Meet former army combat medic David Holden who now puts his skills to use teaching first aid

In celebration of #WorldAllergyWeek, and as the NHS celebrates its 70th Birthday #NHS70, we are sharing stories from our Healthcare Professional Members about their work. David previously worked as an army combat medic and whilst he was stationed in Hong Kong, experienced first hand how quickly a severe reaction can progress.

David was sat with a friend just 50 metres from the medical centre. His friend was bitten by a centipede halfway down the outside of his little finger and, within seconds, the finger began to swell. David suggested they return to the medical centre and by the time they had travelled the 50 metre distance the whole of his arm had almost doubled in size. David quickly gave him an injection and within a few hours his condition improved. This highl

ighted to David how rapidly things can become very serious for people having severe allergic reactions.

David is now a first aid tutor who trains many paediatric practitioners and workplace first aiders to provide the quick response required when dealing with anaphylaxis.

He says “As a First Aid Tutor who trains many paediatric practitioners and workplace first aiders I am aware of the quick response that is required when dealing with anaphylaxis. I have seen first-hand how fast someone with a severe reaction can go downhill.”