Best of 2025: First Aid Essentials, Bereavement, and Workplace Mental Health

In this end-of-year “best of” episode of the JPF First Aid Podcast, host John Fogerty looks back over some of the most important topics covered across 2025. He revisits practical first aid foundations (including what to say when calling the emergency services, first aid kit essentials, choking and poisoning), and reflects on mental health themes from the year, including a powerful conversation about bereavement and a reminder of how employers and employees can help build a healthier workplace mental health culture.

Key Takeaways

First Aid Foundations: Calling for Help (Episode 18)

• John revisits the key information emergency call handlers need, using the memorable LIONEL prompt: Location, Incident, Other services, Number of casualties, Extent of injuries, Location (repeat).
• He highlights why location matters so much (postcodes can be misleading) and recommends the what3words app to pinpoint an exact spot, useful if reception drops mid-call.

First Aid Kits: What to Include (and Avoid) (Episode 19)

• A workplace first aid kit should be guided by a first aid needs assessment, including what’s required for your setting and the right quantities.
• John stresses the importance of checking kits regularly (he references monthly as a minimum), looking for out-of-date items and damaged packaging that may no longer be sterile.

Choking: A Clear Step-by-Step Approach (Episode 20)

• John walks through, recognising severe airway obstruction (unable to speak/cough, colour change, clutching throat) and reinforces asking quick questions like “Are you choking?” and “Can you cough?” (including gaining consent where possible).
• The core response: up to 5 back blows, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, checking after each attempt.

Poisoning: Don’t Make It Worse

• Key do’s and don’ts include:
• Don’t induce vomiting, especially with corrosive substances (risk of burning on the way back up).
• Keep evidence of what was taken (including vomit if it occurs naturally) to help clinicians identify the substance.
• Monitor breathing and be prepared to place in the recovery position if unresponsive and breathing, or start CPR if breathing stops.

Bereavement: There’s No “Getting Over It”

• John revisits a conversation with counsellor Lynne Walsh, who emphasises that grief is not a straight line; it can be rocky, up and down, and influenced by significant dates and “firsts.”
• A key message is language: rather than “getting over” someone, we often adjust to life without them, while still carrying a continuing bond or sense of connection.

Workplace Mental Health: Shared Responsibility

• John closes the year by revisiting workplace wellbeing: the idea that both employers and employees can shape a healthier culture.
• Practical actions discussed include mental health policies/action plans, training (including mental health first aid awareness), open communication, recognition, and involving people in decisions and workload management.

Key Moments

“We have a well-known way of remembering that information… and it’s called LIONEL.”

“What three words… can actually pinpoint… in a 3 metre by 3 metre square.”

“When helping somebody who is severely choking, we want to ask that question, ‘Are you choking?’”

“We never get over the loss of someone significant… we begin to adjust to a life without that person.”

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in workplace and educational environments.

John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews. He ensures learners enjoy and achieve their goals, and works with customers to select the right courses and resolves any issues promptly.

Find out more at: https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

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