Emergency First Response courses in Zermatt
Emergency First Response (EFR)
Emergency First Response has number of courses including, Primary and Secondary Care, Care for Children, and CPR & AED.
EFR - Primary & Secondary Care course
The EFR - Primary and Secondary Care course is our most commonly requested course. It is a combined course which we conduct over two days.
The first day is for eLearning that you complete in your own time. The second day is in person. Below we have detailed what is included in the course.
What is covered in the Primary Care section?
The EFR - Primary Care (CPR) section covers, as the name suggests, CPR! It also includes scene assessment, barrier use, primary assessment, chest compressions with and without rescue breathing, serious bleeding management, shock management, spinal injury management and conscious and unconscious choking adults.
What is covered in the Secondary Care section?
The EFR - Secondary Care (First Aid) section covers injury & illness assessment, bandaging and splinting for dislocation and fractures.
First Aid Scenarios
During the course you will discuss and take part in a number of scenarios. Depending on your hobbies and your job role in Zermatt, we will include relevant scenarios, for example cooking in a chalet, clearing snow, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, lake swimming.
EFR course dates in Zermatt
We conduct several Primary & Secondary Care courses during October, November and December as this is when most ski instructors in Zermatt wish to renew their certification.
For other times of the year, please contact us and we can arrange a course privately or in a small group.
We also offer First Aid refreshers for those who would like to keep their skills up to date but do not require a qualification and the EFR Care for Children course for those working with babies and children.
Meet your EFR instructors
Patricio and Victoria Salerno are both PADI Emergency First Response Instructors, qualifying in 2017 and 2022 respectively.
We are also both qualified ski instructors, teaching full time in Zermatt.
We usually conduct the EFR courses together, even with only a few students, as this allows us to take part in the scenarios too. Patricio particularly enjoys acting as the worried family member or friend!
Who we work with
We provide the First Aid courses for students training with SubZero as well as for several other ski schools, chalet companies, nannies and other individuals working in Zermatt.
Stop, Think, Act: Three Steps to Take When Witnessing a Ski Accident.
Read more about what to do in the event of an accident, over on SubZero’s blog where we have written a guest post.
Stay Safe on the Slopes: Essential First Aid Kit Items for Skiers
As a ski instructors, safety is always a top priority, but minor injuries and accidents can happen. That's why having a first aid kit on you is essential for every ski instructor. These are the items we find most useful to have in our first aid kits when skiing on piste and why.
Plasters
Plasters, or bandaids for the Americans reading this, are essential for covering and protecting minor cuts, scrapes, or blisters. We have often dished out plasters to guests or others on the mountain who have nicked themselves on sharp ski edges or have a blister caused by ski boots.
Antiseptic Wipes
Before applying a plaster on a cut or scrape, use an antiseptic wipes to quickly disinfect the area. They are small and easy to pop in a jacket pocket with some plasters.
Gauze Pads and Self-Adhesive Tape
For larger areas, use a gauze pad rather than a plaster, and secure it using self-adhesive tape. Gauze pads are highly absorbent and can be used to apply pressure and control bleeding.
Self-adhesive tape can also be used to provide support and stability to injured areas, and to secure makeshift splints for fractures or sprains.
Foil Blanket
In the event of an accident or injury, a foil blanket is a vital item to have in your first aid kit. Don’t underestimate how quickly you can get cold sitting or lying on the snow on a warm spring day in the Alps waiting for ski patrol to arrive. These lightweight, compact blankets are designed to retain body heat and prevent hypothermia, and they only cost a few francs. By ensuring your clients are warm, you can help avoid cold-related injuries and provide them with comfort and assurance when they are worried about other injuries.
Optional Extras
Blister plasters, paracetamol (there are arguments for and against medication, use your own judgement), glucose tablets, CPR face mask, pen knife.
Storage
We dedicate one pocket in our uniform as our ‘First Aid Kit’, so we can quickly and easily access it. If you use something from your kit, remember to restock it as soon as possible.
Stay safe and enjoy the slopes!
Please note that the information provided here or elsewhere is meant only as a guide, we are not medical professionals and accept no responsibility.