Bra Off Defib On Workshop
Changing our shocking behaviour, one bra at a time
Bra Off Defib On is incorporated into all my practical first aid training courses — and it’s also a 1-hour standalone workshop. It educates men and women on how to use a defibrillator safely.
Did you know that if you don’t remove a woman’s bra before using a defibrillator, she is less likely to survive?
Why is this? Well, there are two main reasons:
- The defib pads need to be placed on a specific place on the chest. The bra gets in the way.
- Bra underwriting causes the electricity to arch over the body, rather than going through it to the heart.
It’s such a simple thing, yet few people are aware of the bra issue when using a defibrillator. I aim to change all that, one session at a time (and one bra at a time).
This information is for…
Everyone, because we all need to know how to use a defibrillator correctly.
According to research from St John Ambulance, 75% of the public are nervous about using a defibrillator at all, let alone on women — yet it’s easy to learn, and you can save someone’s life.
Imagine that. You’ll feel like a superhero.
Bra Off Defib On Workshop: What will you learn?
The 1-hour Bra Off Defib On (BODO) workshop equips you with key skills for dealing with a sudden cardiac emergency.
It’s interactive, engaging and surprisingly good fun. I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself because when you’re laughing, you’re learning.
You’ll be trying out your newly learned techniques on my mannequins and, of course, getting the scissors out for the all-important bra removal.
Here’s what you will learn:
- How to spot the signs and symptoms of a heart attack
- The differences between male and female signs and symptoms
- Why women are less likely than men to have CPR performed on them
- Compression-only CPR
- Safe use of a defibrillator on all humans
- How to simultaneously remove a bra, perform CPR and apply the defib pads (you’ll be an expert!)
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the skills and confidence to be super-cool and calm in a medical emergency — and you can keep someone alive until medical professionals arrive to take over.
Cost: BODO is a charity, so there’s a suggested donation of £25 per person
Your qualification
The Bra On Defib On workshop counts towards your continued professional development.
More importantly, you’ll be armed with knowledge which can transform you into a life-saving superhero.
Some information about your first aid trainer
My name is Jenny Legg, and I am a first aid trainer.
The Bra Off Defib On campaign began in 2022. I founded it to raise awareness that women wearing bras are considerably less likely than men to have CPR performed on them. Put simply, they are more likely to die following a cardiac arrest.
I set up my business, Training Legs First Aid, in 2019 because I love teaching people how to become everyday life-saving heroes. Also, I wanted to make first aid courses interesting and enjoyable.
I have FAA qualifications in, first aid for mental health, first aid at work, paediatric first aid, anaphylaxis, oxygen management, catastrophic bleed, basic life support, CPR and safe use of an AED. I also have a PTLLS qualification, a volunteer management qualification, an assessor’s qualification, and I’m trained in stress and resilience.
At Training Legs, I mainly work with charities, schools, local councils and businesses in Sussex and Surrey.
If you have any questions, I’m always happy to answer them so feel free to get in touch.
FAQs
You’ll probably have questions, so I’ve answered some of them here.
If your question isn’t here, don’t worry. Just get in touch and I’ll provide the answer.
Who provides the training?
Virtually all the first aid training is carried out by me, Jenny Legg. I’m a qualified first aid trainer and the owner of Training Legs.
Which qualifications do you have?
Here’s the full list of my first aid training qualifications:
- PTLLS+ (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) — Level 5
- Training and assessment — Level 4
- First Aid at Work Trainer — Level 3
- First Aid for Mental Health Instructor — Level 3
- NUCO Assessor Training
- CPR and safe use of an AED — Level 2
- Student First Aid Instructor
- First Aid for Mental Health — Level 3
- Oxygen Therapy Administration & Anaphylaxis Management
- Catastrophic Bleed Instructor
Which first aid courses should I take?
For the full information on how to assess your first aid needs at work, take a look at the HSE’s First Aid Needs Assessment.
Here’s a quick rundown of my courses and who they’re for.
Practical first aid courses:
- Emergency first aid at work — For any employee. You just have at least 1 qualified first aider at work for every 50 people, even if you employ just one person
- First aid at work — A higher level of training for people who work in high-risk environments.
- Requalification for first aid at work — A refresher course. You’ll need to have completed the first aid at work course (for people who work in high-risk environments) within the last 3 years.
- Paediatric first aid — A requirement for those who work in childcare
- Defibrillator workshop — Everyone
- Basic first aid — Everyone
First aid for mental health courses:
- First aid for mental health — For any employee. The HSE recommends that employers foster a positive mental health culture in the workplace and offer appropriate training to their staff.
- Awareness of first aid for mental health — For CEOs, managers and leaders with responsibility for the company’s mental health strategy and culture
- Supervising first aid for mental health — For those who want more detailed training in mental health and addiction
Is first aid difficult to learn?
The short answer is no. All my first aid courses are suitable for anyone. You don’t need any previous experience with first aid techniques, or any medical knowledge.
The aim of the course is to build your confidence. I’ll be guiding you through every step, and there’s plenty of time to practise your newly learned techniques and skills.
Why is first aid training important?
First aid training is important because having these skills allows you to save someone’s life.
Accidents, emergencies, a mental health crisis or situation can happen at any time. First aid training means you can act quickly and efficiently until professional help arrives.
How many people can attend your courses?
I give everyone individual attention so there’s a maximum of 12 people for my practical first aid courses. At the first aid for mental health courses, the maximum number is 16.
All the courses run with a minimum of 6 people.
What sets you apart from other first aid trainers?
Firstly, my courses are good fun. I make sure they’re engaging and entertaining because that way, you’re more likely to remember what you’ve learned.
Secondly, I deliver first aid training with women in mind. As well as the standard topics, we include key issues such as periods, pregnancy and the menopause — important areas often overlooked in traditional courses. It makes our training more inclusive for everyone.
Bra Off Defib On is a big part of that. Too many women die because people are unsure how to use a defibrillator correctly on them.
Do you deliver the Bra Off Defib On workshop as a separate course?
Yes. I run a 1-hour standalone Bra Off Defib On workshop for community groups through the BODO charity.
Will I need to bring anything with me to the course?
No, just bring yourself. All the equipment is provided.
What should I wear?
For the practical first aid courses, I recommend comfortable clothing — something suitable for moving around on the floor — and please don’t wear anything which can be seen through, up or down.
The first aid courses for mental health don’t involve practical exercises, so you can wear anything you like.
Are you ready to become an everyday life-saving hero?