Giving CPR to pets is something all dog owners need to know. We sat down with First Aid for Pets learn more about the work they do.
Want to know more about First Aid for Pets? We sat down with Emma Hammett who’s their CEO to ask her a couple of questions about the important work they do, and why, if you haven’t heard of them already, you should have!
So firstly, would you be able to give us a little introduction into First Aid for Pets?
First Aid for Pets is an award-winning practical and online dog first aid training provider. We have featured in the Sunday Times and SAGA magazine and Mail. Jeremy Paxman is one of those who attended our courses and he loved it! Our mission is to empower all dog-lovers (owners and pet business owners) with the skills and confidence to provide immediate first aid to their pets in a medical emergency.
Why did you initially start First Aid for Pets?
First Aid for Pets was inspired by Gus, who attended a First Aid for Life Teenage First Aid course aged 14. After the course he went to his cousin’s birthday party and whilst the caterpillar cake was being cut, it’s thick chocolate face fell to the floor and was greedily gobbled up by Euston, his beloved pug. Euston went very quiet, stopped breathing and collapsed. Gus leapt into action and promptly used his new human first aid skills to save Euston, treating him as though he was a small baby. There was a stunned silence then the dog took a huge breath and struggled to his feet! Gus’ confidence and speedy response saved Euston’s life.
Why is it important that all dog owners here in the UK know about the work you do?
All dog owners are responsible for the wellbeing of their pets and the best way to do this is to empower themselves with the skills and confidence to be able to help in a medical emergency.
Pet first aid is every bit as important as human first aid – sadly there often isn’t time to get to the Vet. Prompt and appropriate first aid can prevent a minor injury becoming a major one, it saves lives, can reduce your pet’s pain and suffering and can save unnecessary trips to the Vet too.
What services do you offer?
We offer practical and online First Aid courses, written by experts from the veterinary, first aid and health professions. All courses are in line with the latest RECOVER guidelines 2012 and the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. We are proud that our courses provide verifiable CPD for those working in the industry and we receive outstanding feedback from dog walkers, groomers and trainers.
Our trainers are highly experienced medical and emergency services professionals who have worked alongside and owned many pets over the years and have a real passion for keeping them safe and empowering others to do the same.
Out of all the properties we currently have on our website, which one would you like to go to the most? Or have you been to?
This one’s difficult… I’ve been on quite a few holidays with yourselves, but I’d have to say my favourite was The Mayflower in Hampshire. If you haven’t already been, I’d highly recommend it!
Finally… What’s your favourite breed of dog?
What a difficult question. I don’t think it matters what the breed is, my dog was a perfect mixture – it is their personality that matters most!