An interview with Nicky Credland, React Fast First Aid
Nicky runs React Fast First Aid, providing first aid training courses for individuals and businesses. Nicky’s expertise is in outdoor first aid, but she can run First Aid at Work and many other courses to teach people to save lives.
I have had a lot of support from GrowBiz and REDS with regard to social media, PowerPoint presentations and promoting my business, which has been so helpful.
Where in rural Scotland are you based and what do you love about living and working there?
I am based in Powmill village, near Dollar. I have lived here for over 30 years. I love the beautiful scenery, quietness and wildlife all on my doorstep.
When did you set up your rural business, and what inspired you to start it?
I started setting up React Fast First Aid at the end of 2019 when I retired from nursing. Then along came covid...! Needless to say, I delayed launching my courses until 2021 as I returned to the NHS to help with the pandemic.
I have been interested in first aid since I was a Brownie and Girl Guide and have been teaching it for over 40 years. I believe everyone should learn first aid, even school children, so it was natural that I would return to my passion for training first aid once I retired.
What is the biggest challenge you face or have faced running your business in rural Scotland?
Getting known. Getting people onto my courses. Awareness of what I have to offer especially at a time of a pandemic and when people and businesses are cutting back and saving money.
What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
Creating a 90 minute first aid webinar for a client. Learning all the computer skills to put such a presentation together was a huge achievement for me.
How do you look after your own health and wellbeing while running your business, and why do you think this is so important?
I love to go out walking in the countryside with my collie, Skye. We have climbed many Munros together and camped in some wild places far from 'civilisation'. It helps me clear my head of all the 'things I have to do' and gives me some ‘ME' time where I can relax and enjoy the amazing scenery Scotland has to offer.
It is so important to keep physically fit and active instead of sitting at a computer all day. The fresh air and peacefulness clears my head and gives me the opportunity to look at everything afresh and from a new perspective when I get back.
What are your business plans?
I specialise in teaching first aid in an outdoor environment. This may be for people involved in various outdoor pursuits from dog walking to mountain biking but also for Equestrian businesses and even Forestry. A lot of this training is done outdoors in more realistic settings. I am always looking out for a suitable classroom/village hall surrounded by some sheltered woodland with rough terrain, slopes, paths, rock faces etc. An alternative would be to buy some kind of temporary classroom/log cabin etc to put on my own property in Powmill.
What support have you received?
I have had a lot of support from GrowBiz and REDS with regard to social media, PowerPoint presentations and promoting my business, which has been so helpful. Everyone has gone out of their way to help me take things forward. I am so grateful to them all.
Find out more about this business here.