First aid is often wrongly mistaken for being something that only medical workers can do. However, this isn’t the case at all. First Aid is something that anyone can learn if they’re willing to put in the effort. And while it’s not something that everyone is familiar with, it’s a skill that everyone should have.
In this article, we’ll look at what First Aid is, why obtaining certification can be beneficial, and the steps you can take to become certified. So even if you have never thought of learning First Aid before, you’ll have a better understanding of what it is and how to get certified by the end. So here are the most important things you need to know:
What is First Aid?
First Aid is the immediate and temporary care of a sick or injured person until professional medical help can be provided. It includes basic life support, such as controlling bleeding, treating shock, administering CPR, and dealing with other injuries and illnesses. In short, First Aid is about providing quick assistance and relief to someone in need before emergency services arrive on the scene.
Depending on the severity of the situation, this assistance could be as simple as applying a bandage or administering CPR. However, in more serious cases, it could involve more advanced techniques such as splinting a broken bone or providing basic life support until medical help arrives. It’s important to note that First Aid is not intended to replace medical care and should only be used if the victim can’t receive medical attention immediately.
How To Get Certified
Although First Aid is something anyone can learn, it’s always a good idea to get formally certified. Certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide lifesaving assistance in an emergency.
To become certified, most organizations will require you to complete a First Aid course and pass an exam. To make sure you’re getting the best training possible, look for courses taught by qualified experts who are experienced in providing medical services. During the course, you’ll be trained in basic lifesaving techniques such as administering CPR and controlling bleeding. You might even get field practice with defibrillators and other life-saving equipment. Once you’ve completed the course and passed your exam, your certification should last for three years before needing to be renewed.
However, if you are looking for more advanced First Aid training, like for a workplace or specific emergency, then you may need to look into longer courses with more comprehensive training. From BLS to ACLS, there are now many different courses available to ensure that you or your team is prepared for any emergency. Luckily, as seen at www.acls-pals-bls.com, most of these courses can be completed online. So even if you’re not able to attend a class in person, you can still get the training and certification that you need.
Why Get Certified?
Even though you can learn basic First Aid from books, webinars, and other sources, having a valid certification demonstrates that you have gone through rigorous training and know what to do in an emergency. However, there are many other convincing reasons to become certified including the following:
Increased Confidence
With the certification comes greater confidence in your abilities. Knowing that you have what it takes to respond correctly and quickly can provide a great sense of relief in an emergency. This is particularly important for those who take on a leadership role during an emergency, like first responders or medical professionals. And while you can’t choose when and where an emergency will occur, having a certification can give you greater peace of mind that you are prepared for it.
Job Security
Having a valid First Aid certification can also benefit your career prospects. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with the extra knowledge and experience provided by First Aid training, so having a certificate on your resume may help you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, some jobs may even require certification as part of their job description or to be eligible for certain roles within the company.
Professional Development
Finally, getting certified can also be a great way to stay up to date on the latest medical techniques and technologies. By taking regular classes or refresher courses, you can ensure that your skills remain sharp and your knowledge is current. This is important for anyone working in a professional medical setting as well as those who just want to be prepared for any medical emergency.
Knowing basic First Aid is invaluable and getting certified is one of the best ways to ensure that you are prepared for any emergency. With dedicated training from experts, your certification will serve as proof of your knowledge and competence in providing lifesaving assistance. So if you haven’t already done so, consider taking a course today and get yourself certified! It may just be the smartest decision you ever make.
