What Do You Need to Learn First Aid?

You might worry that first aid will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning first aid and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

What is First Aid?

First aid refers to the immediate and temporary medical assistance given to an injured or ill person until professional medical help becomes available. It involves a set of simple, potentially life-saving techniques and interventions that can be provided by trained individuals or bystanders at the scene of an emergency. The primary goals of first aid are to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, promote recovery, and provide support to the affected individual. First aid typically includes assessing the person’s condition, applying basic life support techniques like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if necessary, controlling bleeding, treating wounds, immobilizing fractures, and providing relief for common medical emergencies such as choking, allergic reactions, or seizures. The knowledge and skills gained through first aid training enable individuals to respond effectively and confidently in emergency situations, potentially making a significant difference in saving lives before professional medical assistance arrives. 

Benefits of Learning First Aid?

Eight in ten adults (85%) would be unable to help someone collapsed and not breathing. This statistic highlights the critical importance of learning first aid. By acquiring first aid skills, individuals can become capable of providing immediate assistance in life-threatening situations. The benefits of first aid training are numerous and far-reaching. Firstly, it empowers individuals to take action and potentially save lives. When confronted with an emergency situation like cardiac arrest, choking, or severe injuries, those trained in first aid can provide important interventions such as performing CPR or using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to increase chances of survival. 

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First aid also builds confidence and preparedness. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in emergencies, reducing feelings of helplessness and anxiety. This confidence extends beyond the immediate response to emergencies, positively impacting overall safety awareness and risk management. Knowing how to identify potential hazards, prevent accidents, and handle injuries gives individuals a sense of control and empowerment, making them valuable members of the community. 

Finally, first aid training fosters a culture of safety and care. When more people are trained in first aid, the overall safety of a community increases. Trained individuals can step in as first responders, providing initial care until professional medical help arrives. By taking an active role in promoting safety, individuals contribute to the well-being of their communities and create an environment where prompt and effective assistance is readily available. 

Is First Aid Easy to Learn?

Yes, first aid can be relatively easy to learn. The basic principles and techniques of first aid are designed to be accessible and comprehensible to individuals with carrying levels of medical knowledge. Many first aid courses are specifically tailored for laypersons, providing step-by-step instructions and hands-on training to ensure understanding and proficiency. For example, the 92nd St Y provides a class called First Aid built for people without any prior knowledge of the subject. The Bronxville Adult School also offers a class called Basic First Aid for Everyone. 

What You Need to Know Before Learning First Aid

Most courses don’t require any specific prerequisite skills or prior medical knowledge. They’re designed to be accessible to individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels. However, it can be beneficial to have a basic understanding of health and safety principles, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm under pressure. Learning first aid also involves hands-on practice and simulation of real-life scenarios. It’s important to be prepared for this aspect of training. You’ll likely be required to perform skills such as CPR, bandaging wounds, and immobilizing fractures on mannequins or fellow participants. Being comfortable with physical contact and actively participating in practical exercises is essential for gaining proficiency. 

What You Need to Learn First Aid

When learning first aid, there are a few key items that can greatly enhance your training experience. While in-person classes typically provide the necessary supplies, it can be beneficial to have some essential tools on hand for practice and reference. These may include items such as a first aid manual or guidebook, a first aid kit, a CPR mannequin or training device, or an AED (automated external defibrillator). Additionally, having access to online resources or mobile applications that offer step-by-step instructions and reference materials can be valuable for further learning and reinforcement. While some aspects of first aid such as hands-on practice and feedback, are best suited for in-person classes, online courses can still provide theoretical knowledge and basic skills training. 

First Aid Manual or Guidebook

A first aid manual or guidebook is a comprehensive reference resource that provides essential information and step-by-step instructions on how to respond to various medical emergencies and provide initial medical care. It typically covers a wide range of topics, including basic life support techniques, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), wound care, fracture management, choking relief, and other common medical conditions. The manual serves as a valuable tool for both learning and refreshing first aid skills, offering clear explanations, diagrams, and illustrations to guide individuals through emergency situations. It acts as a go-to resource that can be consulted in critical situations when immediate access to professional medical assistance may be limited or delayed. 

First Aid Kit

Johnson and Johnson made the first commercial first aid kit to treat injured railroad workers in 1888. Needless to say, technology has improved since then. Today, a first aid kit is a portable collection of medical supplies and equipment designed to provide immediate care for minor injuries and medical emergencies. It typically includes essential items such as adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, CPR face masks, instant cold packs, and pain relief medications. 

Depending on the specific kit, it may also contain additional items like splints, emergency blankets, eye wash, or burn ointment. First aid kits come in various sizes and formats, from compact travel kits to larger, more comprehensive kits suitable for home, workplace, or outdoor activities. 

CPR Mannequin or Training Device

A CPR mannequin or training device is a model used for practicing CPR techniques. It simulates a human torso and helps learners practice chest compressions and rescue breathing accurately. It is an essential tool for developing and maintaining CPR skills. 

According to the Red Cross, CPR mannequins can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars. So while it may be helpful to purchase one for at-home practice, it’ll much likely be simpler to attend a class and use their CPR mannequin. For example, SureFire CPR’s CPR, AED, and FIrst Aid class covers the basics of CPR using training devices, so students don’t have to purchase their own to practice. It also covers how to use an AED, another expensive tool covered in the next section. 

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable electronic device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart in certain cardiac emergencies, specifically cases of sudden cardiac arrest. It is designed to analyze the heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are user-friendly and often equipped with visual and audio prompts to guide the rescuer through the process. They are commonly found in public spaces such as airports, schools, and shopping centers, and are an important tool in improving survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. These tools are expensive and often difficult, not to mention dangerous, for the layperson to practice with without supervision. Try a class like the Chicago-based Citywide CPR’s Heartsaver CPR/AED Skills Session Class to learn how to operate a defibrillator in a controlled environment. Nu

Key Takeaways

• First aid refers to the immediate and temporary medical assistance given to an injured or ill person until professional medical help becomes available.
• Learning first aid has many benefits, including the ability to save the lives of others, increased confidence for practitioners, and better community safety overall. 
• First aid is accessible and easy to learn, though it becomes more difficult without a course to guide you.
• Some of the tools you need to learn first aid include a first aid manual or guidebook, a first aid kit, a CPR mannequin, and an AED. While first aid manuals and first aid kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to source, it might be difficult to access a CPR mannequin or AED without an instructor-led in-person class. 
• You can contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person training, including private group sessions