Do you know who is a first aider? Are you wondering how to become one in 2024? Dont worry, we are here for you! You will learn who a first aider is, how to become one, and the skills a first aider must possess. So read on!
Who is a First Aider?
A first aider is a person who has been trained in handling emergencies that may occur in cases of physical injuries, accidents, or sudden illnesses.
They are the first line when a person has a health emergency before getting documented care. First aiders are needed anytime and anywhere whether at the workplace, in public places, or even at residences.
What is the Responsibility as a First Aider?
A first aider is supposed to take basic action in helping someone who is injured or sick before professional help arrives. Here’s what a first aider should do: Here’s what a first aider should do:
- A first aider starts by making a quick check to be sure it is safe to approach the injured person and offer assistance.
- They safeguard themselves and the people around them from any more harm.
- During the situation, the first aider reassures the injured person and ensures that the person remains calm.
- To minimize the risk of infection, they wash their hands and wear gloves while handling patients.
- They assess the condition of the injured person to identify which treatment is appropriate in the first place.
- Emergency first aid for instance giving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or controlling blood loss is attended to by the first aider as soon as possible.
- If required, an ambulance or any professional aid is summoned, and the first aider accompanies the person until the professional aid arrives.
- They may also be responsible for keeping first aid kits, contributing to safety inspections, and reporting accidents when needed.
How Does Someone Become a First Aider?
If you’re interested in being a first aider by the year 2024, then the following is how it is done.
1. Choose the Right Course
First, decide the type of first aid course which you want to take. Some common options are:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
- First Aid at Work (FAW)
- Paediatric First Aid
- Mental Health First Aid
2. Sign Up for a Course
One can get first aid training from the Emergency Response Africa(ERA), Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance, or other local first aid training centers. It’s great to decide whether you can attend the courses in person or simply take some of the courses online if that’s preferable.
3. Complete the Training
Skills that you will learn in the course include CPR, how to stop bleeding, handling burns, and usage of an AED among others. To ensure that you are prepared for the incidents in real life, there will be lessons and practical sessions where you will be able to learn and practice.
4. Get Certified
So, once you complete the course, you are awarded a certificate to indicate that you are a trained first aider. This certificate is normally expected to be valid for about three years.
5. Keep Your Skills Updated
A person needs to keep his or her skills current. As recommended by various organizations, it is advisable to take a refresher course at least once a year to update on new techniques. It is also important to note that you will be required to re-certify after every three years by undertaking the re-qualification course.
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Types of First Aiders
There are several kinds of first aiders based on the type of training they’ve received:
1. Appointed Person
This person may not necessarily be trained in first aid, their role is to dial the emergency line and to take care of the first aid supplies like seeing to it that there is stock in the first aid kit.
2. Emergency First Aider
This person has gone through initial training, which is a 1-day EFAW (Emergency First Aid at W, work), and, he is equipped to address ordinary, life-threatening cases. They are commonly located in workplaces or areas that are accessible to the public.
3. First Aider
A person with full first aid training is capable of handling more complex situations. This individual, however, has done basic three-day First Aid at Work (FAW) training.
They have finished a higher level of training which makes them better placed to handle severe cases of injury or complications of diseases.
What are the Benefits of First Aider?
There are various advantages to becoming a first aider. Not only do you build skills for caring and saving other people’s lives, but also increase confidence in the possibility of managing stress. Here are some reasons to consider becoming a first aider:
- Save Lives: First aid involves the knowledge that can help to save the life of an individual in some emergency.
- Help your Community: First aiders are essential wherever they are in the workplace, at home, or in any other part of society.
- Boost your Career: First aid is important to many employers, and in some workplaces, it is mandatory to have a first aid in the facility. Thus, having such a certification sometimes can become an advantage when it comes to being hired by companies.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies: Everyone knows that accidents and medical emergencies can occur at any place, at any time. This means that, as a first aider, you will be prepared to act appropriately and almost immediately.
- Build Confidence: First aid training makes one better placed and prepared when it comes to handling emergent situations. This could easily assist you in keeping your cool when there is widespread panic and emotions of distress, all around you.
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What Skills Must a First Aider Possess?
Apart from medical knowledge, being a good first aider also requires certain personal qualities:
1. Communication
You need to talk clearly with the injured person, bystanders, and emergency services. This helps calm the situation and ensures that everyone knows what’s happening.
2. Problem-Solving
Emergencies can be unpredictable, so first-aiders need to think on their feet and quickly figure out the best course of action.
3. Calm under Pressure
It’s easy to panic in an emergency, but first aiders must stay calm to help others and manage the situation effectively.
4. Attention to Detail
Small details can be critical in first aid, such as checking for signs of shock or correctly positioning someone’s body.
Conclusion
A first aider is a person trained to provide immediate help during an emergency. They have the knowledge and skills to preserve life, prevent the situation from worsening, and promote recovery. Becoming a first aider in 2024 involves choosing the right course, attending training, and staying certified.
Whether at work, at home, or in public spaces, first aiders make a huge difference in ensuring people’s safety and well-being. So if you’re thinking about becoming a first aider, it’s a great way to contribute to your community, boost your career, and be prepared to save lives.
