Attending a learning class that will provide first aid certification is literally a life saving investment of your time. The skills that you learn in a class, that provides first aid training, may save the life of a co-worker, a complete stranger or a member of your family.
First aid certification is sometimes required by certain jobs such as daycare workers or made be part of a company’s safety plan that requires that a certain number of employees be trained and have received their first aid certification.
Generally, attending a first aid class, comprised of learning lifesaving techniques, can be categorized into two areas. The first area is learning CPR and the second area deals with administering first aid. Classes are available that combine these two areas of lifesaving techniques together or each can be taken separately. Successful completion will provide you with your first aid certification.
CPR
CPR is an acronym that stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are organizations that teach CPR as a standalone module in providing first aid. CPR is administered to an individual who, for whatever reason, does not have a heartbeat and therefore is not breathing on their own.
In order to receive your first aid certification, an interested individual would need to attend a class given by a qualified instructor This instructor should also have their first aid certification and the credentials to teach CPR. This CPR module can be taught in a classroom setting using an instructional video, instructor or a combination of both.
Also, a textbook is given as part of the curriculum and the opportunity to practice CPR. This practice is performed on a mannequin. As part of the first aid certification, learning CPR consists of recognizing scenarios in which CPR is indicated, emphasizing the need to call 911, making sure the area is safe, and the proper performance of the CPR technique. Generally the three C’s is taught. That rule stresses the importance of check, call and care.
Upon completion of the course a written test it is administered. The student must achieve a passing score or higher to pass the course. Upon completion of the course a first aid certification is presented.
First Aid
The second component of first aid certification is learning first aid so that first aid treatment can be given to a person in need. Instances of a person requiring first aid can be as minor as a first-degree burn to a life threatening injury such as severe bleeding.
Students enrolled in a first aid course will learn the basics about providing first aid. Some of these basics include the treatment of burns, splinting of broken or possible broken bones, recognizing the symptoms of shock, treating heat stroke and heat exhaustion, bleeding, etc. The course will also emphasize the need to sum up the situation as soon as possible and call 911 if indicated
A good first aid course will combine instructor training with a video tool and also should provide a textbook. In addition, part of the course should include an opportunity to practice learned techniques such as splinting an extremity or immobilizing an arm due to a shoulder injury. .
Following the instruction of the first aid course a test is administered to gauge the knowledge of the student gained by participating in the class. There is generally a passing score that is required. Upon completion of the first aid course a first aid certification is presented.
