first aid class

A First Aid Class and People

When taking a first aid class, people tend to think it’s soley for the purpose of learning tips and techniques to dealing with minor issues such as small bumps or bruises, or scrapes when a kid falls off their skateboard. In reality, a first aid class offers much more than meets the eye.

What to Expect From a First Aid Class

To being with, the basics will be taught. You’ll learn the right methods to use when treating a scrape or cut on an adult, and different methods to use when treating these ailments on a child that may be more timid or scared than an adult. The first aid class will also introduce the types of medication or sterilizing creams to be used on minor scrapes and cuts.

But first aid classes go above and beyond your typical first aid thoughts. These classes tend to teach CPR and the practices used that go into it, enabling the course taker to learn life saving techniques that are priceless to many who find themselves in need of the treatment.

Because there are different kinds of first aid classes that specialize in certain specifics of first aid, there are many different things to learn depending on the course taken. A particular course may teach you how to perform help for someone who has had a cardiac arrest, and yet another course might focus on teaching toddler first aid.

When to Take the Classes

It’s never too early or too late to take first aid classes. Many people think that because they are older and have never had first aid or CPR training, that it’s too late to do anything about it. The reality is that it’s never too late to learn these skills. Whether we are 15 years old, or seventy years old we all have something to contribute when someone else is in need of first aid. But in order to contribute, we need to have the skills to do it.

The same method can be said for being too young. Even a 5 year old child can offer some good out of their first aid knowledge at one time or another. It’s also a good way for a child to learn from first aid classes how to be careful themselves, and stay away from dangerous situations. A good way to ensure everyone in a family is properly trained in CPR and first aid is to take a course together!

Why It Is Important To Learn CPR And First Aid

The letters CPR stand for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and it describes the process of bringing oxygen back into the body’s circulatory system. The human brain can only survive for three or four minutes without oxygen before suffering damage. Millions of Americans are saved from brain damage or death each year because someone knew how to administer CPR at a time when a victim needed it. CPR and first aid are not difficult techniques to learn, but the most effective teaching comes from a course where students are allowed to practice the techniques on mannequins to safely ensure that you are learning correctly. The Red Cross and the American Heart Association both offer information on where to find CPR and first aid classes.

The ABC’s Of CPR And First Aid

By following the ABC’s when encountering a victim who is unconscious, you can determine what type of help is needed. “A” stands for airway, and it involves ensuring that the victim is in a position so that the airway is open. By tilting the victim’s head back and pulling the chin forward, you can open the airway. “B” stands for breathing. You can determine if the victim is breathing by watching for movement in the chest. If you do not detect any movement, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The “C” is for circulation. If you cannot find a heartbeat on your victim, you need to begin chest compressions immediately as well. These compressions can help send some blood to the vital organs which is essential for them to continue functioning.

Before beginning an “ABC” assessment, verify that your victim is indeed unconscious. Gently shake the person’s shoulder and shout at them to see if you get a response. If you do not, it is important to call 9-1-1, or have another person on the scene call before beginning any CPR or first aid on the victim. It is vital to get professional emergency help to the scene as quickly as possible. You can then begin to administer CPR and any other first aid techniques that appear necessary. If more than one person is at the scene, one can perform chest compressions while the other does mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The quick thinking and action that you can provide to a victim by performing CPR and first aid may very well save someone’s life. If you are not currently certified in CPR and first aid training, contact the Red Cross or the American Heart Association today to find a class in your community. The knowledge you gain today may very well save a life tomorrow.

The Importance Of Receiving Your First Aid Certification

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.

Taking A Red Cross First Aid Course

Medical emergencies can strike at any time and anywhere. To protect your family, coworkers and those that you come in contact with on a daily basis, you may want to consider taking a first aid course. Generally, the response time of emergency personnel is well within the time frame of saving an individual’s life. However, it is important to note that serious accidents may cause extensive bleeding or cessation of breathing. Anytime that can be devoted in providing CPR or slowing down arterial bleeding may save a life.

There are many first aid courses that are provided through hospitals, community colleges and not-for-profits. One such not-for-profit, that has been providing first aid training for a number of years, is the American Red Cross.

American Red Cross first aid training is a highly respected curriculum that provides textbook and practical training. American Red Cross first aid training courses provide many course options to the person who is interested in being trained. Specifically, a Red Cross first aid class teaches the student in two ways. The first method of teaching is through classroom training and the second method is by gaining practical instruction.

Classroom Training

An important part of Red Cross first aid training takes place in a classroom setting.. Classroom training consists of a maximum number of students so that the proper ratio of instructor to student participation is maintained. The Red Cross first aid training is facilitated by a certified instructor who supplements their instruction through the use of a video tape.

The video simulates emergencies that could occur in the workplace, home or public environment. The video also visually demonstrates proper techniques in administering first aid. The video used for Red Cross first aid training purposes is segmented into different topics. These topics include immobilizing extremities in the event of an accident, applying a bandage to slow down bleeding, as well as illustrating other symptoms associated with medical emergency events that could be minimized through the use of first aid. Following each segment of instruction, the video is paused and the instructor will go over the material and allow for questions.

In addition, a textbook is used that provides definitions of specific terms related to first aid instruction and describing how to properly perform first aid procedures. In addition, the textbooks used to instruct students are replete with illustrations to help in the proper performance of the techniques.

Practical Instruction

The second important part of Red Cross first aid training is the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned. Often, a training class will allow for the students to practice on each other using those learned techniques in the classroom portion of the training.

Some of these techniques include immobilizing the shoulders that have been injured, applying splints to extremities and the application of bandages to slow down the bleeding of open wounds.

Finally, to gauge the retention of the material covered in the classroom and practical instruction of the Red Cross first aid course, a written test is administered. In order to receive certification for taking this Red Cross first aid training course a certain number of the questions need to be correctly answered.

What You Need To Know About Administering Basic First Aid

First aid is the process of offering initial help to a person who is injured or sick and in need of immediate medical assistance. The key to successful basic first aid is subscribing to the old Boy Scout adage, “Always be prepared”. The first step of becoming prepared for an emergency is to learn how to give basic first aid if the need ever arises.

Fortunately, there are an abundant number of opportunities to learn basic first aid in most communities. Basic first aid courses will include how to stop a wound from bleeding, immobilizing a limb that might be broken, and giving CPR to a person who is unconscious. Choking, poisoning and when to call for help are also included in these courses. Once you have made your way through a basic first aid class, a manual should be kept in your first aid kit to refer to when necessary.

When In Doubt, Call For Help

While basic first aid training will help you to assess situations and determine what type of help is necessary, if you are ever in doubt about the severity of a person’s condition, call 9-1-1. It is far better to err on the side of caution in these instances than to attempt to administer basic first aid to a person with a life-threatening emergency. Once you have called for help, you can discern what you can do to make the victim more comfortable by applying your basic first aid techniques. It is always a good idea to keep a basic first aid kit in your home, and in your car, so that you are always prepared to help someone who is in trouble.

Your basic first aid kit should include medications such as pain relievers, antihistamines and stomach medications. Bandages of assorted sizes are an essential, along with other wound treatment like antibiotic ointment and hot/cold compresses. Outdoor kits should include supplies to treat insect stings, sunburn, poison ivy and heat exhaustion. Items to treat accidental poisoning, such as Syrup of Ipecac can also be included. Basic tools to have on hand are tweezers, scissors and a thermometer. With a good basic first aid kit, you will be equipped to handle emergencies from a minor cut or abrasion to a broken limb or possible concussion. For more serious matters, you should keep phone numbers for your doctor, pharmacy and poison control center in your basic first aid kit as well.

Emergency First Aid Training; Everyone Should Participate

The reason many people decide to take classes on emergency first aid is because they feel a responsibility to keep the people they love around them safe. For this reason alone, thousands of people take part in emergency first aid classes per month in any given community. But the question that is posed by many health care professionals is why everyone in a community does not take part in this training?

Reasons for Emergency First Aid Training

Not only does this type of training keep your family and friends safe and with a peace of mind, but it helps in everyday life wherever you may go. Someone at the grocery store may need the assistance from a person who is trained in emergency first aid, and unless they’ve taken a first aid class there is no real way to ensure any good outcome from attempts to help.

Any public place that houses many people at one time is a place that has candidates for needing emergency first aid. A movie theater, a bowling alley, a park, the workplace, the list goes on! This is why emergency first aid training is of such importance that almost all communities have special courses offered by many different facilities.

How to Find Training

The first place to look for emergency first aid training is your closest Red Cross. They offer many different types of courses that all specialize in something different. You can also find general courses that will teach you the basics of just about everything and anything you’d like to know.

Another place to find a good course on emergency first aid is at your local community center. These centers tend to offer free classes on first aid because it’s something that benefits their community. They may offer different kinds of classes where you can participate in one or all at your discretion.

Searching the Internet will offer other ideas, suggestions and even online classes that can be helpful for those of us that don’t always have the time to spend hours in an actual training class. Now, an online class won’t offer as much hands on or detailed training that an in person class would offer, but some training is surely better than none.

Emergency first aid is not something to be taken lightly, and being committed to contributing to society in this way is just another way for you to feel good about yourself and to help keep people safe and alive.

When to Take a CPR and First Aid Class

Many people at one time or another in their life find themselves responsible for someone else in one way or another. Whether it be watching younger brothers and sisters as a teenager, or caring for older parents and grandparents as adults. Because of this, it’s important to know that certain things should be prepared for in case of an emergency.

Most times there isn’t much to worry about but when you have the life of someone else in your hands, even as adults caring for our own children, it’s a good idea to stay prepared. Potential dangers are always present, and unfortunate things happen to people on a daily basis. So making sure you are prepared by taking a CPR and first aid class is the first step.

Reasons to Take a CPR and First Aid Class

When a teenager decides to baby sit other people’s children in order to make a few extra dollars for the Summer, it’s important to make sure all precautions are taken in order to maintain in full control of any circumstance that may arise, and this is where a CPR and First Aid Class will come in handy.

These classes can keep teenagers prepared in the event that a child drowns in a swimming pool, falls from a high place on a playground jungle gym, or even gets into the medicine cabinet and manages to ingest something they shouldn’t.

Another reason to take a CPR and first aid class would be if you are the responsible person for an elderly relative. Many different things can happen to someone late in their years, and these kinds of classes are the first step in making sure you are prepared to deal with struggles that may arise.

Simply being a parent is a good reason to take a CPR and first aid class. Being responsible for the well being of a young child that doesn’t necessarily yet know right from wrong is a huge weight on a parent’s shoulder, and taking a CPR and first aid class can help to eliminate some of the pressure. It’s also a good way to ensure that you can offer the best possible care for your children.

In the end, a CPR and first aid class is never a bad idea for anyone, as you never know when it will come in handy. But if you or someone you know is responsible for the safety and well being of another human being, make sure you take the class yourself or suggest to others that it’s the first step to ensuring a long lasting and healthy life for whoever they are caring for.

Travel Safe With First Aid Kit For Cars

Planning a road trip can be fun, providing you cover all essential needs for your travel. When getting the car ready for the trip, don’t forget the first aid kit for cars that can make the drive safer and more convenient.

Depending on where the trip will take you, can determine what you carry in your first aid kit for cars, but the basics should all be the same. For starters, you want a first aid kit for cars that isn’t always in the way. It should be able to be stashed in an inconspicuous location like under the seat, for example, or in the trunk or the bed of a pickup truck. However, it also needs to be readily available.

Driving through parks or wooded trails, you may want to make sure bee sting kits are available as well as bug bites. Since you never know what unexpected side trip you may decide to take, you should prepare for all possibilities. Most first aid kits for cars come with small and large bandages, aspirin, gauze pads and wound closures, make sure you check it out thoroughly to insure you have everything you think you might need.

Plan For All Potential Injuries

Not every first aid kit for cars needs to have an entire emergency medical technician supply cabinet inside, but if your family is very active and participates in many activities, it may not hurt to have a better equipped first aid kit for cars on hand. For around $50.00, they are available to deal with many potential emergencies.

Eye patches, irrigation syringes, gauze bandages, sutures and Iodine wipes are just a few of the items in the larger first aid kit for cars that can be easily carried in the trunk of your car. Normally in nylon, water-resistant carrying cases, they can easily be opened and the right items found quickly. You can have the needed supplies to handle any emergency until the professional arrive on the scene.

However, it does not matter how well stocked your first aid kit for cars may be, if you have no idea how to use the materials inside, it won’t do you a bit of good. Part of your needs in a first aid kit for cars is some basic understanding of first aid. The American Red Cross offers brief first aid classes that help you be really ready for emergencies.