Katy meets... (and learns with) Box CPR.

By Katy O'Regan

Launching my Ear Wax Clinic within JWC Health and Fitness marked the beginning of an unexpected journey into the realm of health and safety preparedness. Recognising the importance of being ready for any situation, I enrolled in a first aid certification course under the guidance of Marcus Amrooni from Box CPR. Marcus, highly recommended by other local businesses, brings a unique blend of formal qualifications and real-life experience as a firefighter with the Greater Manchester Fire Service, a retained firefighter in Holmes Chapel, and a boxing trainer at Holmes Chapel Boxing. His diverse background ensures he is remarkably qualified for teaching first aid skills.

The training session was conducted in my clinic, which we transformed into a functional learning space for the day. The curriculum Marcus designed was far from the mundane checklists one might expect; it was an engaging, hands-on experience that breathed life into the lifesaving skills we were about to learn. We began with the critical initial assessment, where Marcus taught me how to evaluate the safety of the environment swiftly, and check a casualty’s responsiveness. This was followed by a deep dive into basic life support, where I practised the precise rhythm of chest compressions and rescue breaths, the fundamental process of resuscitation.

As the day progressed, we tackled choking management, learning quick and effective techniques to clear airway obstructions. In bleeding control, I was trained to apply pressure and dress wounds with confidence. We also covered the delicate art of treating burns, managing shock, and immobilising fractures, each skill layered with Marcus’s practical insights and vivid anecdotes from his field experiences.

One of the course highlights was learning to operate a defibrillator. We are fortunate to have many of these devices in our community, practising under Marcus’s watchful eye demystified the process and instilled a deep sense of confidence in me. This session was not just about following instructions; it was about understanding the lifesaving potential of calm, informed action in crisis situations.

The day concluded with lessons on casualty positioning and effective communication, transforming me into a capable first aider, ready to manage an emergency scene with confidence and care. Marcus’s training made each lesson feel like a vital scene in the theatre of first aid, where every action could lead to saving a life.

Achieving first aid certification was both a proud moment and a sobering one. I am equipped with the skills to make a real difference, hopeful yet cautious of the reality that these skills are now a crucial part of my everyday preparedness. Thanks to Marcus’s exceptional mentorship, I stand ready to help, should the worst happen, a reassuring thought for anyone dedicated to serving their community.

All information correct as of March 2025.