Introduction
First aid is a critical skill. It's also one that most people don't get trained in. In fact, only around 16% of Americans are certified in first aid. But if you're one of them, or if you just want to learn more about this vital subject, then read on! We'll cover everything from what first aid is and why it's important to how to get trained in the subject.
What is First Aid?
First aid is the immediate care given to a sick or injured person before professional medical help arrives. First aid is not the same as CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
First aid helps maintain life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery. It can be applied to a lot of situations such as:
- Accidents (car crash)
- Burns (burns from boiling water)
- Choking (choking on food)
Importance of First Aid Training
First aid is a vital skill that can save lives. As a first responder, you may be the only person at the scene of an accident with enough knowledge and equipment to help others in need. This makes first aid training an essential part of any healthcare professional's education, as well as for all members of the public who want to learn how to administer basic medical care in an emergency situation.
There are many different kinds of first aid training available today--some more comprehensive than others--but they all teach you how to assess an injured person's condition and provide appropriate assistance until professional medical personnel arrive on the scene (or until further action is not needed). First responders should receive additional training beyond what is taught during standard CPR certification courses so they are able to perform complex procedures such as intubation or chest decompression using portable devices like bag valve masks (BVM). Because these skills require additional training beyond basic life support (BLS), it's important for them not only to understand how this equipment works but also why it works so well!
Components of First Aid Training
The first step in the ABC approach to first aid is to assess the scene. This means that you need to determine if there is danger present, call for help, and check for exposure (for example, someone who has fallen into cold water needs their body temperature checked).
The second step of assessment is checking for breathing--this can be done by looking at the chest or listening closely with your ear pressed against them. If there are no signs of breathing or if they're not making any noise when inhaling and exhaling through their mouth or nose, then proceed immediately with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
The third step involves checking circulation by feeling along their neck/armpits/abdomen where blood vessels run close enough together that you can feel them pulsing under pressure from blood flow; these areas are called "meridians." Make sure none of these areas feel cold or numb--if they do not have good circulation then apply direct pressure until help arrives!
How to Get Trained in First Aid
There are plenty of ways to get trained in first aid. You can find classes at your local community center or fire station, and online courses are also available. If you work for a company that offers first aid training, ask if they have an upcoming class that you can attend. This way, even if the class is not free (it usually isn't), it will be covered by your employer's insurance plan--and this allows you to learn all about how to save lives without having any extra expenses on top of it!
Finally, some organizations offer free classes as well; check with your local government office for more information about these options!
Having the ability to administer first aid could save someone's life.
- You can help someone who is injured with first aid.
- You should know what to do when someone is bleeding, having a seizure or allergic reaction, or has hurt themselves in some way.
- First aid can be used for non-emergency situations as well. For example: if you get burned while cooking and want to treat the burn yourself before going to the hospital; or if someone has just cut themselves on something sharp and needs you to stop their bleeding until they make it home safely; etc..
Conclusion
First aid is a skill that everyone should have, but it's not something that can be learned overnight. The best way to get trained in first aid is by attending a course taught by an expert who knows what they're doing.