Among certain professions, ongoing learning is an expectation. Teachers, medical professionals, lorry drivers; the list goes on.
We expect them to stay up to date with the latest developments in their field and be able to put their enhanced knowledge to good use. So, what about first aiders, particularly those who take on the role as a volunteer? Do they need to refresh their skills and how should they do this?
Changes in First Aid
First aid principles may not seem to change much but they are always being adapted and updated. Take, for example, the need to revisit guidelines during the Covid pandemic, particularly around CPR. Even without a global health emergency, good practice around first aid changes. This is why when you attend our First Aid at Work or First Aid Essentials courses the certificate is only valid for three years.
When you consider the role of first aid it makes sense. It’s literally the first care given to a person who has been injured or become unwell. In some cases, this care is to keep them alive while they wait for medical professionals to arrive. Given that it might be the difference between life and death then is vitally important to have a good understanding of basic first aid skills.
Even if you have a first aid certificate, it is important to stay up to date on the latest knowledge and skills. Guidelines and recommendations do change over time, so refresh your knowledge on a regular basis to ensure that you’re prepared in a crisis.
1. Take a first aid refresher course
You don’t have to wait for your certificate to expire before you a refresher course. Depending on your first aiding role and interest you might also consider taking complementary courses such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation or Emergency Paediatric First Aid.
2. Read all about it
Remind yourself of different techniques by reading books and articles written by experts in the field that have a recent publication date.
3. Use social media
Do you know that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ‘derive their first aid standards’ from experts like the UK Resuscitation Council and other notable organisations in the field? Add some of their accounts to the ones you follow on social media.
4. Set a Google Alert
Google alerts are a great way of staying on top of topics of interest. You can ask Google to alert you when it finds new content related to keywords. So that means if there’s a new blog post, article or even news about relevant scientific research you’ll get a notification in your inbox.
5. Revise
Treat your first aid knowledge like you are revising for an exam. Are there areas that you don’t feel confident with? Identify them and take action to refresh yourself. Why not team up with another first aider for this one and help each other learn?
