Are First Aid Trainings Really Necessary?

Have you ever wondered how you would react if someone in your vicinity suffered a severe fall, showed signs of chest pain, or had acute respiratory distress? Would you be ready to do intervene? 

 

If you are askingyourself if knowing first aid is necessary, the answer is YES. 

 

A first aid training can make a significant difference during an emergency. For example, knowing how to react in case of a cardiac arrest can improve the victim’s survival and recovery chances by at least 30%1. Unfortunately, only about 8% of Quebec’s population is trained in first aid. 

 

Basic first aid courses usually teach how to treat cardiopulmonary and respiratory emergencies, as well as bleeding, and how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All our first aid courses also include an introduction to the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and an epinephrin auto-injector. Some of our courses are specially adapted for professionals in childcare services and in the sports and recreation field and are offered in two different versions (8 hours and 16 hours). 

 

Which course should I choose? 

Research the quality of the course’s content; make sure an award is issued after the course is successfully completed.  By registering to one of the Lifesaving Society or one of its affiliate members’ courses, you are guaranteed high-quality content that has been approved by a nationally recognized organization. 

 

Ask yourself the following questions:  

  • Is the course content adapted to my needs? There are several types of first aid courses, with different content and durations (ranging from 30 minutes to 16 hours). 
  • Do you need to follow a first aid course to meet an employer’s requirements? If you work as a coach or asan early childhood educator, you can rest assured that your award will be recognized. 

 

But above all, do not kid yourself: no one is immune to accidents. Take a look at our courses’ contentand feel free to call us if you need help finding the course that best suits your needs.  We also offer customized courses – contact us for more information! 

 

 

1 Heart & Stroke Foundation – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Facts, 2015 (consulted on February 25, 2015).