Why should you get a first aid license?

NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN FIRST AID & CPR CERTIFICATION

Did you know, according to the Red Cross, despite forty percent of Canadians being in a situation where they or someone else needed emergency care, only eighteen percent of Canadians are first aid certified? 

IT IS EASY TO LEARN

With detailed courses and well-trained instructors, first aid training is easier than it’s ever been! However, that’s not to say that completing a training course to receive your certificate is going to take little to no work on your part. You still have to make sure you understand the material, pass the tests, and self discipline. 

YOUR EMPLOYER REQUIRES IT

Another good reason is if first aid qualification is something your employer requires! If you work in or as first responders, education, medical, or as a lifeguard or corrections worker, you will need a certificate for completing a first aid training course. 

BE PREPARED AS A PARENT

Lastly, if you are a parent or guardian, understanding how to administer first aid is crucial. If your or someone else’s child chokes on their food, or falls and hits their head, you need to be able to stay calm, assess the situation and deliver first aid. Taking a first aid/CPR course is the best way to learn how to do this. 

Here is a brief example of what a first aid course can cover: 

HOW TO TREAT BROKEN BONES

Have you or someone you know broke a bone? If you encounter someone who has and needs help until the paramedics arrive, first aid training can teach you how to do this. It’s important to treat the injury as best as possible, which is why if you don’t have first aid training, you could actually do more harm than good. Treatment might be as simple as immobilizing or supporting the limb to assist reduce the pain and stop further injury.

TYPES OF BREAKS

Did you know there are different ways you can break a bone? A fracture is when there’s an opportunity or crack during a bone, and it can either be considered open or closed. A closed fracture is when the skin remains intact and therefore the bone isn’t protruding, while an open fracture is when the skin is broken. 

SYMPTOMS OF A BROKEN BONE

Broken bones can have many signs and symptoms, for example:

Pain to the affected area that gets worse once you move it

Numbness within the injured area

Bluish colouring, swelling, or deformity

Bone protruding through the skin

Heavy bleeding

An easy method to spot the symptoms is to use SLIPS:

S stands for: swelling, bruising

L stands for: loss of use of the limb

I stands for: irregularity, deformation

P stands for: pain, tenderness at the location

S stands for: shock

In a first aid course you will not only learn to spot a break but also how to treat one. For example using the RICE method:

R – rest

I – ice

C – compress

E – elevate

Remember, as a primary aider, you’ll help them from getting worse but you can’t fix them, that’s up to the paramedics. Make certain to follow the right procedures and call. The earlier the injury/wound can receive medical help the better the chance of a full recovery.If you are interested in learning more about our first aid and cpr certification course, click here for more information first aid training