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Have you ever been the first individual on the scene of a bad accident? I have – a cyclist took a corner rather fast and too sharp. He came off his bike and was knocked unconscious. I went over, but I had no notion what to do. I felt sorry for him because I could not help and I was embarrassed for myself and still do, ten years later.

This is why everybody ought to know the fundamentals of First Aid. Everybody ought to know how to make an accident victim comfortable and how to resuscitate him or her if necessary until medical professionals arrive.

Everybody should know what to do in the case of accidents that cause such common events as choking, drowning, fractured limbs, heart attacks, burns, scalding and electric shock. Everyday accidents that not everybody experiences every day fortunately.

A basic First Aid course will teach the ‘Four P’s’, although they might call it by a different name. The Four P’s are Preservation of life; Prevention of further injury; Promotion of recovery and the Protection of yourself.

This is gained by the application of ‘ABC’, which stands for ‘Airways, Breathing and Circulation’, which means that first you should check the nose, mouth and throat for blockages, then check for breathing and resuscitate if you have to, then stem any bleeding with bandages and tourniquets, if you have to.

Knowledge of CPR or artificial resuscitation is also desirable and it is also a major module of any First Aid course. Artificial resuscitation should be applied when the patient has stopped breathing or the heart has stopped beating. Some basic training is preferential before applying CPR, because it can injure a patient that does not require it.

Besides simply wanting to be a decent citizen, there are several other factors why you might want to take a First Aid course. Some jobs need that those who carry them out have attended a First Aid course. Professions that might need knowledge of First Aid include: supervisors of children like play school leaders, teachers, scout masters and youth club leaders.

Some occupations will more than likely provide their own First Aid course. This would probably be true in the police force and in factories where special industrial accidents may occur such as chemical burns.

If your First Aid is a bit ropey, you should think about taking a refresher First Aid course. You will find many First Aid courses once you start searching. Your local community centre might arrange a First Aid course from time to time, so may your local hospital, police force, ambulance or fire services.

If not, you will invariably find a First Aid course on line. If you take a First Aid course on line, you will probably have to attend an actual test of your knowledge if you require a certificate, although all the study can be done at home, which will save time.

Before you leave, here is another mnemonic to help you remember: ‘BBB’, breathing before bleeding, bleeding before bones’ or should that be the ‘6 B’s’?

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on numerous topics, but is at present concerned with First Aid trainer courses. If you have an interest in RC vehicles, please come over to our website now at First Aid Courses Online.

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