What to expect in a GWO first aid course
The wind industry, with its inherent challenges and remote work environments, demands a robust safety culture. Common hazards include falls, electrical dangers, restricted workspaces, and challenging weather conditions. For this reason, it’s important to respond effectively to emergencies.
The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) First Aid course offers a critical safety framework, equipping technicians with the skills and knowledge to provide immediate and potentially life-saving assistance.
If you’re considering a career in the wind sector, understanding what to expect is paramount.
A foundation for emergency response
The GWO First Aid course is designed to provide participants with the fundamental and advanced skills necessary to administer first aid in a wind turbine generator (WTG) environment.
It is focused on developing practical competencies and the confidence to act decisively in high-pressure situations.
This comprehensive training programme is not merely a certification requirement; it’s a vital investment in the safety and well-being of individuals working both onshore and offshore. In these challenging environments, where access to immediate medical assistance may be limited, the ability to provide timely and effective first aid can be the difference between life and death.
By empowering technicians with the skills to address medical emergencies, the GWO First Aid course contributes to a safer, more resilient workforce.
GWO first aid course structure and key components
- Emergency situation management
Within the course, emphasis is placed on understanding and demonstrating the correct order of management in a WTG emergency. This includes situational awareness, rapid assessment, and decisive action.
Learners will gain skills in how to prioritise actions based on the severity of the situation and the resources available. For example, if a casualty is unconscious, establishing and maintaining an airway takes precedence over other interventions. This structured approach allows for efficient and effective response, maximising the chances of a positive outcome in a challenging environment.
- Primary survey and lifesaving first aid
The course extensively covers the primary survey “C” – A – B – C (Catastrophic Bleeding, Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Participants will learn to apply this survey in real-time scenarios, ensuring critical issues are addressed immediately.
Training includes the correct and confident use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in a WTG emergency.
- Secondary survey techniques
Participants will also master the secondary survey, a detailed head-to-toe assessment used to identify additional injuries or medical conditions.
This section of the course ensures a comprehensive approach to casualty care and moves beyond the initial life-saving measures.
This includes how to address injuries that may not be immediately apparent, such as fractures, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries, and knowing how to address these conditions promptly to prevent further complications or deterioration.
Participants will gain awareness of the importance of immobilising potential spinal injuries, especially in fall scenarios within a WTG environment.
The secondary survey also involves gathering accurate and detailed information to relay to emergency services, so that they can provide appropriate treatment upon arrival.
Course participants will learn how to keep the casualty warm, and comfortable.
- Scenario-based first aid applications
The course culminates in practical scenarios that integrate the primary and secondary surveys with the use of first aid equipment.
Participants will be assessed on their ability to apply their knowledge in realistic simulations, helping to build confidence and competence in handling emergencies.
Successful completion of the assessment results in a GWO First Aid course certificate, which is valid for two years.
This certification is a testament to the participant’s readiness to respond to emergencies in challenging wind industry environments.
How Scott’s Access Services can support learners
At Scott’s Access Services, we understand the importance of high-quality training for the wind industry. Our GWO First Aid course is delivered by experienced instructors who are passionate about safety.
We provide a learning environment that is both informative and engaging, ensuring that participants leave with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
To ensure these vital safety skills remain sharp and up to date with evolving industry best practices, we also provide a GWO First Aid refresher course within our Basic Safety Training package. This refresher allows certified technicians to revisit and reinforce their knowledge, guaranteeing they maintain the confidence and competence needed to respond effectively in any emergency scenario.
