There’s no doubt that most everyone would think that it is important for people to be trained in first aid; however, the number of people who actually have up to date first aid training are not so common. In case you’ve ever wondered why gaining first aid certification may be useful (some of the reasons are not what you’d expect), here are five of them.
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Confidence. Just knowing that you have the knowledge and skill needed should an emergency arise will give you confidence. You never know when you may need some first aid knowledge. You could be in the shop minding your own business when somebody collapses in line. Yes, I have seen this happen. Or you may be the first to come across a car accident or be at the playground when a child falls from a height.
Peace of mind. When you have children and they’re dependent on you, you need to know what to do if something terrible happens at home, in the playground, or somewhere else.
Job requirement. Some jobs may require that you are certified in first aid. Childminding, which I used to do, is one of these. In other jobs you may actually receive a small stipend for having your first-aid qualifications. However, you may need to be certified for first aid in the workplace, or through a particular certification company, as was the case with a previous employer of mine.
It’s interesting. Knowing a little bit about how the body works can be interesting for those who like to learn about biology.
Location. If you live in a rural location, if you don’t live in a big city, or nearby to emergency facilities you may want to know what to do should you or someone else need help. Until recently our area had Community First Responders to be on call to arrive if somebody in this general area needed help. They could get there before an ambulance was able to respond. Unfortunately, this service has now stopped which is ever so much more the reason to be certified.
I have been certified for most of the past 34 years, with a couple of exceptions for various reasons, and although I have never had to help in a serious situation, I have seen been nearby a few times and always feel more confident and comfortable when I have had recent training. It’s also kept me calm when my own children get hurt, and prevents possible further harm.
There are several kinds of first aid; paediatric first aid, general first aid, first aid in the workplace, emergency first aid, and CPR. Most classes are done in person so you may ask questions and the instructor can help you with your technique. There are also now some classes available online. Two of the most reputable agencies that teach first aid are Red Cross and Saint John’s Ambulance.
An additional bonus in some cases is that you may be able to attend concerts, sports events, and other events while volunteering in a first aider’s capacity. I used to know someone who did this on a regular basis.
If you don’t already have a first aid kit in your home, car, handbag, or bicycle, then what are you waiting for? Why not try out one of these cool cycling kits? It’s come in handy in more than one occasion for Phil since he’s had his!
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