Having basic knowledge of how to administer first aid allows one to act instantly in case of any emergency or accident. There are a number of different types of first aid courses, so you can choose the type of course based on preference and requirement.
Many organizations have first aid courses as a part of their orientation program for some or all employees, depending on the sector. It is not essential for all the employees to undergo the same first aid course – they take the course based on their job profiles and requirements.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and so it’s important to know what to do if something goes wrong at home, at work, or in the public domain. Let’s take a look into the different types of first aid courses and who they are suitable for.
Standard First Aid Course
This course is also known as the emergency first aid course and is designed for the public in general. It caters to people who want to study general first aid and know how to act in an emergency until professional help arrives. All the basic guidelines of first aid training are included in this course.
This is a standardized course that is beneficial for students, the elderly, people working remotely, and just about everyone. It is one of the most common first aid courses in Edinburgh, London, Manchester, and other major cities.
Advanced First Aid
This course offers basic first aid knowledge along with learning about the use of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) as well as how to give oxygen. This course is sometimes also called Advanced Life Support.
This course is ideal for people working in the health sector or anywhere equipped with AED equipment, masks, and oxygen tanks.
Marine First Aid
This course is ideal for people associated with professions that are related to the sea and water, people working on ships, rescue lifeguards, and scuba divers. This course has been designed for particular circumstances such as rescuing people from the water and dealing with drownings and similar situations.
Wilderness First Aid
This course is also known as remote or outdoor first aid. People attending this course are taught how to use first aid in remote and isolated areas. This course is very beneficial for knowing what to do when medical equipment is not readily available, and professional medical help will take time to arrive. This course is most suitable for hikers, mountaineers, field guides, and people who spend most of their time in the wild.
Mental Health First Aid
Along with first aid for physical injuries, it can also be important to know how to assist people suffering from mental illness. In a mental first aid course, students are taught appropriate ways to help patients suffering from extreme stress or any kind of mental illness.
Students are also taught how to identify the symptoms of mental illness while assisting them to get adequate medical care. This course is recommended for counselors in educational institutes as well as specialists dealing with mental health.
Emergency First Aid Course
If you need more flexibility with time, attend an online course in CPR and First Aid that offers the same quality as in-person classes. Along with introducing you to the concept of first aid, this course will also give an insight into the basic first aid principles such as handling an emergency situation, minor injuries, wounds, burns, scalds, choking, seizures, fainting, CPR, and defibrillation. If you need more flexibility with time, attend an online course in CPR and First Aid that offers the same quality as in-person classes.
First Aid at Work
This is a more extensive three-day first aid at work course, aimed at workplace first aid officers. The course will equip you with the required skills to handle fractures, head, and spinal injuries, poisoning, eye injuries, anaphylactic shocks, and soft tissue injuries, along with the content covered in the one-day emergency first aid course.
Pediatric First Aid
This course primarily focuses on first aid for kids. This is important because certain first aid approaches need to be adapted or changed entirely when given to infants and children. Depending on your interest and inclination, you can join either a one-day or a two-day course which is a little more detailed. The course is perfect for anyone working with children, such as teachers, nannies, and day care professionnals, as well as parents.
Catastrophic Bleeding First Aid
This is an advanced and specialized first aid course that shows you how to handle severe wounds and excessive bleeding. As part of this, the course details how to use hemostatic dressings as well as the usage of tourniquets.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
With so many first aid courses available, it can be difficult to decide which is the right first aid course for you or your employees. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and go for a longer, more indepth course that will prepare you to deal with any situation!