St John Ambulance have stated that ‘it’s absolutely unacceptable that so many people die needlessly, because no one could give them first aid when they needed it’. This organisation believes in the importance of teaching people first aid, so that they can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.
There are a number of different First Aid courses you can do; depending on whether you are a parent, your working environment or your role in the community. It is advised for most to at least consider undertaking a Basic First Aid course.
Courses on offer range from:
- Occupational First Aid Training
- Basic First Aid Training
- First Aid Responder
- Paediatric First Aid
- Emergency First Aid
- Sports First Aid
In 2017 the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) changed the requirements for occupational first aid in all workplaces. This change requires the Prehospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response Education and Training standard (FAR). Most First Aid Training Providers now offer PHECC certification for workplace and first responder first aid courses. Anyone wishing to undertake a high quality course in this area should check that this certification is provided.
Having a first-aid qualification, could literally be a life-saver. On a professional level, employers see a potential employee who is equipped with first-aid skills, as a valuable asset in the workplace.
Equipment and resources required (after you have completed your course) include:
- First Aid Box (should include quality first aid supplies that will ensure you are prepared for every situation, from minor cuts, sprains and bites through to more serious injuries involving major trauma and heavy bleeding)
- Defibrillator (if training has been provided)
- Certain tablets such as aspirin should be kept in a first aid box (for cases of suspected heart attacks)
- Record Keeping book (especially important for schools, sports clubs, any community setting/organisation & the work place)
Accidents can happen no matter where you are, whether it’s in the workplace, at home, school, or on holiday. You may just be walking down the street and see someone in need of medical attention. When you run into these situations, wouldn’t you like to be prepared instead of standing around wondering what to do? This is why everyone should enrol in some type of first aid safety training course. No one should have to be convinced why it’s a good idea to take first aid safety training.
If you have children, think about the accidents that they have and all of the potential dangers they face each day. Parents should be prepared to deal with a number of different medical issues. Even if they suffer a serious injury that requires further treatment, the initial first aid that is performed could mean saving their life.
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and if you are trained, you could be the only one able to save someone’s life.
Resources
View First Aid Courses on Findacourse.ie
Irish Red Cross Website – https://www.redcross.ie/
Order of Malta Website – https://orderofmaltaireland.org
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