Why You Should Do A First Aid Course
Have you ever been the first individual on the scene of a bad accident? I have - a cyclist took a corner rather fast and too sharp. He came off his bike and was knocked unconscious. I went over, but I had no idea what to do. I felt sorry for him because I could not help and I felt embarrassed for myself and still do, ten years later.
This is why everybody ought to know the fundamentals of First Aid. Everybody ought to know how to make an accident victim comfortable and how to resuscitate him or her if necessary until medical professionals arrive.
Everyone should know what to do in the case of accidents that cause such common events as choking, drowning, fractured limbs, heart attacks, burns, scalding and electric shock. Everyday accidents that not everyone sees every day fortunately.
A basic First Aid course will teach the 'Four P's', although they might call it by a different name. The Four P's are Preservation of life; Prevention of further injury; Promotion of recovery and the Protection of yourself.
This is achieved by the application of 'ABC', which stands for 'Airways, Breathing and Circulation', which means that first you should check the nose, mouth and throat for blockages, then check for breathing and resuscitate if necessary, then reduce any bleeding with bandages and tourniquets, if you have to.
Knowledge of CPR or artificial resuscitation is also desirable and it is also a major component of any First Aid course. Artificial resuscitation ought to be applied when the patient has stopped breathing or the heart has stopped beating. Some basic training is better before applying CPR, because it can harm a patient that does not require it.
Besides just wanting to become a decent citizen, there are several other factors why you may like to take a First Aid course. Some jobs require that those who carry them out have attended a First Aid course. Professions that may have to have knowledge of First Aid include: supervisors of children like play school leaders, teachers, scout masters and youth club leaders.
Some jobs will more than likely provide their own First Aid course. This would almost certainly be the case in the police force and in factories where specific industrial accidents may happen such as chemical burns.
If your First Aid is a bit rusty, you ought to consider taking a refresher First Aid course. You will find numerous First Aid courses once you start looking. Your local community centre might arrange a First Aid course from time to time, so might your local hospital, police force, ambulance and fire services.
If not, you will always find a First Aid course on line. If you take a First Aid course on line, you will probably have to go to an actual test of your information if you require a certificate, although all the study can be done at home, which will save time.
Before you leave, here is another mnemonic to help you remember: 'BBB', breathing before bleeding, bleeding before bones' or should that be the '6 B's'?
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is at present busy with First Aid trainer courses. If you have an interest in RC vehicles, please come over to our website now at First Aid Courses Online.
