May has proven to be a whirlwind month, juggling film projects and my ongoing book endeavor. But amidst the creative flurry, I’m thrilled to share some personal news:
I’ve recently earned my First Aid certification!
This opportunity arose through BECTU, the trade union dedicated to media professionals, who advertised a course run by Lazarus Training. Despite an early start and a lengthy journey from Leicester to London, the experience proved to be invaluable and well worth the commitment.
The trainers from Lazarus Training were awesome – supportive, knowledgeable, and highly professional. The course itself was engaging and hands-on, involving practical exercises that brought the realities of first aid to life. One particularly memorable scenario involved a trainer dramatically portraying an unconscious victim with a simulated leg wound. The realism served as a stark reminder of the importance of assessing vital signs and responding effectively in emergency situations.
Another exercise focused on choking, with a trainer convincingly acting out the distress of a choking victim. This led to a practical session where we practiced techniques, including a modified Heimlich maneuver, gaining firsthand experience in how to potentially save a life.
Before departing, I ensured that I connected with my fellow trainees, recognising the value of building a network of individuals trained in first aid. For some time, taking a first aid course has been on my to-do list, and I’m incredibly grateful to BECTU for facilitating the introduction to Lazarus Training, and to Lazarus Training themselves for their splendid instruction. I’ve even received a comprehensive booklet outlining first aid procedures.
This qualification is more than just a certificate; it’s a valuable life skill. I anticipate it being incredibly useful, not only on future film sets where safety is paramount, but also in everyday life. I’m eager to put these skills to good use and contribute to a safer environment wherever I go.
JDE Films 
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