Data shows that on an annual basis, around 500,000 Australians are hospitalised due to injuries. However, less than five percent of Australians are trained to respond to emergencies. The Australian Red Cross reported that the country has the world’s lowest first aid training rates.
Why is a first aid training important?
First aid is the management of health emergency given by someone, preferably well-trained, until professional healthcare personnel becomes available. Even the most basic first aid course can go a long way when you are faced with an emergency whether in your home or workplace. First aid knowledge can make a difference whether that emergency is less serious or life threatening.
By administering first aid on an injured person, you can alleviate his pain, or reduce the severity of his condition while waiting for the paramedics to provide the proper medical treatment. An individual can stop breathing because of an injury or illness, and without first aid, it can lead to oxygen deprivation. The administration of first aid particularly Cardio pulmonary resuscitation can provide life-saving oxygen to that person.
Many practical uses of first aid training
Enrolling in a first aid training course may not be a priority for those who are not interested in the medical field. However, this is exactly the reason why you should consider taking a first aid course. It may not be related to your occupation or your interest in life, but it will surely come in very handy not only in your personal life but also in your work.
There are numerous benefits to being knowledgeable in first aid. However, some people are hesitant about getting a first aid training course for various reasons including the cost and the time needed for the training. You just need to find the most appropriate course given your own limitations. Get to know the various reasons why you should get trained on first aid and see how you can benefit from the course.
Reasons why you should get first aid training
It is required by most companies and businesses
A first aid certification under your belt will put you at an advantage among other applicants whether it’s in the medical field, hotel and accommodation, educational institution or the restaurant industry.
It can help you become a model citizen
Society needs more people who does not only want to help others in times of emergencies, but are also well-trained to provide such help. You never know when your training would come useful. It does not have to be anything grand, but can you imagine what would happen if the person sitting next to you in a restaurant suddenly chokes and you don’t know what to do?
It can benefit your family
Your first aid training can save a life and who knows, it can even be the life of your parents, child, sibling, or any family member. When you are armed with the proper training, you will be capable of helping family and friends in case they experience any injury or medical emergency.
Where to get first aid training
You need to complete a first aid training course before you can become a certified first aider. You can be trained in first aid even if you are a minor provided you get a parent consent or a guardian consent. There are many training providers but make sure you choose a recognised and certified organisation.
First aid training courses are widely available, and you can even search providers online. Training duration can vary from a few hours to days, depending on the course. A CPR (HLTAID001) training will take you two hours while a Child Care First Aid (HLTAID004) can last up to five hours. The provider can even conduct the training in your home or office.
How to choose a first aid course
First aid training has evolved through the years, from the simple application of bandages and splints to wounded soldiers centuries ago, to the creation of the first aid kit. But while the techniques and equipment used have become more modern, the process of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR has never gone out of style.
Choose a course that comes with national accreditation and which meets the Australian Skills Quality Authority standards. If you are doing this to qualify for work or membership in an organisation, make sure the course description and code is exactly the specific course required.
What to expect from a first aid course
There are various first aid course description and code and each one refers to a specific competency that could respond to a specific emergency. Here are some of the course codes and what they mean.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (HLTAID001)
If you opt for the CPR training then check out the unit with the code HLTAID001. This is a proven lifesaver that can be applied in many emergencies including drowning incidents and even cardiac arrest. With proper CPR training, a first aider can save a life by preventing oxygen deprivation.
• Basic Emergency Life Support (HLTAID002)
This competency will provide you with the very basic skills needed for different emergencies. You will be trained on the proper management of anaphylaxis, bleeding, asthma, airway obstruction and respiratory distress. It will also educate you on the proper action plan to follow during emergencies.
• First Aid (HLTAID003)
This competency used to be known as Senior First Aid. This is a basic, but comprehensive training that can include strain management, how to deal with sprain and fracture, how to control bleeding, how to manage anaphylaxis and allergy, and how to manage airway obstruction or choking.
• Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting (HLTAID004)
This is a specialised training specifically geared towards the academic workplace. Such training is usually conducted in a group setting to encourage teamwork and concerted emergency response.
You can start with the very basic first aid training course and move on to the more complicated ones. You will find out that as your skills level improve, you will become a more confident and capable first-aider. There are a variety of options when it comes to first aid courses, from industry specific trainings to remote first aid. The choice is yours.
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