First Aid Classes For General Public?

[MustangLady]

Been thinking about it for a while and was further inspired by a programme on tv last night about learning basic first aid. Today I decided to look online to where classes may be available and never realised how hard this would be to find one locally to me. The nearest class is either during the day (I work) or at least 22 miles from me! I also checked out Red Cross & St John's Ambulance, they do not offer classes anywhere near where I live. The only classes, in abundance, are First Aid at Work which is not what I want. Can't believe there are not more classes for general public that are either evening or weekends and at least within a 10 miles radius of a busy residential town. Does anyone know if other organisations do the first aid courses? Do hospitals or doctor surgery's offer this? Thought I'd check with you all first to save me doing loads phone calls.

[mrs_overall]

Do you work?
If so, there may be a qualified first aider at work who may be willing to teach you the basics.
Most first aid courses available are aimed at the workplace.
I had a hollow laugh when you asked about hospitals/doctors offering this. I am a first aid trainer/assessor and the last group I assessed were a group of doctors. If someone collapses in the street a doctor will be able to say that the person is having a heart attack but they won't have a clue what to do.
Sqad won't mind me quoting him. When he was newly qualified he was with 2 other doctors and they saw a woman having an epileptic fit in the street. They couldn't remember what to do so they kept on walking.
Take medical staff away from their workplace and high tech equipment and they often do not know the basics.
Do you mind me asking what part of the country you live in?

[joko]

many colleges do them.

[vulcan]

when I was working I volunteered to go on a first aid course. It lasted three days and my company paid for it, including travelling. Perhaps your company would do the same.

[erin-x]

Try your local college prospectus. They usually do first aid courses as either evening or weekend classes. I did mine through Mines Rescue. I don't know if they're just a Scottish thing though....

[MustangLady]

Yes I do work but just small family business, me & my brother only. I did a work related first aid course about 10yrs ago (when I worked for another company) but feel I need fresh start. I'll try colleges, never thought if those. I'll also check out mines rescue, don't recall seeing that name? MrsO, I can believe that about doctors! Take them away from desk & comfort zone of their surgery and they're lost. Anyway, I'll try suggestions given, fingers crossed I'll find somewhere bit closer to me. Thanks again all.

[erin-x]

Here's a link for you... http://www.minesrescue.com/training-courses/first-aid

[MustangLady]

MrsO I forgot to add Essex is my part of the country (Basildon). I need evening class as can't free my days up due work commitments.

[MustangLady]

Thanks erin-x appreciate that.

[MustangLady]

Headwreck...yes my thoughts exactly, you'd think something closer for general public to learn this. Only links to work related first aid training &daytime. I need general public basic first aid evening or weekend courses.