According to a survey conducted by the Red Cross Society, 59% of deaths from injuries could have been avoided had first aid been administered before the emergency team arrived. This statistic highlights how important it is for people to be educated about first aid practices. First aid training can help anyone quickly respond to a health emergency, asses the situation logically, and care for a victim or patient without panicking.
Importance of first aid training
First aid training aims to prepare people to respond to health emergencies. It is essential for those who have friends or family members with pre-existing illnesses who are vulnerable to unexpected symptoms or health deterioration. A first aid course helps one identify sudden health changes and respond immediately before emergency services arrive. Early intervention reduces the need for hospitalization and helps the patient recover faster. Structured first aid training also helps individuals distinguish which situations need first aid and what they should and should not do when dealing with someone injured or sick.
Lessons covered in a first aid course
A first aid course equips people with the knowledge and practical, hands-on skills to save lives. Candidates learn about the laws surrounding first aid and the steps to respond to a situation. Those interested should look for a legitimate course that complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Some organizations offer basic courses for beginners and young adults and advanced courses for professionals who require mandatory first aid training.
Here are a few things individuals learn in a first aid course:
- Protocols to follow before giving first aid
- Steps to check a patient’s condition based on how conscious or alert they are
- Ways to assess if the person requires CPR or AED and the correct techniques
- How to respond to bleeding injuries
- How to respond to choking and breathing emergencies
- How to identify and respond to poison emergencies
A well-designed first aid course teaches people to assess and respond to emergencies following the correct protocols. On completing a course, candidates gain confidence in handling any situation and explaining the patient’s condition to the emergency team.
Who needs first aid training?
Everybody should know basic first aid, as one can never be sure when a person may get injured or face a health emergency. While basic knowledge may be sufficient for treating superficial injuries, structured training can help a person respond to severe injuries, burns, or sudden health emergencies. The following are some professionals who may require formal education:
- Healthcare professionals
- Teachers
- Supervisors
- Infant and adult caregivers
- Construction workers
- Managers and employees of daycare centers
- Lifeguards
- Cabin crew
- Law enforcement officers
- Social workers
- Gym employees
- Adventure sports staff
- Social workers
- Employees working in swimming pools or sports facilities
Must-have first aid items
There are no hard-and-fast rules about the first aid items one should have at home or office. The list may change depending on the vulnerable family member’s age and health condition. Here are some must-have items in first aid kits:
- Adhesive tapes and bandages
- Burn dressings
- Cold packs
- Sanitizers and wipes
- Splints
- Sterile pads
- Trauma pads
- Cotton wool and gauze
- Triangular bandages
- Masks and gloves
- Tourniquets
- Torchlight
Individuals should check their first aid kits frequently to ensure they have enough supplies and discard items that have crossed the expiry date.
