Importance of Basic First Aid Training and Why Everybody Needs It

First Aid training is not limited to only health practitioners, it is a skill everybody needs to learn, at least the basics.

Some jobs such as teaching require having a prerequisite knowledge of first aid training.

According to UniFirst First Aid + Safety (www.UnifirstFirstAidandSafety.com), a company that specializes in training individuals on first aid, people often don’t consider the importance of basic first aid education because they think they don’t have the time; don’t know where to begin; don’t believe that accidents will ever happen to them or those close to them; while some think they already have enough knowledge should the need arise.

Read along as we highlight some of the benefits of this training and why everybody needs it.

1. It can save someone from a disability

First aid can save an accident victim’s life and at the same time, it can help save the person from possible disability.

In certain situations, without timely first aid intervention, amputation of a patient’s body part to improve healing might be inevitable. However, this could have been prevented if someone with basic first aid training is around to help.

2. Makes you a better parent

Children are more likely to get into a situation that warrants urgent first aid such as choking on food.

Also being hyperactive, these children tend to run around a lot and they might strain their ankles or suffer bruises that could result in loss of blood. As a parent, having basic first aid training can help save your child’s life.

3. It boosts confidence in times of emergency

Nobody plans for an emergency. That’s why whenever it happens, we all tend to panic, especially when the victims are our loved ones.

Possessing first aid training can help you remain calm in such a situation and be able to offer help that could save the day and everyone.

4. First aider can help professionals in knowing the best way to treat a patient

Helping someone in urgent need of first aid can help you relate with health professionals when they finally arrive at the scene of the emergency. The information you supply them about the person’s condition can hasten their diagnosis of the condition and instant recommendation of treatment instead of trying to fish out the cause which might take a long time and could result in the person’s death.

5. Increases job opportunities

There are lots of jobs that require you possess at least basic training in first aid. The knowledge can set you apart from other applicants.

For jobs that do not mandate the training, interviewers may take a personal interest in you for possessing first aid skills.

6. Improves personal safety

With training in first aid, you are more likely to be extra careful yourself during your daily activities. This is mostly true if you are an employee.

The knowledge gathered during the training helps to know things to avoid and the importance of taking certain precautions such as wearing required clothing before accessing certain facilities.

You are also more likely to notice certain signs and guidelines for emergencies such as the Emergency Exit door whenever you enter a building.

Also in instances where you are the victim of an accident, you can use your knowledge of first aid to stabilize yourself until help comes. Even when you can’t do this yourself would be able to direct people around on what to do.

7. Reduces treatment cost

First aid can significantly reduce the time a patient spends in the hospital. It reduces the fatality of an emergency and thus, hastens recovery time.

In situations such as minor burns or bruises, first aid can reduce the effect of the injury. Although a visit to the hospital might still be needed, further treatment won’t be expensive as it oughts to be while recovery time will also be significantly reduced.

8. Reduces healing/recovery time

As noted earlier, first aid reduces the impact of an injury during an emergency. Since the injury is minimized, therefore the healing will inevitably be reduced from what it ought to be.

Meanwhile, not giving someone first aid can lead to death and those who manage to survive may need to deal with the consequences for the rest of their lives. For instance, a patient whose leg or arm is amputated due to the absence of first aid. Such a person will need more time in physiotherapy to be able to readjust and they will never recover fully.

Accidents are inevitable irrespective of the level of preventive procedures put in place. People with proper first aid training and the availability of correct equipment are a huge guarantee of everyone’s safety in addition to precautions.

Lack of proper first aid may escalate a minor injury to a severe which may result in loss of life. The only way to acquire first aid skills is through training. This boosts an individual’s confidence and helps to erase the fear of doing anything wrong when the need arises.