to “fix” them.

John explores what good listening actually looks like in practice, why our tone, body language and facial expressions matter just as much as our words, and what to avoid when someone is struggling (rushing, giving advice too quickly, comparing stories, or minimising emotions). John also shares practical ways to improve everyday conversations, at home and at work, by listening to understand, not just listening to reply.

Key Takeaways

What Active Listening Really Means

• Active listening is giving someone your full attention and creating space for them to talk, without jumping in with solutions.
• It means listening to understand, not listening to reply, noticing when you’re already planning your response and bringing your focus back to the person.
• In many situations, being heard is “half the problem”, people often shut down when they don’t feel listened to.

Non-Judgemental Listening: Why It Matters

• Non-judgemental listening includes your words and your non-verbal cues, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language can unintentionally come across as judgemental.
• Judgement (real or perceived) can stop someone speaking up, especially when they’re dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout or emotional distress.
• You don’t have to agree with everything, but respecting someone’s experience enough to listen properly helps reduce shame, build trust, and encourage honesty.

Helpful Responses vs Conversation-Stoppers

• Reassurance can backfire when someone is struggling. Phrases like “everyone feels like that” can feel like dismissal and can discourage them from opening up again.
• A more supportive response acknowledges the feeling and invites them to share: for example, recognising it sounds difficult and asking what’s been making things hard.
• The goal isn’t to fix the issue immediately; it’s to show the person they’ve been heard and that you’re present with them.

What to Avoid When Someone Opens Up

• Avoid giving advice too quickly, comparing experiences, minimising feelings, or shifting the focus back onto yourself.
• If you do mention a similar experience, John suggests bringing it back to them: acknowledging it briefly, then making clear the conversation is about them.
• Don’t let distractions take over; phones, paperwork, and busy environments can signal you’re not really listening. If needed, move somewhere quieter or take a short walk.

Key Moments

“Even reassurance can feel like dismissal when someone is already struggling.”

“We need to listen to understand, not just listen to reply.”

“Any silence isn’t considered a failure. It’s space.”

“You don’t need perfect words, you just need presence, time and patience.”

“First aid isn’t always about what we do, it’s often about how we listen.”

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 end-of-year “best of” episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogerty looks back over some of the most important topics covered across 2025. He revisits practical first aid foundations (including what to say when calling the emergency services, first aid kit essentials, choking and poisoning), and reflects on mental health themes from the year, including a powerful conversation about bereavement and a reminder of how employers and employees can help build a healthier workplace mental health culture.

Key Takeaways

First Aid Foundations: Calling for Help (Episode 18)

• John revisits the key information emergency call handlers need, using the memorable LIONEL prompt: Location, Incident, Other services, Number of casualties, Extent of injuries, Location (repeat).
• He highlights why location matters so much (postcodes can be misleading) and recommends the what3words app to pinpoint an exact spot, useful if reception drops mid-call.

First Aid Kits: What to Include (and Avoid) (Episode 19)

• A workplace first aid kit should be guided by a first aid needs assessment, including what’s required for your setting and the right quantities.
• John stresses the importance of checking kits regularly (he references monthly as a minimum), looking for out-of-date items and damaged packaging that may no longer be sterile.

Choking: A Clear Step-by-Step Approach (Episode 20)

• John walks through, recognising severe airway obstruction (unable to speak/cough, colour change, clutching throat) and reinforces asking quick questions like “Are you choking?” and “Can you cough?” (including gaining consent where possible).
• The core response: up to 5 back blows, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, checking after each attempt.

Poisoning: Don’t Make It Worse

• Key do’s and don’ts include:
• Don’t induce vomiting, especially with corrosive substances (risk of burning on the way back up).
• Keep evidence of what was taken (including vomit if it occurs naturally) to help clinicians identify the substance.
• Monitor breathing and be prepared to place in the recovery position if unresponsive and breathing, or start CPR if breathing stops.

Bereavement: There’s No “Getting Over It”

• John revisits a conversation with counsellor Lynne Walsh, who emphasises that grief is not a straight line; it can be rocky, up and down, and influenced by significant dates and “firsts.”
• A key message is language: rather than “getting over” someone, we often adjust to life without them, while still carrying a continuing bond or sense of connection.

Workplace Mental Health: Shared Responsibility

• John closes the year by revisiting workplace wellbeing: the idea that both employers and employees can shape a healthier culture.
• Practical actions discussed include mental health policies/action plans, training (including mental health first aid awareness), open communication, recognition, and involving people in decisions and workload management.

Key Moments 

“We have a well-known way of remembering that information… and it’s called LIONEL.”

“What three words… can actually pinpoint… in a 3 metre by 3 metre square.”

“When helping somebody who is severely choking, we want to ask that question, ‘Are you choking?’”

“We never get over the loss of someone significant… we begin to adjust to a life without that person.”

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, host John Fogerty revisits the 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 Fogerty is joined by hypnotist Steve Woods to explore what hypnosis really is and what it isn’t. Steve explains how hypnosis works with the subconscious mind to change automatic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping people with issues such as anxiety, phobias, sleep problems, performance blocks, addictions, and exam nerves. 

They discuss who hypnosis is suitable for, how a typical session works (including online), and why genuine change only happens when someone truly wants it. Steve also shares real-life examples, including helping people overcome a fear of blood, regain their enjoyment of golf, and manage pressure around exams and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

What Hypnosis Is (and Isn’t)

• Hypnosis is about changing the way the mind responds – helping you think, feel, and act differently at an automatic level.
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• It works by accessing the subconscious “protection” part of the mind, which decides whether situations feel safe or not.
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• You remain within your own morals and boundaries – you can’t be forced to do something you don’t truly want to do.
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Who Hypnosis Can Help

• Steve believes everyone can be hypnotised if they want change and are willing to follow instructions (they don’t have to “believe” in it).
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• It can help with anxiety, fears and phobias (including blood and needles), sleep issues, weight management, performance (e.g. sport, business, public speaking), addictions, and exam or driving-test nerves.
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• Hypnosis is generally suitable for most people, with the main exception being those with split personality disorders due to safety and unpredictability.
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Mindset, Anxiety and Habits

• Anxiety often arises from the mind trying to protect us, treating embarrassment or humiliation as if it were life-threatening.
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• Hypnosis can break the cycle of being anxious about feeling anxious by retraining the mind’s automatic response.
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• With addictions or unhelpful habits (smoking, gambling, drinking), real change happens when the person themselves recognises the problem and is ready to change – not just because others want them to.
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Key Moments

“Hypnosis, to me, is a change of mind – getting the mind to think differently, act differently, and respond differently, especially in that automatic part of the mind.”

“With anxiety, we get anxious about being anxious. The protection part of the mind is asking, ‘Is this safe?’ and often reacts as if embarrassment were something that’s going to eat us.”

“The biggest benefit is that people stop feeling like they’re trying. They just feel naturally motivated to do things differently.”

“You’ve got to want the change. I can’t make your partner or your child stop smoking or gambling – they have to want it for themselves.”

“In hypnosis, we create new memories of how you want things to be, so when your mind checks, it finds a calm, successful experience instead of the old fear.”

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, host and founder John Fogarty focuses on Men’s Mental Health Month and why high standards in mental-health first-aid training matter all year round. He stresses that while November spotlights men, the message applies to everyone. John also unpacks what stress is doing inside the body, how it shows up emotionally, physically and behaviourally, and the practical steps we can all take to cope better.

Key Takeaways

Fitness to support is essential, not assumed: Not everyone is suited to provide mental-health support. Reliability, empathy, emotional maturity, active listening, respect and being fully present are non-negotiables, especially when someone finally opens up. Safeguarding, ethics and suitability must come before convenience or box-ticking.

What stress actually is: Stress is “the adverse reaction to excessive pressure or demands.” It’s not always bad, but unmanaged, chronic stress harms health and quality of life.

NHS-style five steps for wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give to Others, and Be Mindful, simple, repeatable habits that build resilience.

Reach out early: If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone and seek support; help exists in many forms.

Key Moments

“Safeguarding, ethics and suitability must come before convenience, box-ticking or commercial priorities.”

“When a person reaches out, the person they speak to must be ready, ready to listen, ready to show up, ready to take them seriously and ready to keep promises.”

“Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them.”

“Mental health is not just for a month, a week, a day, it’s every day of the year, and it’s for everyone.”

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 our last episode we focussed on CPR, around Restart a Heart month, which leads onto this episode about how we approach a casualty and the initial first aid steps, key practices, and emergency response strategies. 

This will equip you with foundational knowledge to act effectively in emergencies, emphasising the importance of prompt action, collaboration with emergency services, and understanding NHS resources. 

Key Takeaways

Aims of First Aid: Preserve life, alleviate suffering, prevent conditions from worsening, and promote recovery.

Emergency Numbers: Dial 999 or 112 (an EU-wide emergency number) for assistance, emphasising the use of apps like What3Words for precise location sharing.

Primary Survey - DR ABC: Assess dangers, check for responsiveness, call for help, secure the airway, evaluate breathing, and respond appropriately with CPR or other measures.

Prioritise the Four Bs: Breathing, bleeding, burns, and broken bones are addressed in order to ensure effective care.

NHS Resources: Minor injuries units and urgent treatment centers are valuable alternatives to A&E for non-life-threatening conditions, easing the burden on hospitals.

Key Moments

• “First aid begins with us being the first responder, providing critical care before professional help arrives.”
• “The What3Words app pinpoints your exact location, enabling emergency services to reach you faster.”
• “The Four Bs—Breathing, Bleeding, Burns, and Broken Bones—help prioritise treatment in emergencies.”
• “Using DR ABC ensures a structured approach to managing casualties safely and efficiently.”

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.

Restart a heart day is on October 16th and with that in mind we thought it would be a great reason to reshare the story of Carrie Bacciocchi and how she had to use CPR training in a real life scenario.

John Fogarty also discusses the importance of CPR, emphasising that it stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and is crucial for keeping blood and oxygen circulating to vital organs. He explains the "chain of survival," starting with early recognition and calling for help, followed by CPR, defibrillation, and post-resuscitation care. John notes that confidence in performing CPR is low, with only 51% of people feeling prepared. 

Key Takeaways

CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is vital for maintaining blood flow and oxygen to vital organs, improving a casualty's chances of survival.

Early recognition, calling for help, starting CPR, and using a defibrillator are crucial steps in the "chain of survival" to improve outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.

Performing CPR can be both physically exhausting and emotionally intense, with adrenaline playing a key role during emergencies, followed by a need for post-event support.

Key moments

John: “If (you take) anything from this podcast, please go out and learn those all important life saving skills”.

John: “if we can get an early defibrillation involved, which is step three of that chain of survival, that then helps to restart the heart, where it then looks at analysing the heart rhythm and see whether that is in a shockable rhythm to then restart that heart”.

Carrie: “Unfortunately, we did have to go to defib, so I was talked through by the person on the other end of the phone while we waited for the ambulance to arrive”.

Carrie: So something very simple that could have been looked after quickly and dealt with went on to life saving actions needing to be taken.

About the guest

Carrie Bacciocchi is self-employed with a background in education, she supports children who struggle with attending school. After discovering Utility Warehouse in 2014, where she saved on bills, she found an opportunity to earn residual income by helping others save money.

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 solo episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogarty explores how employers and employees can work together to create a positive mental health culture at work and the simple, everyday habits that support our own wellbeing. He covers key UK legislation and guidance, shares the latest HSE statistics, and offers practical steps for both organisations and individuals.

Key Takeaways

UK employers have a duty under health and safety regulations to protect both physical and mental health; guidance spans NICE, the HSE, and laws including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998, and data laws such as the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

HSE 2023/24 figures highlight the scale of the issue: 776,000 workers with work-related stress, depression or anxiety; 300,000 new cases; 16.4 million working days lost; these conditions account for 46% of all work-related ill-health, despite a 14% drop vs the previous period.

Employers can foster a healthy culture with a mental health action plan, clear policies, training (including first aid for mental health), open-door communication, recognition and reward, employee involvement in decisions, and visible leadership commitment.

Employees can contribute by learning about mental health, checking in on colleagues, speaking up early, embracing inclusion, using breaks well, planning rest and annual leave, and listening to their bodies.

Personal wellbeing is built on small, consistent actions: time with loved ones, exercise, healthy eating, good sleep, hobbies, volunteering, mindfulness, and contacting your GP when concerned. The NHS “Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing” are: connect, be active, keep learning, give to others, and be mindful.

Key Moments

“Every workplace has a duty… to make sure that there’s no risk to our health”—and that includes mental health.

The headline numbers: “16.4 million working days lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety.”

Practical culture change: introduce a mental health action plan, provide training and an open-door policy, and recognise achievements to boost morale and motivation.

The NHS’s five steps—connect, be active, keep learning, give, be mindful—offer a simple framework to build resilience inside and outside the workplace. 

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.

This episode is a look back at when host John Fogarty spoke with Louise Jordan - Director, Coach and Trainer at Luminary Life Ltd, Lucy Jordan - Director at Onward Commercial Ltd and Dr Julia Jones - Neuroscientist & Founder of Holidity. The conversation covers the importance of mental health, both in the workplace and individual daily lives. They highlight how physical and mental health are interlinked and that employers need to address underlying stressors, not just provide occasional wellness activities.

It's not just about throwing in the occasional wellness activity or two. Addressing those underlying stressors head-on is vital to see real change. The key is accountability. You need to be willing to hold yourself accountable for making these changes stick. It's not about perfection – it's about progress. Taking it one step at a time, and remembering that every small change adds up is key.

Key Takeaways

Tackling workplace stress is not just about throwing in some yoga classes or meditation sessions every now and then. Employers need to get to the root of the problem by addressing those underlying causes of stress, like workload and company culture.

When it comes to supporting mental and physical health, daily habits like consistent sleep and wake times can make a huge difference.

To make lasting changes for your mental wellbeing, working with someone who can hold you accountable and offer support can help you make those changes stick.

Best Moments

“There is no such thing as mental health and physical health. They are all so intricately interlinked. That it is one system that we're talking about.”

“I think all too often I speak to people who kind of have all these tools or tool bag, a mental health tool bag, and then they only pull them out when they're absolutely stressed and can't get out of bed in the morning.”

“I think it's really great that the mental health movement has grown so much, but I also think that there is still a lot of confusion around it.”

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 JPF First Aid, we speak to Anne Scanlon, a counsellor with over 24 years’ experience specialising in bereavement and anticipatory grief. Anne has worked extensively with children and young people in hospice and educational settings and now runs a private practice. She shares her expertise on how grief affects children differently to adults and why inclusion and communication are vital in helping them process loss.

Key Takeaways

Children process grief differently from adults; they often jump in and out of emotional states quickly as a natural coping mechanism.

Including children in the grieving process helps them build a clearer understanding and prevents feelings of isolation.

Schools and professionals can play a significant role in supporting grieving children, and training can empower staff to respond confidently and compassionately.

Key Moments

“Adults are in a fast-flowing river of grief… children jump in and out of puddles. One minute they’re in it, the next they’re not. It’s a natural coping strategy.”

“If we don’t talk to children about grief, they fill in the gaps themselves, and they don’t always get it right.”

“Tears are your medicine. They show children it’s okay to feel, and it gives them permission to cry too.”

About the Guest

A BACP-accredited counsellor since 2012, Anne Scanlon has over 20 years’ experience supporting adults, young people, and children in Solihull, Tamworth, and online. She offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories, using creative approaches like art and play with younger clients. Specialising in bereavement, Anne helps individuals navigate grief by giving voice to memories and emotions. She empowers clients to understand themselves, build resilience, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

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.