This evening, members of the Skerries Coast Guard team took part in routine first aid training. The focus for the evening was on first aid treatment for diabetic emergencies – specifically hypo/hyperglycaemic emergencies. The training commenced with an introduction to the condition, from the point of view of the diabetic themselves and included a practical demonstration of the medications and control devices commonly used.
A hands on use of the blood glucose monitoring devices was also covered.
The training also included a demonstration of the Glucagon IM kit (commonly referred to as the “hypo kit”), used by Paramedics to attempt to reverse a hypoglycaemic coma.
Overall, this training proved very useful and informative, building the team’s awareness of diabetes and the critical emergencies that can occur to those with the condition.