1. There Are Many Myths About First Aid
In an emergency, the right response can save a life. Unfortunately, however, many people are still doing the wrong thing. This is because there are plenty of myths circulating about first aid.
For example, ‘giving chest compressions to someone who needs them can do more harm than good’. On a first aid course you will learn that even if you’re not certain the person has stopped breathing, you should go ahead with CPR anyway. If someone has a cardiac arrest the biggest predictor of survival is whether or not they receive CPR before medical help arrives.
Fact: If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (source).
There are plenty of other myths that a first aid course will bust. Like putting butter on a burn, tilting the head backwards to stop a nosebleed and using a tourniquet to stop bleeding.
2. Most People Don’t Feel Confident Acting in an Emergency
A British Red Cross statistic shows that up to 59% of deaths could have been prevented if first aid had been administered before medical services arrived. Unfortunately, however, first aid was only attempted in half of all cases surveyed, despite someone being at the scene of the accident.
First aid training gives people the skills they need to act, and potentially save a life, in an emergency.
3. First Aid Training is Good for Accident Prevention
First aid training is not just reactive, it’s also proactive. By learning about potential hazards and dangers, accidents can be prevented. People gain a better understanding of how to stay safe and they’ll also be less likely to repeat previous accidents going forward.
Proper first aid training is like a risk-reduction tool.
4. Builds Confidence and Morale
First aid training is great for company morale and team building. Not only does it teach your employees how to act and help in an emergency, but it also builds trust in your team. Employees will feel more confident in themselves and they’ll also feel more confident in each other.
5. It’s a Legal Requirement
On top of all the practical benefits, first aid training in the workplace is a legal requirement for many businesses. At a minimum, you should have a first aid box and an appointed person who will take care of first-aid arrangements like calling 999 and stocking the first aid box.
But in higher-risk working environments, you are likely to need a trained first-aider. If you are unsure about what your business needs, you can carry out a first aid needs assessment.
Ready to Arrange First Aid Training?
Workplace Safety Group is an expert in health and safety for SMEs. We specialise in delivering first aid courses at your premises. One of our trained instructors will visit your workplace with all the kit needed, to deliver first aid training to a group of employees.
To find out more or to book a course, get in touch.