First aid is an important skill that equips the person to implement this knowledge in emergencies. Correct administration of first aid training and techniques can help save lives and prevent the situation from worsening. First aid training helps individuals to assess and respond to emergencies accordingly.
According to UK statistics, every year, thousands of lives are lost in situations where timely first aid could have been the crucial difference. This includes nearly 900 individuals succumbing to choking, 2,500 experiencing asphyxiation due to a blocked airway, and 29,000 losing their lives to heart attacks.
Importance of First Aid Training
In the UK, just 8% of individuals feel confident enough to provide first aid in an emergency.
The statistics show that the percentage of first-aid-trained people in the UK is very low. Therefore, people need to understand the significance of first aid.
Some facts to show the vitality of first-aid training are listed below:
- Saves Lives
First aid plays a vital role in saving lives. It involves immediate care for individuals who are injured or suddenly unwell, serving as the initial response until professional medical help arrives. The primary goals are to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery.
Importantly, first aid is not exclusive to professionals; anyone can learn and apply basic techniques. This knowledge empowers individuals to act promptly and effectively in emergencies. This can help to save lives and minimise the severity of injuries.
- Prevents the Worsening of Injury
First aid training can help prevent the worsening of an injury. There is a chance of infection when someone gets injured. It is essential to handle the wound carefully to prevent the worsening of an injury. Proper first aid techniques teach you how to handle a wound carefully to prevent infection. For example, if someone has a broken bone, then the first aid provider immediately immobilises the affected area to prevent further tissue damage.
- Promotes Recovery
When proper immediate care is provided to a sick or injured person, this not only helps to reduce the chances of infection but also promotes the chances of recovery. Proper first aid improves the chances of recovery by reducing the adverse factors and calming down the patient. For example, if a person is having excessive bleeding, the first aid should be to stop the bleeding immediately to prevent the condition of the victim from worsening. When blood loss is minimal, recovery will be quick.
- Instills Confidence
You become confident when you know the technique to handle an emergency. First aid training in Norwich equips you with the knowledge to help others in times of need. It not only makes you able to help others but it is very beneficial for you as well. It helps to build leadership qualities in you when you manage and handle the situation promptly.
- Helps to Relieve Pain
Whenever a person goes through an accident or emergency, he panics mostly due to the trauma and pain. This will lead both to the worsening of the situation and the condition of the victim. A first-aid-trained person knows how to handle this situation. He will take the necessary actions to relieve the pain of the victim so that he can become calm and the situation can be handled more professionally.
- Sense of Safety
When there are more first aid trained people around, it develops a sense of safety in individuals. For example, if there are employees at your workplace who are trained in first aid, this will develop a sense of safety in other individuals. Many companies now consider it necessary to be first aid trained before hiring. This provides a good image of the employer in the eyes of its workers that they care for them.
Basic First Aid Techniques
Some basic life-saving first-aid techniques are described below:
- CPR: CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation which is a life-saving technique that everyone should learn to help others. It is used to revive a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. The technique consists of rescue breathing and chest compressions.
- Controlling the Bleeding: Another important technique to learn in first aid training is how to stop bleeding. In case of excessive bleeding, the first aid technique is to use a clean cloth to apply pressure directly on the place of bleeding. Also, elevate the limb if possible to control the flow of bleeding.
- Treating Burns: burns are of different types. They can range from mild to severe. The first aid technique helps to assess and identify the type of burn so that necessary treatment and first aid can be provided accordingly. In case of mild burns, it is advised to place the burnt area under running water. However, in case of severe burns just cover the burnt area with a clean, dry cloth and call for immediate medical assistance.
- Stabilising Fractures: a fracture is a broken bone and it can range from mild to severe just like burns. The first aid techniques help you assess the condition of the patient so that you can provide respective care and assistance. In case of broken bones, first aid training suggests that you should immediately immobilise the area to prevent further tissue damage around that area.
- Choking Hazards: choking is the condition in which someone’s airway is blocked by something and he cannot breathe properly. In this case, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre. Thai procedure involves standing behind the victim and applying pressure to the abdomen area.
Conclusion
Learning first aid is not just an ordinary course but a crucial skill that can save lives. First Aid training equips you with the ability to assist others, including your loved ones, and yourself as well. Teaching essential techniques and procedures for emergencies instils confidence and empowers you to respond effectively in life-threatening scenarios.
