What Are the Benefits of Taking a First Aid Class?

Know how to treat injuries.

You may be required to take a first aid class for work, after-school activities, or school. What will you learn and why is it important?

Background

First aid includes care given the injured while waiting for medical treatment. Understanding and reacting to injury or accident can save someone's life.

Training

There are many places to find classes, so check with community centers and your local Red Cross. First aid requires hands-on practice, so avoid distance learning.

Topics

First aid will cover rescue breathing and CPR; treating insect bites and cuts; recognizing symptoms of heart attack and stroke; and other potential accidents and illnesses. Knowing how to treat common injuries comes in handy no matter where you are.

Who Will Benefit

If you want to enter the field of nursing, medicine, sports, cooking, lifeguarding, nannying, or child education, having a first aid certificate may mean increased income or community recognition.

Keeping Current

If you need to maintain a valid first aid certificate for work purposes, you will need to be recertified in CPR annually and recertified in first aid every two years.

References

• BBC - First Aid
• WorkSafe - First Aid