With the arrival of a new year, it’s likely that you are seeking new experiences to usher in change and enhance your abilities and position in the world. This is the ideal moment to enroll in a First Aid course and gain a foundation in providing First Aid in various scenarios, ranging from household emergencies to providing critical care in life-threatening situations.
Mastering the proper technique for CPR can mean the difference between saving a life and being powerless as someone passes away needlessly. Imagine the level of guilt and regret you would feel if a worst-case scenario occurred in front of you, and you were unable to assist in even the most basic way due to a lack of knowledge?
Could you handle the guilt if you witnessed someone drowning, knowing you lacked the CPR knowledge, and all it took was a three-hour investment of your time?
We often take life for granted until a situation affects someone we love, causing us to reflect on the value of our own health and wellness. Proactively learning First Aid and CPR, starting in elementary school and continuing throughout life, can prepare us for emergencies before they occur.
Unlike the math and science taught in school that may quickly fade from memory, the knowledge and ability to perform CPR and respond as a First Aid provider is a lifelong skill once acquired.
How Long is A First Aid Certificate Valid
CPR and First Aid skills are a lifelong asset and do not require a certification like Barista courses. Anyone can provide CPR or First Aid in an emergency, as long as they do not harm the casualty by attempting to help without proper knowledge.
The idea of certification for even basic tasks is a recent phenomenon in a flawed education system that seeks to generate more revenue by granting certificates for courses deemed to be the minimum standard by governing bodies. However, having a current First Aid certification or obtaining one at some point in your life can have some benefits.
In Australia, CPR certification must be renewed annually with a refresher course. Despite this requirement, the skill of CPR is considered to be unforgettable. On the other hand, a First Aid certificate is valid for three years before recertification is needed.
There is a perceived pressure for individuals to obtain First Aid certification as part of their pre-employment or vocational requirements. Having a valid First Aid certification can be beneficial in scenarios where you interact with the public, such as in the event of a shopper experiencing a heart attack or suffering a fracture in your store.
For those in the education sector or in high-risk vocations, such as construction, obtaining First Aid certification is a requirement, not just a preference. This is necessary to ensure safety in case of potential job-related injuries.
Volunteer organizations value volunteers with current First Aid certification, but they also accept previous experience and certification, even if it has expired.
The takeaway from this is that true CPR training involves both learning the technique and physically practicing on a CPR dummy. Simply watching a video does not guarantee the ability to perform CPR correctly, as there is a technical aspect to doing it at the right pace and continuously without interruption.
“One of the common mistakes in CPR is the giver getting fatigued and reducing the depth of chest compressions. This results in the heart valves not being able to pump blood properly and the CPR becoming ineffective, providing no benefit to the casualty. At the same time, the giver becomes exhausted. This double failure can be avoided by taking a First Aid course.
What does A First Aid Course Cost in Australia
The cost of First Aid training varies and requires research to find the best Registered Training Organization in your state. The average cost is around $100, with some organizations offering a lower price than their competitors when a written quote is provided for the same course.
The average cost of a CPR-only course is between $45 to $50 and typically lasts for three hours.
Basic First Aid courses cover CPR and can take more time to complete, depending on factors such as prior experience and knowledge. Some learners opt for courses that are divided into two parts: self-paced online study followed by an online test and instructor-led training, demonstrations, and assessment for certification. The latter ensures that they receive hands-on instruction and practical evaluation.
The total time required to complete a Basic First Aid course typically ranges from 6 to 12 hours. This depends on the individual’s reading speed, comprehension, and retention of information before taking the test. There is no set time frame.
The average person can usually complete the course over two days, with one day dedicated to theory and exams, and the other day for practical demonstrations and certification, which takes three to four hours.
Completing the course on the same day is usually not possible as the exam must be passed before scheduling the practical component. Be cautious of organizations claiming to certify you in only six hours, as this is only achievable for those with existing knowledge and proficiency in the subject matter.
Both components of the course are only conducted on the same day if it is a completely in-person course. The options offered by each Registered Training Organization (RTO) are unique and vary, so it is important to research the specific RTO’s course offerings.
First Aid Knowledge Saves Lives
As any doomsday prepper will tell you,
“It is always better to have the skill set and not need it, than need it and not have it!” .
First Aid training is the epitome of the adage “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” We hope you will acquire the First Aid skills necessary and never have to use them in a life-saving scenario. However, it’s disheartening to think of someone who reads this article and takes no action, only to later face a situation where they could have saved a life but were not equipped to do so.
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