It does more than help save lives.
It’s true that having first aid training undoubtedly helps save lives. That’s not all though; giving appropriate first aid immediately can help to reduce a person’s recovery time and make the difference between the patient having a temporary or long term disability.
It enables you to increase patient comfort.
Not all accidents, injuries or illnesses require a trip to the hospital but it doesn’t mean they don’t cause pain and suffering to the patient. A child crying because of a bruised elbow or with a fever is in pain and is suffering. By knowing how to act you’ll help to relieve their discomfort.
It gives you tools to prevent the situation from becoming worse.
In some situations, if a patient doesn’t receive basic first aid care immediately their situation will deteriorate – often rapidly. By being able to provide basic care you can stabilize a patient until emergency medical services arrive.
It creates the confidence to care.
Having a basic first aid knowledge means that you’ll be confident in your skills and abilities in relation to first aid administration. By taking first aid training, it helps you to reflect on yourself and how you and others react in certain situations. Having this understanding will boost your confidence in a wide range of non-medical day to day situations.
It encourages healthy and safe living.
One of the first things you learn during a first aid training is that you must look after yourself and ensure your own safety as a priority. It’s not being selfish, it’s being practical. Keeping yourself safe means you are in a position to help others rather than needing help yourself.
