Do you know what you should do when someone gets an illness or an injury? You should be providing first aid to that person. We never know when we will come across the need to provide first aid. That’s why it is better to follow one of the first aid courses. When we come across the situation to offer first aid, we have a clear idea of what to do.
There are many different types of first aid courses available. Let’s take a look at a few types and figure out what the best course for you is.
Perform ORM Rescue from a Live LV Panel
Electrical accidents are a common cause of injury and death. Live low-voltage (LV) electrical panels pose a risk of electrocution. Proper training on safely rescuing a victim from contact with a live LV panel is crucial. Here are the basic first-aid steps that you should follow during such a situation.
- You should first leave the scene for safety. Do not rush in, as there is a possibility to electrocute yourself.
- If safe to do so, turn off the power supply to the panel at the main switch. You should use your common sense while doing that.
- If there is no possibility of disconnecting power, you need to pull the victim away from the panel. You may do this using dry non-conductive items like wooden broom handles. It is important to avoid direct contact at all times.
- Once the victim is free, check vital signs. You can perform CPR if needed.
- Next, you will need to treat burns and other injuries as required. It is also important to seek medical help immediately.
- Knowing how to safely remove a victim from a live electrical source can help save a life. That’s why you should provide first aid until medical assistance arrives.
CPR Courses
CPR courses are a popular form of first aid courses. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides temporary artificial breathing and circulation when someone’s breathing or heart has stopped. Taking a CPR class teaches you how to:
- Check for responsiveness by tapping and shouting.
- Call emergency services.
- Open the airway by tilting the head back.
- Give rescue breaths by sealing lips over the mouth and blowing.
- Perform chest compressions by pushing hard and fast over the breastbone.
- Use AED if available.
- Continue CPR until professional help takes over.
Having proper training in CPR can help you save a life in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive. Many schools, workplaces and community centres offer CPR certification courses. It is one of the basic skills that everyone should have.
First Responder First Aid Course
First responders are usually first on the scene of a medical emergency. Taking a first responder first aid course equips you with skills to provide initial care across various situations. Here are some of the situations where the first responder first aid course can benefit you.
- Bleeding – Apply pressure and elevate the wound to stop bleeding. Use a tourniquet if needed.
- Broken Bones – Immobilise suspected fractures by splinting.
- Burns – Cool minor burns with water. Cover major burns with sterile dressing.
- Choking – Perform abdominal thrusts to clear airway obstructions.
- Shock – Keep the victim warm and calm. Elevate legs if no injuries are present.
- Stroke – Note the time when symptoms started. Monitor breathing.
Having first responder training allows you to assess situations and call for backup. On top of that, you can provide appropriate care until EMS arrives. This can greatly improve outcomes and even save lives.
Final words
As you can see, first aid courses can help you to equip yourself with some valuable skills. By using those skills, you can handle medical emergencies effectively. Going through a one-time first aid training is not just enough. You should also make sure that you stay up to date on the latest protocols. This is why you should consider going through regular refresher courses.
If you are looking for first aid courses in Brisbane, you may look at what’s offered by Vertical Horizonz. They provide all 3 types of first aid courses we shared above. With proper training, you can make a difference when every second counts. Therefore, enrolling in first aid classes is one of the most valuable investments you can make to help save lives.
