Tell us about yourself.
I’m Kerry and I have been running Daisy First Aid Christchurch & Poole for 3 years. I run classes in Christchurch, Bournemouth & Poole and surrounding areas. Before starting my business I was a police officer in London working on the front line and in CID. Both roles put my first aid skills to use. I left the police and moved back “home” as the time was right for me to start a family. Unfortunately there was one thing missing from the equation….a man! So I decided to go it alone and had my beautiful baby boy using a donor daddy!! I realised that I needed to find myself a job that allowed me to work around being a busy single mum and that is when I approached Daisy about purchasing a franchise. I found out I was pregnant the day after I finished my Daisy training so had a busy time ahead. I taught classes throughout my pregnancy, my last class was just 2 days before I had my son, and I returned to teaching when he was 8 weeks old. With the support of my amazing mum, who is having the time of her life looking after my son, I run Daisy classes to fit around my life. This allows me to spend so much time with my son, making memories and having fun whilst he grows.
What is your typical working day like?
There is no such thing as a “typical working day” for me. Some days I will be teaching parents in their home or on one of my regular venue classes or I could be teaching an Ofsted compliant course to nursery workers and child minders. I might be attending an antenatal class providing taster sessions to expectant parents. I could be attending a local baby/child events promoting my business or visiting local venues handing out flyers to let parents know about my classes. All of this I fit in around my little man and the activities that we enjoy together. Most evening, when my son is in bed, I am on my computer sending emails to confirm class bookings or on social medial pages promoting my business. No day is the same and no class is the same. Having taught Daisy classes for 3 years you may think that teaching one subject for that length of time may get repetitive but it just doesn’t. I get asked different questions all the time, meet people with different life experiences, get to play with and cuddle gorgeous babies everyday (and hand them back!)
Who would be your dream person to train?
Any parent who wants to learn. I honestly believe that it is every parent’s responsibility to learn first aid. You have been given such a precious little person to care for and should do everything within your power to keep you child safe. I take great pleasure in imparting my knowledge to every parent that wants to learn these vital skills.
What is the question you get asked the most in classes?
“But won’t I hurt them by doing that?” some first aid techniques can seem quite violent, particularly CPR and techniques to deal with a choking incident. Lots of parents are worried that they may hurt their child if they perform the techniques. I reassure them that this isn’t he case.
What was the last real life first incident you had to deal with?
Having a very adventurous 2 year old I have dealt with a few cuts and bumps but nothing too serious. The last time I dealt with a life threatening emergency was a couple of years ago when I was doing my food shop. An elderly gentleman had a cardiac arrest in the store and I gave CPR, with the assistance of the store manager. You never know when you may need to use your skills and the man in question was lucky that there were several people nearby who knew how to deal with the situation.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before becoming a parent?
That every child is different. Books on child care are useful as a guide in some situations but they weren’t written about your child. Your child is writing their own book as they grow and you will learn things from them every day. Don’t constantly compare their development to other children.
Also that you can survive on very little sleep!!
What is your first aid top tip?
Try to keep calm. Panicking in front of your child is just going to make them panic.
When you are not at work what do you enjoy doing?
Taking my son and our dogs for long walks on beach followed by a nice cuppa and a slice of cake. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place and we take full advantage of it.
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