What to Expect in a First Aid Training Course

What to Expect during First Aid Training:

You’ve enrolled for some First Aid Classes and you’re not quite sure what to expect. Granted, First Aid training could be the most important course you’ll ever take. Should an emergency arise, you will be armed with the knowledge and confidence to administer potentially lifesaving procedures and assistance. Although much of First Aid Training is initiated by an employer or workplace, knowing these skills are entirely invaluable for everyday scenarios and all individuals are welcomed at training.

Knowing in advance what to expect and what kinds of information might be included in a First Aid Class is helpful and by being prepared in advance, can only serve to help you excel at your First Aid Course.

Preparing in Advance:

Certainly the thought of practicing everything from CPR to assisting a choking victim can seem both daunting and a little bit overwhelming to some. As a result, many prospective students who have enrolled in First Aid training often jump online and begin researching in advance what their course may entail. Although this seems like a good idea in theory, it might actually lead to confusion or incorrect comparison when you actually begin to put new techniques to practice. As most First Aid classes are designed for those totally new to First Aid, it’s not expected that you should know anything in advance. By showing up with a positive attitude, a willingness to involve yourself in the real-life practice scenarios, you will best serve yourself and be equipped to not only learn, but remember what you’ll be taught in your First Aid classes.

What should I wear?

Loose fitting, comfortable and casual clothing is best, bearing in mind that the First Aid training may involve a fair bit of kneeling on the floor, etc. Knowing in advance what to expect and what kinds of information might be included in a First Aid Class is helpful and by being prepared in advance, can only serve to help you excel at your First Aid Course. Should you have any physical restraints or disabilities that may inhibit how comfortable you might find yourself in kneeling positions, etc, this may not be the course for you. It’s always worth mentioning any potential disabilities that might inhibit your participation, prior to confirming your registration to a First Aid training and certification course.

What will my learning involve?

For a one day First Aid course, students are given a mix of both hands on training as well as theory to study. You’ll be taught how to perform a basic casualty examination, use an AED, get experience offering basic life support and managing trauma and/or bleeding. All of these are important skills you’d be putting to use while waiting for medical professionals to arrive on a scene of an emergency. In addition, you’re taught other basic first aid including managing wounds, burns, and assisting a choking person. Learning what and how to record and report on the scene later will also be part of the curriculum- a skill set particularly useful for those practicing first aid in the workplace. Providing you can participate and complete all of this instruction successfully, you’ll receive a certification upon completion.

Sensitive Subject Matter Warning:

As to be expected in a course of this nature, it’s important to mention that the training can involve scenarios that directly mimic real-life situations in an emergency. This can be at times both distressing and potentially upsetting. Most instructors are aware of this and are sensitive to their students from beginning to end. Those who are truly feeling uncomfortable can either request additional assistance or even depart the class.

Be Confident in the Instruction You’re Receiving:

All of the courses offered through American Heart Association or American Red Cross are taught by competent healthcare professionals or armed forces medics. They also have extensive experience training in workplace First Aid or at events. Training is in line with the most modern and widely taught practices and regulation adherence.

The original post published on CPR Select.