If you have the opportunity, I’d recommend learning some basic First Aid and CPR in your own time. Why? It’s not just about public awareness, it’s also about being prepared to protect yourself and the people around you. You never know when you might be in a position to save a life, whether it’s a stranger or someone close to you.
About a month ago, I experienced a first aid emergency on my way home on the train (1). That incident motivated me to refresh my training, especially since I used to work as a cabin crew years ago. Fortunately, I had never encountered any serious situations during my flying career, apart from one case where an elderly male passenger died from internal haemorrhage mid-flight. However, he wasn’t in my cabin, so I didn’t have the opportunity to assist.
This January, I participated in a CPR training course (2) and refreshed my knowledge of how to perform CPR using a training mannequin (Annie). The procedure has been simplified compared to what I learned previously.
In the past, we were taught to give two rescue breaths to an unconscious person before starting CPR. However, current guidance is more straightforward and emphasises acting quickly. For an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally, the priority is to start chest compressions immediately and call for help. Rescue breaths are still included in full CPR (typically in a 30:2 ratio), but for untrained bystanders, hands-only CPR, continuous chest compressions, is encouraged to avoid delays.
The hands-on practice with my classmates was very engaging. We asked lots of questions and gained valuable insights into these updated first aid approaches, particularly the importance of quick decision-making and early action.
We also discussed the recovery position for a pregnant woman. I hadn’t realised that positioning her incorrectly for an extended period, especially lying on her back or on the wrong side, could actually put both her and the baby at risk rather than help (3).
At the end of the session, we discussed what really matters in a first aid kit. It’s not just about how many items you have, but how practical and useful they are in real situations.
Damian emphasised that choosing the right tools, and knowing how to use them, is far more important than simply having a fully stocked kit. He also suggested adding a pulse oximeter as an extra item, which can be helpful for checking oxygen levels if you encounter someone with potential heart or brain-related issues.
This experience reminded me that first aid is not just a skill, it’s a responsibility we carry in everyday life. Staying updated, thinking clearly, and acting quickly can truly make a difference when it matters most.
References:
1) From Panic to Recovery: The Life-Saving Renzhong Point in Action: https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2026/03/from-panic-to-recovery-life-saving.html
2) Learn CPR in 15 minutes for free with RevivR: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes (virtual)
British Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.uk/ (in-person)
First Aid Training: https://constellationtraining.co.uk/
3) In first aid, a pregnant woman (particularly in later stages of pregnancy) should ideally be placed on her left side. This helps prevent the uterus from pressing on major blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow and cause dizziness, low blood pressure, or even compromise circulation to the baby. Keeping her on the wrong side or flat on her back for too long, around 20 minutes or more, can therefore become dangerous instead of beneficial.
