5 Reasons to learn first aid

First aid refers to initial treatment that’s immediately given to an injured or ill person prior to the arrival of a medical professional and the medical professional taking over. First aid is a life-saving as well as an empowering skill that can help to save lives, but, unfortunately, it’s not a common skill. A frightening fact is Eight in ten adults (85%) lack the knowledge and confidence to act if someone collapsed and was unresponsive and not breathing.

A question we get asked a lot when delivering first aid courses is why should I learn first aid?

Well, simply put, accidents do unfortunately happen. So it is vital that you are able to think fast whilst staying calm in a first aid situation. Taking a first aid course will give you the opportunity to learn essential life-saving skills, and update and develop existing skills First aid gives tips to help ensure injury prevention to providing confidence. Here are five great reasons why a first aid course should be next on your agenda.

1- First aid saves lives

According to the British Red Cross, just one in 20 people would know what to do in a first-aid emergency. That is a staggeringly low figure, so that is why our first aid courses detail the actions needed to save someone's life.

The application of appropriate first aid skills could be the difference between life and death, so by undertaking first aid training you will be doing your bit to help others as well as learning a valuable new life skill. Whether someone is suffering from a burn, a bee sting or choking, you’ll be able to give them the immediate help that they need.

2- It provides comfort to those who need it

It does need to be mentioned that not all injuries or illnesses are actually life-threatening. It may be that you will just need to provide comfort and support to someone until a medical professional arrives. With our first aid training, you will learn to understand the difference, whilst ensuring that the casualty is comfortable, and not in too much pain whilst they wait. The immediate first aid care you provide could also possibly mean that they will not actually require additional help.

As a competent first aider, you’ll be better equipped to quickly assess an individual's injury or illness and ensure that person is made as comfortable as possible.

3- Be able to reduce and prevent injuries

It is so important to remember that every second counts when it comes to first aid. Having a full and appropriately equipped first aid box is an absolute must in any workplace – this will be vital so you can respond to an emergency situation as quickly as possible.

Providing the appropriate first aid early on may help to significantly reduce the casualty's pain and limit the impact of the illness or injury. Until professional medical help arrives, you will be able to try to prevent a condition from worsening and stabilise the individual.

Once the emergency professionals' arrive, you’ll be well placed to communicate with them about what happened, any relayed signs and symptoms, and maybe what you may have diagnosed, which could save precious time.

Acquiring vital first aid training skills and knowledge may also help you to prevent personal injuries by being more aware of potential hazards and risks. You will learn how to recognise when a situation looks like it could lead to injury, as well as spot signs and symptoms when someone looks like they’re about to fall ill.

4-Gaining confidence

When providing first aid assistance to others it will make you feel more confident. Even the most basic first aid awareness training can truly make a big difference. In an emergency situation, remaining calm under pressure and having personal resilience are crucial skills when engaging in a stressful and serious situation. This will benefit both yourself and the casualty.

The skills and techniques you learn when completing a first aid course will help you to be more confident in other areas of your life. You should expect a sense of achievement knowing that you’ll be able to support someone in their absolute time of need.

5- First aid will encourage you to look after yourself

This final reason for learning first aid is important, as it is all about you. When you undertake one of our first aid training courses, we stress the importance of looking after yourself and thinking about your own safety in any first aid situation. This will then relate to your everyday life, ensuring that you remember that you are important and that by focusing on yourself, you can truly help to save a life.

Dynamo Training Solutions provide comprehensive training on all first aid-related topics. We deliver first-aid training courses throughout London, Kent, and the Southeast.