Saturday 1st September 2001 saw 16 members gather at The Ferryman Inn, Bablock Hythe, some nervous, some eager, to learn some 1st Aid. I was one of the nervous ones (can't stand the sight of blood) and although I was keen to learn, as my knowledge of first aid amounted to being able to put a plaster on a scratch, I must admit that I had expected the Course to be a bit boring. In actual fact I found it to be very absorbing and interesting, no doubt due to the excellent way our tutors, Rose and her partner Ian, so very clearly explained and demonstrated with skill and humour, the various aspects of first aid which were covered. We were all encouraged to have a go at mouth-to-mouth and CPR (on "resuscitation dummies", not each other). We covered all sorts of mishaps from sprains and strains to drowning, heart attacks, epilepsy, diabetic problems, severe bleeding etc. Although I still couldn't qualify as a doctor, I feel much more confident in my ability to know what course of action I should take if I am ever unfortunate enough to be on the scene of an accident. It was an excellent Course and I think all the other budding First Aiders who were there with me would agree it was well worth attending.