First Aid Training

Be prepared for a very different first aid training class. Make sure you class is run as safe as possible.

The all important safety step during a deadly pandemic What do we do now in a first aid situation? Someone needs our help, and we’re too scared to come close fearing infection. The fear is real; people have died from this coronavirus in large numbers. I don’t have a pat answer that will offer a definitive solution. I do recall listening to a nurse on a TV interview. She was willing to help but made it clear that her safety and well being came first.... We can at the very least contact EMS, if the patient is responsive and lucid we could council them on self help at a distance. If you need to do CPR, consider compression only, cover the patient's face to minimize their expired air coming into contact with you. Be aware that with a covered face it will be more difficult to monitor the patient's vitals and condition including vomiting. I think the bag valve mask (bvm) will become more common in training. I’m not going to council anyone to place themselves in obvious danger. Do what you can and keep yourself as safe as possible. Authorities have strongly advised us to just stay home. This lowers our unnecessary risk of getting into trouble in the first place. Stay home, avoid other people, if you need to go out keep your distance from others. And wash your hands regularly and properly. Undoubtedly this pandemic will change our approach to first aid in the future. My sincere hope, is that the spirit of helping a fellow human being in need, is not lost. Stay well and safe everyone! LP

You're not expected to know everything, but you are expected to be current and have the basics down pat.

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Helping people in need is its own rewardHelping people in need is its own reward

Don't look for a first aid course that advertises short recertifications; look for a thorough training session. You will always benefit.

Sometimes first aid is doing everything with nothing. Being creative is part of the process.

The first principle of first aid is the rescuers' personal safety. If you are trying to help someone who is a victim of violence, make sure the assailant has been neutralized first; you may have to wait for the police before you can help.

Changes in First Aid are inevitable; embrace the changes

Thank you to all my followers!Thank you to all my followers!

Remember to keep first aid simple; you don't need to over-analyze the situation. Cooling a burn quickly is more important than pondering the source of the cooling agent. And use common sense - the source can't make things worse. Same thinking applies to a major bleed; a clean towel that can be applied quickly is better than delaying direct pressure while looking for a sterile dressing.

Even between major changes to first aid, there are often small changes. Stay current.Even between major changes to first aid, there are often small changes. Stay current.

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Keep first aid simple. Remember that it is the "very first aid" the person is receiving. It's all about ABCs and contacting EMS if necessary.

I am so saddened by those who find First Aid boring. Really!? A crisis rarely comes with a warning and often the simplest thing we learn can save a life.

Life is choices: learn first aid or stand around and watch someone die......

The most experienced first aiders will ask for help. If you need help, you need help.

First Aid is a system. Follow the system and it will guide you well.

Remember that the first element in first aid is prevention.

The use of performance feedback CPR manikins is popular. To date Lloyd Plueschow uses 2 of these "computerized manikins" with a positive response from participants.

First Aid is a life skill! Imagine a world where no one knew any basic first aid; you could bleed to death from a cut because no one would know to apply direct pressure to the wound.

Future first aid courses will involve using tablets or smart phones for the material; CPR manikins now transmit performance via Bluetooth.