Almost all of us have received or know someone who has received first aid at some point in our lives. First aid is any sort of immediate care given to a person facing injury or some other medical concern that needs immediate addressing. It is invaluable for individuals and communities. Below, we explore what exactly makes learning this skill so important, and how you can benefit from taking a first aid course.
1. Saves Lives
Although we live in an era where medical infrastructure has provided us with the ability to get professional medical care quickly, sometimes even a few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. In situations like drug abuse or overdose, instant attention may be required. In other cases, you might be in a circumstance where calling for help just isn't possible. In such scenarios, knowing basic first aid can prevent severe casualties.
Timely and proper first aid can further help reduce recovery times substantially. It can also be the difference between a wound and a long-term disability. For example, if a wound is left untreated, it might develop an infection and have to be amputated. In contrast, if proper first aid is provided, it will decrease the likelihood of using such drastic measures.
2. A Safer Environment
Having someone around who has taken a first aid course can undoubtedly make the environment a much safer place to be in. Accidents can occur at any time, so knowing how to react to them is extremely important. For example, chefs working in a restaurant will feel much safer at work knowing that certain staff members know what to do if any burning or cutting accidents occur.
3. Enables You to Handle Situations Better
People with basic first aid knowledge are said to perform better in emergencies. This is linked to the fact that such individuals possess a higher level of confidence and know how to handle their nerves when facing situations as unexpected as medical emergencies. While untrained individuals may panic, people who have received first aid training are ready to step in when the situation calls.
4. Job Opportunities
Work safety regulations continue to increase: more and more employers are demanding first aid training from new recruits. Having first aid knowledge adds to one’s skill set and can increase their chances of landing jobs. Depending on the depth of your first aid training, new avenues can also open for you. For example, while some jobs such as lifeguards are entirely dependent on having first aid training, others such as PE instructors, Social workers, and flight attendants require basic knowledge as well.
Endnote
Tragedies can strike unexpectedly any time, anywhere, so it is prudent to be as prepared as possible. You can choose a first aid course tailored for any limit of time, depending on the level of depth you require. You can even benefit from online courses to attain essential information, but taking courses that range anywhere between one to two weeks is suggested.
