first aid training

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.

First Aid Can Save Lives

Administering first aid to a victim who is injured or ill can be the first step to saving that person’s life. It is important for everyone to have some basic first aid knowledge, since you never know when you might need to use it. The initial minutes after an injury or accident are often the most crucial. Since it can take some time for emergency services to reach a victim, those on the scene first can begin treatment while waiting for the professionals to arrive. Whether there is a need for CPR, shock treatment or immobilization of a potentially broken limb, the help that you can offer in the minutes directly following an accident can have a huge impact on a victim’s recovery.

First Aid Means Being Prepared

It is wise to always be prepared. First aid courses can train you to handle many emergencies that you could possible encounter. A first aid manual can be an invaluable resource when you are faced with a stressful situation and need some additional guidance. And first aid kits kept in your home and car can provide the tools and medications necessary for treating many injuries and illnesses on the spot. It doesn’t take that much time and money to prepare yourself for the bad situations that can arise, and once you have done your homework you can rest in the assurance that you will be able to handle any emergency that might come your way.

A first aid kit can be purchased as a complete set, or you can assemble one yourself with a waterproof box and a few essentials. A selection of bandages, antibiotic ointments and antiseptic towelettes can be used for most cuts and abrasions. Pain relievers, hot/cold compresses and roller bandages can be used for injuries to joints and muscle pain.

Thermometers, tweezers and first aid scissors are handy tools for a multitude of purposes. And for those weak stomachs, antidiarrheals, antacids and motion sickness medications are a must. Latex gloves, towels and ice packs are also good items to keep in stock, as are first aid remedies for outdoor ailments such as insect stings and sunburn. Keep a first aid kit wherever your family tends to spend a significant amount of time: at home, in the car and with your camping supplies. You can even purchase the most compact first aid kit to keep with your bicycle or in your briefcase.

While you may never need to use the first aid training you receive or the first aid supplies that you pack, the knowledge that you are prepared should an emergency arise can give you tremendous piece of mind – and might even help you save a life.

Guide To Red Cross First Aid Training

The Red Cross is a major medical association, which conducts many first aid courses for professionals and non-professionals alike. You can get a Red Cross first aid training certification during this summer vacation and be a helpful hand in need.

Enrolling For A First Aid Course

Red Cross first aid training courses can be in many different fields such as CPR, Industrial Accidents first aid training and so on. Depending on what your requirements are you can find a course with the Red Cross. Today, many jobs require you have a basic first aid training to be hired such as, crew members and flight attendants who need to have a first aid certification in order to get on board and that is because they all need to be able to provide a helping hand in case of any emergency.

Red Cross first aid training courses can take couple of weeks or a few months depending on the course you choose however, they are recognized worldwide and are extremely intense. You can also apply for an online Red Cross first aid training course should you not have the time to spend in traditional class courses.

Online courses are recognized as well but they usually will take longer than the traditional ones as you will only access them when you have time; some the exams will have to be conducted in local hospitals or clinics close to you but not online. Online courses are as competitive as the traditional ones just that you will complete them from the comfort of your home.

Online Red Cross first aid training have special forums which you will be able to access whenever you choose, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; you will also be able to chat with fellow students and professors as well when they are available.

Helpful Tip

Red Cross first aid training is highly recommended to everyone who wants to acquire the knowledge and expertise of being able to assist with saving a life in the time of need. First aid alone has saved millions of people as sometimes a few minutes counts before you can get professional help.

Many attend first aid training just because they have an ailing family member and they want to be prepared in case of an emergency. Heart attack alone can kill or complete matters ten folds if first aid if not being given in the first couple of minutes of the stroke or is the first aid id being given wrong.

Learn to save lives today and enroll in a Red Cross first aid training course. You will be able to understand your body better and those of others as well thus, leading a better richer life in the process.

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.

First Aid Training Can Help Save Lives

First aid training classes are available in just about every community for a nominal fee. There is hardly an excuse for not taking advantage of one of these courses. Perhaps you will never be faced with a life-threatening emergency, but injuries and illnesses occur daily, and the first aid training that you can receive will help you handle a number of situations that life might throw your way. There are a variety of first aid training courses available that address adult victims, infants and children, and even pets. It is actually wise to enroll in a couple of these different first aid training courses, since techniques can differ for different types of victims.

First Aid Training Teaches You To Be Prepared

Preparation is the first key to effective first aid training. Once you have run through a training course or two, you can invest in a good first aid manual and assemble your own first aid kits to keep in your home, car and camper. The course that you take should instruct you on how to stock a good first aid kit with all of the necessities. First aid training will help you prepare for many emergencies. Things like a toddler choking on his food or accidentally ingesting something poisonous requires quick thinking and action. Cuts and abrasions can be treated easily and burns can be handled more effectively.

This knowledge can also help you discern when you can offer home remedies for an injury and when you should call for emergency help. Of course, when in doubt you should always opt for dialing 9-1-1. Even if you determine that professional emergency assistance is necessary, first aid training will teach you what to do to stabilize your victim and make him more comfortable while waiting for help to arrive.

First Aid Training Can Empower You

First aid training can give you confidence in knowing that you are capable of handling the situations that life might throw at you. If you are a parent, knowing first aid assures you that if something happens to one of your children, you will be able to help your child in the most effective way. The knowledge that you are prepared to handle emergencies on your own can give you a feeling of empowerment and self-assuredness. The ability to provide quick help to a victim can even make the difference between life and death. With so many advantages to having first aid training under your belt, why not check into registering for a first aid training course today?

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.