Accidents happen. We’re human. Unfortunately, we can’t predict when an accident may occur. Being certified in First Aid could keep injuries from becoming more serious or sadly, even fatal, if you have a basic understanding of what it takes to keep an injury from going from bad to worse before emergency medical technicians can arrive on-scene.
First Aid certification training, even very basic, creates a safer and more knowledgeable group of bystanders, who now are initial responders until trained EMTs can provide professional medical care. So wouldn’t you want to be part of the group that is confident and can stabilize the injured and situation until help can arrive?
1. You’ll know who to call. Before you start administering care, make sure that 9-1-1 has been called so trained first responders are on the way. If you are the only one on the scene, call 9-1-1, then begin to immediately administer care.
2. You’ll know how to best protect yourself. Despite your best intentions to want to rush into assist a victim, you’ll need to learn the best ways to protect yourself from blood or other bodily fluids. By properly wearing and using rubber gloves and a mask, if available, you can limit exposure to the blood or bodily fluids of the injured as they could dangerously expose you to bloodborne pathogens (BBP), like HIV.
3. You’ll know what’s in a First Aid Kit. Taking an online First Aid class will familiarize you with the contents of a First Aid Kit, and the best ways to utilize those important tools to provide initial care. Everyone should have at least one kit in their home, and another in their car for when you are on the go.
4. You’ll make the injured feel more secure. Even though, you may feel a rush of adrenaline and may feel a little overwhelmed, your ability to take control of the situation and provide calm words and skilled, purposeful actions will soothe the victim, making them feel more relaxed and secure, which is just what they need until help can arrive.
5. You can help alleviate some pain and further injury. Knowing the proper positioning of an injured person, when and how appropriately to apply a bandage, tourniquet or ice are temporary treatment game-changers and stabilizers.
Make the time to familiarize yourself with First Aid today. Click below to view all of the course offerings, like CPR/AED certification, MyCPR NOW has available.
