Introducing Leeroy Litchmore to the HATA Team
This month we’re delighted to welcome Leeroy Litchmore to the HATA training team. Leeroy will be running our ever-popular paediatric First Aid courses, and brings a wealth of experience from his time as both a firefighter and paramedic. We chatted to him about his background, and why he believes that First Aid is such an important skill for those working in childcare settings.
Welcome to HATA, Leeroy! Could you tell us a little about your background as a First Aid trainer.
I have been a trainer now for 14 years, and I have always had a keen interest in life support and how to provide life saving skills to the public. I have been a firefighter for 17 years and a medic in the ambulance service for the last 5, I have attended some of the most career changing events in the last 17 years, the London bombings, the Westminister Bridge attack and lastly the Grenfell Tower fire.
Why do you feel that First Aid training is such a vital skill?
Many reasons! Here are just a few…
1. You can save lives in critical situations with a few simple techniques you will learn at the paediatric first aid course.
2. Basic first aid training will teach you how to deal with situations such as sprains and knocks and broken bones. You will however have to do a paediatric first aid course to deal effectively with infant choking and other emergency situations.
3. The first few seconds after an accident or fall can make a huge difference, a difference between life and death. So, irrespective of where you live and accessibility to emergency facilities, it is a good idea knowing how to deal with child or infant related trauma.
4. Paediatric first aid courses will teach you how to administer the right procedure in case of child choking. Taking immediate and right action could save the life of the infant or child.
5. You never know when emergencies will arise especially if you work with children or have small children of your own. It is therefore imperative to attend a paediatric first aid course and learn how to handle critical situations.
6. Having a professional Nanny who holds a current First Aid Certificate ensures peace of mind for both the families they work for and themselves.
7. Caring for children, whether as a parent or professional brings a great deal of responsibility and knowing what to do should an accident happen is essential.
How can students get the most out of their training with you?
I believe that HAVING FUN while learning is the best way for information to be retained, so my course will be serious but with added laughs, smiles and giggles along the way. The best recognition of this is when a learner walks away from the end of the course with a smile and says ‘this is the best course I have ever attended, and the fact that you made it fun and interesting and answered all our questions made me feel relaxed and confident to undertake first aid if I am required to do so, thanks Leeroy for a fun day’.
Have you had any particularly memorable experiences in your time as a First Aid trainer?
To be honest like most first aid trainers we all have our own little war stories or our ‘I remember this one time’ moments. But I believe the best way to share my fun moments is for you to hear them first hand so come along relax and prepared to be taught how YOU CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE!