Quick-thinking Milly Cadman sprang into action and used the Heimlich manouevre on 9-year-old brother Max, as he choked during a family meal on Monday night.

Just three weeks earlier Milly, a Year 6 pupil at St Aiden’s C of E Primary School, Billinge, attended a day-long first aid course.

The youngster was taught how to perform various first aid techniques including the Heimlich manoeuvre and CPR.

Headteacher Melanie Ravenscroft said: “We’re all so proud of Milly, and it just shows how valuable basic first aid skills can be.

“She was absolutely brilliant and didn’t panic at all, and instantly delivered the vital first aid which Max needed.

“I’m quite sure that Milly’s quick reactions saved Max’s life.

“Thank goodness she had received the first aid training.”

Read the rest of the article here…

Source: Click Lancashire

Proposals within the bill will make it mandatory for all wheel clamping businesses to be licensed under the terms of a strict code of conduct. The code will include a cap on fines, time limits on towing cars unreasonably quickly after being clamped and set out clear instructions for putting up signs warning drivers that clamping takes place.

Ministers are also looking to introduce an independent appeals process for motorists who feel unfairly penalised by firms and their employees.

Any company which breaches the terms of their licence could lose their right to practise and face up to five years in prison or a substantial fine Statement from the Home Office Minister

Alan Campbell said, ‘The Crime and Security Bill reflects the government’s commitment to prevent abuses by unscrupulous firms and their employees.

‘There is no room within the wheel clamping industry for those who indulge in unacceptable behaviour including unclear signage and excessive fees.

‘A compulsory licensing scheme for operators will leave clamping firms in no doubt as to their responsibility to the public and anyone breaching the strict code of practice risks losing their licence.

‘Firms will have to ensure signage is clear, fines are proportionate and towing practices are regulated. We are also working to introduce an independent appeals process for motorists who feel they have been unfairly treated.’

Statement from the Transport Minister

Sadiq Khan said, ‘These tough new proposals are part of a series of measures the government is putting in place to tackle the scourge of rogue parking firms who harass and intimidate motorists.

‘We have already taken action to restrict access for parking firms wanting driver information and by bringing in these new requirements for clamping firms we are sending a clear message to unscrupulous firms that they need to clean up their act if they want to stay in business.’

Legislation

The new legislation has been drawn up following discussions with motoring groups, industry representatives and a 12-week public consultation during the summer.

Currently, any individual undertaking wheel clamping must hold a frontline licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), with supervisors or directors holding a non-frontline licence.

The new compulsory licensing scheme will extend responsibility from individuals to businesses. It will be administered and controlled by the Security Industry Authority.

For vehicle immobiliser training please go to our website for available dates.

If you would like to apply please do so by email to Anthony Charles at aspireparkingsolutions@yahoo.co.uk.  If you have no access to email then you can call on 0208 854 7229.

beSmart Training is solely a training company and does not recommend or endorse any company who provides parking and/or immobilisation services.  beSmart Training has no control over services/employment provided by other companys.

The BII has started the nationwide search for the 2010 BII Licensee of the Year. 

Judges are looking for individuals or partnerships who make the best of the resources they have available.

They could be running a community pub, a village local or a high-street bar and be able to demonstrate great business ability and a passion for the trade.
The winner will be announced at the BII’s annual lunch in May. The award absolutely epitomises everything that BII stands for – excellence, professionalism, standards, best practice.

The current holder of the title Philip Davison, licensee at the Sun in the Wood, Newbury, Berkshire, said: “To win such a prestigious award is amazing, but even if you’re not fortunate enough get through to the final stages, just entering will make you revalue your business, look at how you do things and certainly improve your profit.”

To enter online visit www.bii.org for more information call Joanna Buston on 01276 417802 or email joannab@bii.org .

You can watch a video of the history of the awards and apply here: http://bii.bii.org/events/awards/2010loya , the closing date for entries is Friday February 15 2010.

Suzi Says…

It’s always great when licencees get the recognition they deserve.

 The judging for the BII awards are notoriously rigourous. I imagine that they check that everything is in order, from up-to-date staff training, to good standards of health and safety, to keeping customers safe and well looked after. Philip makes the point that “just entering makes revalue your business”.

My tip would be that it’s always a good idea to double-check that your licenses and training are up-to-date. For example, have you checked how the changes to the HSE First Aid regulations will affect business? Are your door supervisors fully licensed?

Attending training can help you to update your skills as well as chat to fellow licensees and share ideas and inspiration. 

If you are a licensee currently looking to enter the BII Licensee of the Year Awards, or a first time publican in need of some NCPLH, First Aid or conflict management training, call us today 020 7237 6007 for our immediate attention.

Good Luck to anyone who is applying!

Steven Hopkins, 28, of Woodward Road, Norwich, was tried at Norwich Crown Court after pleading not guilty to the charge of manslaughter which related to the death of Phillip Ward after he was pushed over outside the Chicago Rock Café in Prince of Wales Road in May last year.

But yesterday, the jury of six men and six women returned a verdict of not guilty, bringing an end Mr Hopkins’ ordeal.

The verdict was met with gasps of disbelief and tears from Mr Ward’s family, who said they had been “totally let down” by the decision.

Although the fact that Mr Ward had died as a result of Mr Hopkins’ actions was never in question, it was a matter of debate as to whether or not Mr Hopkins was acting in self defence and whether he used reasonable force in ejecting Mr Ward from the club.

The court had head that Mr Hopkins pushed Mr Ward, 46, as he was leaving the Chicago Rock Café in Prince of Wales Road, after a night out with his wife and friends.

Mr Ward fell backwards and hit his head, suffering a fatal head injury from which he never regained consciousness.

The jury heard the incident lasted no more than two or three minutes but the end result was the death of Mr Ward, from Drayton, near Norwich.

Solicitor Simon Nicholls said: “On behalf of Steven Hopkins I would like to express his grateful thanks to the jury for finding him not guilty in what was a very difficult case.

“Someone lost their life as a result of Steven’s actions and that is something he is going to have to live with for the rest of his life.

“Anyone who understands the difficult job door supervisors have must appreciate how terrible the last five months have been for Steven. He was married only two weeks before this happened. It has been a nightmare for him.

“The decision of the jury to find him not guilty has gone a little way to giving him some sort of closure on the matter and both him and his wife Rachael are incredibly relieved.

“It is understandable that Mr Ward’s family feel anger and bitterness towards him. But 12 ordinary people have heard the evidence against him and found him not guilty.”

Mr Hopkins confirmed his intention to continue working as a door supervisor.

But Mr Ward’s wife Mandy said: “How do you tell a four and six year old that their dad’s killer got away with it?  We feel totally let down,” and her eldest brother Bob Connor added: “We are devastated at the outcome of today’s trial.  Phillip’s family and friends have been dealt a life sentence from which they can never be released.

“In respect of Phillip’s memory we would like to have it emphasised that never, at any time, did he show any aggression to another person and we would like to thank both the police and the family liaison officers for all their hard work to bring this case to conclusion.

“Mandy and the rest of Phillip’s family and friends would like their privacy to be respected to continue to grieve and rebuild their shattered lives.”

The trial has thrown the amount of force used by door staff when ejecting revellers into the spotlight.

During the trial, Christopher Morgan, prosecuting, showed a Norwich Crown Court jury CCTV footage of the incident and said: “There is no dispute in this case that Steven Hopkins killed Mr Ward.” He said that Hopkins had “no right” to eject Mr Ward in the manner he did, and said that Mr Hopkins was a registered doorman and would have been trained in the correct way to eject people.

Steve Barber, owner of Norwich Security Specialists Ltd, which provides door supervisors to some of the clubs on Prince of Wales Road, said that door staff had changed their attitude since Mr Hopkins was charged and were now being more careful about the amount of force they used, regardless of the outcome of the trial.

He said: “If he had been found guilty, it would have opened up a massive can of worms and meant that door staff would have been worried about touching anyone, so might as well not be there. Although I am sad for Phillip’s family, it is the best outcome for the profession.”

Peter says…

I must agree with Steve Barber.  Whilst respecting the family must feel bitter and cheated about the outcome of the trial, it is really the best outcome for the profession.  The current door supervisor training does not teach “how to eject or evict customers”, it just teaches that door supervisors should use only “reasonable and necessary force”.  Later this year, however, the door supervisor training will be updated to include a physical intervention unit which will offer non-violent, non-aggressive way to eject from premises.  This unit will also probably be one of the options for future compulsory renewal training for currently licensed door supervisors.

beSmart Training currently offers the BIIAB Maybo Physical Intervention training course for door supervisors and security guards, as well as other Security Industry Authority approved training and personal licence courses.

For further information on all our courses go to our website at www.besmart-training.co.uk or call Sue on 0207237 6007.

The action took place in Glasgow over Christmas.  Wheel clamping is very rare in Scotland because under Scottish law it is generally illegal for private clampers to immobilise vehicles.

NSL’s operation for the Scottish Courts Service operates under separate legislation, which means clamping cars to encourage motorists to pay unpaid fines is allowed if ordered by the Service.  The powers have only just been adopted as part of a campaign by the Scottish Courts Services to reduce the level of unpaid fines.

Eric McQueen, Director, Field Services, Scottish Court Service said “We introduced new tracing facilities which make it easier for us to identify defaulters and deduct outstanding fines from their benefits,wages or bank accounts.  It also helps us identify if they are a car owner, in which case we have powers to seize and sell the vehicle.

“We have issued warnings to car owners before and they normally pay up but there are some people who still believe they can get away with not paying their fines.  Fine dodgers have nowhere to hide; the Scottish Court service will use all the available sanctions to collect their fine including clamping and seizing their car.”

The three car owners are all Glasgow based but clamping orders have also been issued for car owning defaulters elsewhere in Scotland and these will also be enforced if non-payment continues.

Eric McQueen concluded “The owners of these cars have had ample warning of the consequence of non-payment of their fine. I hope this sends out a clear warning to others with outstanding fines.”  All of the owners of the clamped cars subsequently paid their fines plus the additional contractor’s expenses and their cars have now been released. Murray Sheppard, NSL’s area manager for Scotland, commented “In Scotland there are few agencies other than us who have the relevant expertise because clamping is not used widely – but it clearly has a role to play here and we are delighted to have started this operation successfully for the Scottish Courts Service.”

The Scout Association has presented the award to just 12 Scouts who have saved people’s lives across Britain, including 15-year-old Joseph Slade, a pupil at Didcot’s St Birinus School.

When Joseph’s father Jon, 44, started choking on crackling from a hog roast at a party in Sutton Courtenay, his son leaped to the rescue and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre to dislodge it.

Joseph, of Bear Lane, North Moreton, said: “It was all quite fast. He was trying to signal people to do it, but people thought he was joking.

“I just got up behind him, put my arms just under his ribcage, and squeezed a couple of times. It came shooting out, and he just leant over on the ground and I kept hitting his back.”

He added: “It’s one of those things you hear about and see on TV. You never think you’re going to have to use first aid, but you do.”

The split-second intervention and calm thinking came after years of first aid training at Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, of which Joseph has been a member since the age of six. He currently is an Explorer Scout with the 1st Clifton Hampden and Burcot Sea Scouts.

The Chief Scout, explorer Bear Grylls, said: “Joseph has shown great bravery, and his act is an inspiration to many.

“I’m so proud that when it mattered, he showed great Scouting spirit.”

Joseph’s mother Annetta, 40, said: “We’re so proud of him. Jon was really choking. He couldn’t talk, he couldn’t communicate, he couldn’t breathe.

“He tapped one guy in front of him, but he thought he was joking. Joseph just got up and sorted him out.”

Other recipients of the award included a 13-year-old who needed hospital treatment after rescuing a friend who had fallen through a frozen lake, and a 17-year-old who paddled out to sea on a body board to rescue a drowning fisherman.

Source: Oxford Mail

According to Gideon Ben-Tovim, chairman of Liverpool Primary Care Trust, as many as 70% of all recorded accident and emergency admissions during weekends are alcohol related and asserted the consistently high levels of binge drinking in the city – which is, to some extent, a reflection on nationwide levels.

The scheme makes a clear statement to those who a prone towards aggressive behaviour during nights out in the city centres, as the recording equipment can capture and document clear evidence in the event of a crime, which door supervisors are often witness to.

Strict regulatory measures are in place which will ensure that only Merseyside Police and Security firm will have access to captured footage. Should the initiative be extended to more popular nightclubs and bars in Liverpool – or indeed other cities with high levels of alcohol related violence – this could see a definite increase of convictions as the result of incriminating evidence caught on such devices.

So far so good for Liverpool authorities as evidence from the bars where the cams have been trialled over the past few weeks, have shown that they do indeed discourage incidents of aggression in door queues.

Commenting on the effect of such campaigns, Ben-Tovim further concluded that:

“These initiatives are not about preventing people from drinking but are about ensuring people across the city can enjoy alcohol in a responsible way that does not impact on themselves or other residents.”

Government estimates put the annual cost of the proposed extra training between £10.1m and £25.9m.

The top-up training would be compulsory when Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences are renewed every three years. On-going refresher training in physical skills would also be needed.

This is the Home Office’s preferred option outlined in a new consultation, released today.

A statement from the department said the aim is “to protect the public by raising standards of training across the industry”.

Additional training will include physical intervention, first aid, special considerations when dealing with young people and awareness of the threat of terrorism.

Bill Butler, SIA chief executive, said: “We welcome these proposals, many of which were suggested by the Industry.

“They understand the challenges faced by door supervisors and the skills needed to carry out their duties professionally, whilst protecting the public.

“We are encouraging those working in the door supervision sector, training providers and stakeholders to contribute to this important piece of work.”

If the decision is made to implement the proposals, top-up training will be compulsory for all door supervisors from May 2011.

The SIA said it would work with awarding bodies to ensure training is available from October 2010.

The 14-week public consultation can be viewed here: www.homeoffice.gov.uk.

beSmart already offers a range of continued professional development courses for door supervisor such as physical intervention and first aid.  If you want to be ahead of the game give us a call on 020 7237 6007 or visit our website at www.besmart-training.co.uk.

Val Laing was working a normal shift in Marks & Spencer’s when a 75-year-old man collapsed in the food hall.

But when the 47-year-old, from Thornbury, rushed to help, she realised his heart had stopped. Val, who had volunteered to be a trained first aider at the store, immediately began chest compressions and gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until he gasped for breath about five minutes later.

She kept him calm with the help of another nurse who was passing by until paramedics arrived on the scene. He was taken to British Royal Infirmary by ambulance where he had an emergency operation and he is now reported to be on the mend.

Val, a former army nurse, said: “It was about 4pm and I was in the food hall. There is a few of us first aiders in the store. We carry mobiles around with us just in case. It is usually just a minor injury – like a cut finger.

“I got a call on my mobile saying someone had collapsed, so I picked up my first aid bag and went over to where he had fallen.

“There were a few people crowded round him. He was slumped down and totally purple. Another first aider was with me and I told her to dial 999 because he wasn’t breathing.

“When she got through, I had already started CPR and was giving him mouth-to-mouth and 30 chest compressions.”

Mrs Laing said she just focused on reviving the pensioner who had gone into cardiac arrest.

“I just knew I had to do something before it was too late,” she explained. “I was on my second round of CPR when he gasped for breath. A trained nurse was there and she helped me keep him calm because he started fighting back. She monitored his pulse while we waited for oxygen. After the ambulance arrived, I carried on working. Staff were coming up to me afterwards saying ‘I don’t know how you did it!’”

Store manager Simon Lucas said: “It’s important to Marks and Spencer that we have first aiders in the store. “We were pleased to be able to help and wish our customer a full and speedy recovery.”

Cribbs Causeway spokesman Sarah King added: “We have 28 trained first aiders in The Mall but stores like M&S have their own staff.

Read the rest of the article here.

Source: This is Bristol