How to get first-aid and CPR training

You may not realize the importance of first-aid or CPR certification until you’re faced with a life-threatening situation. For some, an emergency may never occur, and for others, it may happen more than once. Whether you’re a new parent, a senior care aide, a nanny or a budding babysitter, the value of CPR and first-aid training is priceless in an emergency.

Understand the benefits of CPR and first aid

CPR and first-aid training will teach you:

• How to check the scene of the emergency.
• How to determine the needs of a victim.
• When to call 911.
• First-aid skills for controlling bleeding and treating cuts, scrapes, bee stings, insect or snake bites, etc.
• The signs and symptoms of a heart attack, choking, etc.
• How to treat sudden illnesses.

If you’re a parent or nanny, you know that kids like to put anything and everything into their mouths — from bugs to toys. And they’re always getting new scrapes and cuts. First-aid and CPR training can help prepare you for tackling these common childhood injuries.

In addition, emergency training is a necessary skill for caregivers to have — and it looks great on a resume. Businesses and families like to see it, as it means you’re serious about taking care of others. If you have the training, mention it in your job profile or application.

Even better: Caregivers with first-aid and CPR training are 2.5 times more likely to be contacted by families!

Find a CPR and first-aid course

 You can find either online or in-person courses in most areas. Many local hospitals and community centres offer programs or can point you in the right direction. You can also find safety training courses through the websites of the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and the National Safety Council.

They offer a variety of courses, aimed at helping both adult and child victims. There are blended learning courses, as well as a full first-aid, CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) courses. The Red Cross even has classes that include both adult and paediatric first aid/CPR/AED, which prepare first-time babysitters with these important skills.

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Take a refresher class

 After you take a class, make sure you receive a certification (most are good for two years) and ask about access to free digital skills refreshers.

“Of course, it’s important to become CPR and first-aid certified, but it’s equally vital to take refresher courses,” says Don Lauritzen, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross. “You may have taken training years ago, but it’s better to be up-to-date and confident in your skills in case of an emergency.”

Evaluate the time commitment

 The lengths of the different classes vary, but all are relatively short for the amount of potentially life-saving information conveyed.

“Courses typically run anywhere from three to five hours and can be done all in one shot or multiple sessions,” Lauritzen says. Plus, you can usually find daytime, weeknight and weekend classes that can accommodate any schedule.

Assemble a first-aid kit

 Even if you haven’t gotten trained in first aid yet, you should have a completely stocked first-aid kit in your car, home, office and diaper or nanny bag. It’s essential for any emergency — from scraped knees and snake bites to car accidents and earthquakes. Your kit should include things like different size bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, hand sanitizer, gauze, scissors, etc. You can also purchase ready-made first-aid kits online.

In an emergency, dial 911 first. But you should also have the skills to detect, assess and treat victims until professional medical personnel arrive. It’s an important ability that can save lives.

The Importance of First Aid Training

People often don’t consider the importance of basic first aid education. There are numerous reasons why people put it off.

• They don’t have the time
• They don’t know where to begin
• They don’t believe that accidents will ever happen to them or those close to them
• They think they already have enough knowledge should the need arise

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1. Helps to save lives.

A trained person is more reliable, confident and in control of themselves when an emergency arises. People who are trained are more likely to take immediate action in an emergency situation.

2. It allows the rescuer to provide the victim comfort.

Having someone trained in first aid can bring immediate relief to the patient. Being calm and assessing the situation helps the patient relax while their injuries are being treated and stabilized until emergency personnel arrive.

3. It gives you tools to prevent the situation from becoming worse.

In some situations, if a patient doesn’t receive basic first aid care immediately their situation will deteriorate – often rapidly. By being able to provide basic care you can stabilize a patient until emergency medical services arrives. You’ll learn how to use basic household items as tools if a first aid kit is not available meaning that you’ll be able to cope with many situations.

You’ll also be trained in how to collect information and data about what happened and the patients’ condition. This information will be passed on to the emergency services, which saves them time – you will be a valuable link in the chain of survival.

4. It creates the confidence to care.

Having a basic first aid knowledge means that you’ll be confident in your skills and abilities in relation to first aid administration. By taking first aid training, it helps you to reflect on yourself and how you and others react in certain situations. Having this understanding will boost your confidence in a wide range of non-medical day to day situations.

5. It encourages healthy and safe living.

A trained person is better able to assess their surroundings. Knowledge of first aid promotes a sense of safety and wellbeing amongst people. Having an awareness and desire to be accident-free keeps you safer and reduces the number of causalities and accidents.

For more information, visit Strat Training’s website here: https://strattraining.co.za/