First aid is a valuable skill to have. Whether you're a parent, pet owner, or just someone who likes to be prepared in case of an emergency, knowing how to properly assess and treat injuries is a valuable asset. If you've been thinking about becoming certified in first aid but don't know where to start or what's involved, this guide is for you! We'll explore everything from the steps involved in getting certified all the way down to how long it takes for your certification to expire (and what you can do about it). By the time we're done here, I promise that these questions will be answered and more:
What is first aid?
First aid is the act of providing initial care to someone who is injured or suddenly ill. First aid is not a substitute for professional medical treatment, but it can help save lives in an emergency.
If you want to become certified in first aid, you should take classes with a certified instructor. You can also learn by reading books or watching online videos about how to administer basic first aid techniques like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
How does the certification process work?
There are two ways you can become certified: online or in person. If you choose the first option, you will be required to study on your own and take an exam. The second option involves taking a class where an instructor will guide you through learning material and testing it with them in front of others at the end of the course. You can also do both options if desired, though some people prefer one over another because they find it easier or more convenient for whatever reason--it's up to you!
Once finished with either method (or both), someone from will send out your card within 2 weeks so that everyone knows what kind of training has been completed by looking at their name tag when working together on projects together."
How do I keep my certification current?
Once you've earned your certification, it's important to know how to keep it current. All first aid certifications expire after three years. To renew your certification, you must take an approved refresher course or complete an online quiz before the expiration date of your current certificate.
As long as you continue earning CPR training every two years (and renewing first aid every three years), there is no need to repeat all of the material in a full course over again. In fact, taking a full course every time would be costly and time-consuming--not to mention unnecessary! A refresher class is often less expensive than a full first aid class, so consider this option if money or time is tight.
The good news is that many employers offer discounted rates for their employees who wish to recertify at work; check with yours before signing up elsewhere! If they don't offer such a deal, consider asking them if they would consider offering one in exchange for some extra volunteer hours by helping out around their office during busy times such as tax season or back-to-school season (when parents are buying school supplies).
Should I take a class or just study on my own?
While it is possible to study on your own and pass the certification exam, taking a class is often the best way to learn. There is a lot of information that you will need to know, and it is easier to learn in a group setting where you can ask questions and get feedback from other students.
You can also read books about first aid certification, but this isn't as effective as taking an actual course because there are many types of first aid certifications with different requirements. For example: if someone has an allergic reaction after eating shellfish (a type 1 food allergy), they might have trouble breathing or feel dizzy--but these symptoms aren't life-threatening like they would be if someone had anaphylaxis (a type 4 drug reaction) after eating peanut butter; therefore knowing what kind of situation you're dealing with matters when deciding how quickly someone needs medical attention."
Is there an exam I need to pass?
Yes, you need to pass a test. The exam is usually taken in class, but you can take it at any time and as many times as necessary until you pass it. Some states require that the test be multiple choice while others allow true/false questions as well. The length of the exam varies depending on how many hours of training you've completed and what level of certification you're seeking (there are three tiers). Most people can get certified within two weeks; however, some people may need three months or more if they have special circumstances such as working full time while getting their first aid training or having a physical disability that makes taking classes difficult for them
Will it be worth the cost of taking a class?
The cost of taking a class varies, but it's usually between $100 and $250. Some organizations offer discounts for members or those who enroll in multiple-class packages.
The benefits of taking an official first aid course include:
- Learning how to respond quickly in emergency situations
- Developing confidence when dealing with medical emergencies
- Understanding key concepts like CPR and AED use and recognizing when they should be used (or not used)
The best way to get started is by taking a class.
The best way to get started is by taking a class. You'll learn first aid skills in a class, and be able to remember them better than if you were just reading about it or watching videos on YouTube.
You can also learn from other people's mistakes: if they do something wrong in the classroom, it's likely that someone else has made that mistake before them and learned from it too!
An instructor who is experienced in teaching first aid makes all the difference when learning how to help someone who has been injured or sickened by an illness or injury. It may seem like common sense at times, but having an expert guide through your certification process will help make sure everything goes smoothly for everyone involved--from students who attend classes regularly to those who take one-time courses as needed (like me).
There are many organizations' certifications check out our list below for some examples of reputable organizations offering online courses with excellent reviews from former students! Most certifications last two years before requiring renewal though there may be exceptions depending upon location/state requirements."
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of what to expect when it comes to first aid certification. It's not as simple as just reading up on the topic or taking a class; there are certain steps that need to be taken in order for your certification to remain valid. However, if you find yourself in an emergency situation where someone needs immediate care and only seconds count--like at a workplace accident or car crash--then knowing how much training they have can make all the difference between life and death!