It’s surprising and alarming to hear that only 5% of Aussies have undergone proper first aid training to prepare them during medical emergencies. Considering that Australia is a developed country with a life expectancy of 80.4 to 84.6 years and an annual health spending of $ 170 billion, one would think there would be more citizens who are certified to provide first aid treatment.
According to AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare), 406,000 people visit their general practitioners on an average day. In a survey conducted in 2014 to 2015, there were 12,600 deaths caused by injuries. Most of these cases are the result of falls and majority of the injuries occurred in the home and workplace. How much of these deaths could have been prevented if only a qualified first aid provider stepped up to help?
First aid is critical in medical emergencies and you can use these skills everywhere and on anyone needing assistance. Fortunately, there’s a growing trend in enrolments among Aussies—from a mere 500,000 in 2014 to just under 3 million in 2017. This is according to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee’s Report on First Aid Training Trends. If you need more convincing, here are just some reasons why you should consider enrolling in a class right now.
- Preparedness. There’s a big difference between knowing step-by-step first aid procedures and having a vague idea of what to do. In emergency situations, timing is critical. Take CPR for example. You can’t just Google the procedure and expect to be able to perform it perfectly on the first try. If you did, that’s luck and not skill. Besides, precious minutes are used up while you search and read instructions.
- Workplace compliance. Safe Work Australia is the governing body that developed the Model Work and Safety Laws that looks after the Australian worker’s health and safety. Every state and territory enacts regulations that comply with the law such as Queensland’s First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice. It specifies that the presence of a trained first aider is required in the workplace. Furthermore, the law defines a first aider as someone who has successfully completed a nationally accredited training course.
- Increased employability. Boost your resume with a first aid training certificate. Whatever industry or field you are applying to, you can’t go wrong with a set of first aid skills in your CV. It sets you apart from other applicants. What’s more, your potential employer will certainly appreciate that you’re a ready-made first aider that can help them improve and implement their workplace emergency response plans.
- School safety. There’s an increasing number of children suffering from asthma and allergies that result in anaphylactic shock. If you work in a school setting as a teacher or as a day care provider, learning how to give proper treatment for these common conditions is a vital part of your work. Asthma and anaphylaxis first aid training courses in Brisbane are available for childcare providers. The modules meet strict guidelines of government institutions such as Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
- Survival in the wild. Australia is known for beautiful, wild, and diverse landscapes but they can be unforgiving too if you are caught unprepared. In fact, in the AIHW report on injuries, the rate of death by injuries increased with the remoteness of the residence. If you live out in the outback or regularly go on adventures there, your chances of survival will definitely increase with proper first aid training.
- Gain confidence. One of the best things about first aid training is that it gives you a healthy dose of self-confidence. Instead of panicking in emergencies like most people do, you’ll be able to react calmly while assessing the situation. Knowing exactly what to do will also help reassure the people around you and prevent further chaos.
- Safety awareness. Learning about first aid will also help you become aware of safety hazards and health risks. As such, you can prevent the spread of diseases and call attention to safety hazards in the workplace or your home.
- Save your loved one. The home is where one feels the safest but even there, injuries and illnesses can strike. In some estimates, a third of Australian accidents occur at home every year. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs most frequently at home as well. As a trained first aid provider, you can make the most difference when these medical emergencies arise.
Saving someone, especially someone you love, is probably the most gratifying reward you can ever get from learning first aid. Enroll in a class today and save a life tomorrow.
