The biggest obstacle most people face in getting proper first aid training is finding a good training course. Learning first aid is more than worth the effort involved. In the event of an accident or disaster, just having a first aid kit will not be enough. Knowing how to treat injuries will be critical.
One way to find a first aid course is to simply use the yellow pages and search for “first aid instruction.” This method works online, too. A Google search for first aid instruction and a city will usually bring up several results. These suggestions will provide a few courses to check out.
The Red Cross provides first aid instruction in many areas. One good thing about a Red Cross course is that it is almost certain to be comprehensive and the instructors will be trained by the Red Cross in first aid and in teaching first aid.
Community centers in many cities and suburbs offer first aid training, often through the Red Cross or local hospitals. Hospitals themselves are also a good source of first aid training. Many offer courses for the community through outreach programs.
The two main criteria in choosing a first aid program, aside from the organization offering the course, are the content of the course and the price of the course.
Some organizations offer several courses, varying in length and content. Others offer a short course covering only the basics. Simply stated, the longer and more comprehensive the course, the better. In a time when anything could happen, it is best to be prepared for anything to happen. A short first aid course should be considered only when nothing else is available. Short courses should be thought of as a first step.
A comprehensive first aid course will not train students in everything that could possibly go wrong or every possible treatment. It will provide adequate treatment for extensive first aid in the case of a real emergency.
Price ranges for first aid courses vary based on the length of the course, the content taught, and the qualifications of the trainer. Private companies offering first aid instruction are likely to charge more than public organizations such as the Red Cross. Choose a course based on the quality and type of instruction, not on the price. It’s always worth paying more for a better course.
If local first aid courses don’t meet expectations, or if no local course exists, there is another option. Online first aid courses can teach most if not all of the first aid techniques taught in local courses. Practicing may be more difficult, but with video and audio training, online courses can be very effective. High-quality online courses are certainly better than low-quality face-to-face first aid training.
When looking for a first aid course, whether offline or online, carefully consider the goals of the training and what would represent a good outcome. Anyone searching for first aid training should know what they want to learn and why. The why does not have to be shared with anyone else, but it should be clear in the student’s mind.
Wait to take a first aid course until the best course is available. If this means skipping the current session of a Red Cross or hospital course and taking the next comprehensive course, do that. First aid students should only settle for a lesser course than their real goal if they also plan on taking the more comprehensive course later.
Few skills are as vital in bad times as first aid. It’s well worth the investment and the time to learn.