Why First Aid Training is So Important – And How We Can Do Better

I recently attended an in-person first aid course. I retake this course every three years and have done so for the last 17. Even so, I felt slightly nervous – could I remember how to resuscitate? Would I give a wrong answer? What do all those acronyms mean again?

As it was, our trainer was fantastic – instantly putting us all at ease and teaching in a very frank and casual style. It’s always reassuring to realise that you’re not the only one with a few nerves before the session starts.

Yes, I remembered how to deliver CPR and how to help someone who was choking. No, I did not remember what DRSABCD meant straight away.

If you’re not familiar with it, DRSABCD is the acronym for the steps you should follow in an emergency. It stands for:

 

• Danger – Always ensure the scene is safe for both you and the casualty before approaching.
• Response – Check if the person is conscious and responsive. You can do this by gently tapping their shoulder and asking if they’re okay.
• Send for help – If they’re unresponsive, immediately call for emergency services.
• Airway – Ensure their airway is open by tilting their head back slightly and lifting the chin.
• Breathing – Check for normal breathing. If they’re not breathing, start CPR.
• Circulation – Check for signs of circulation (a pulse). If none is present, continue with chest compressions.
• Defibrillation – If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, use it immediately.

I came away from the training feeling confident and eager to share the trainer’s stories and advice. But it wasn’t until I was driving home that I started reflecting more deeply on the experience. I attend these courses because of my job, but I know that many people have never had any first aid training in their lives. It seems almost unthinkable that so many in our population are ill-equipped with the knowledge of how to respond in an emergency. 

The Startling Stats on CPR Training

Since my drive home, I’ve done a bit of research and found that only around 30% of adults have taken a CPR course. Now, that statistic really struck me. It seems like such a meager figure, doesn’t it?

Of course, some first aid responses are instinct-led, and in an emergency situation, adrenaline tends to kick in. But let’s not forget that having some learned practical skills and procedures can mean the difference between life and death – whether for a friend, a colleague, or even a complete stranger.

I can’t help but think back to a story my grandmother, Nanny Dawn, once shared. She came across a stranger collapsed on the ground in the woods. Without hesitation, she started administering CPR until emergency services arrived. That’s the kind of quick-thinking that saves lives.

The Ethics of First Aid: Never Giving Up

As first aiders, we’re often advised to continue with CPR even if we know the patient is already dead. Now, before you raise an eyebrow, this isn’t about prolonging the inevitable for the patient, but rather for the benefit of those around them, who could include family or friends. Imagine the emotional impact of seeing someone you love being worked on in vain. Continuing CPR, in these cases, can offer the onlookers the emotional closure they need.

Teaching First Aid in Schools: A Missed Opportunity?

So why aren’t we teaching first aid in schools? It’s one of those things that seems so simple but could be a life-changer. Think about it: a reception-aged child could easily learn how to use the recovery position. It’s a straightforward skill that could save someone’s life in a choking or unconscious situation. And showing how to help someone who is choking is also incredibly simple to teach. Administering an EpiPen, too – although it might need a little more care – is a teachable skill for older children.

If we treated these skills as seriously as times tables or spellings, we could easily remove the mystery and fear that many people associate with administering first aid. This could, in turn, lead to more confident and competent individuals in the future. Who knows? Some of our children may even take a different life path and become paramedics, doctors, or nurses, inspired by the early lessons they learned. 

First Aid in Schools: What’s Already Happening?

While the idea of teaching first aid in schools seems straightforward, the reality is a little more complex. In some schools, first aid training is already happening. Many primary schools in the UK, for instance, include basic first aid lessons as part of their curriculum. Skills like the recovery position, how to deal with minor injuries, and when to call for help are taught to children as young as six.

However, despite these efforts, first aid training is not yet a consistent feature of every school’s curriculum. Expanding this training, so that it reaches all children, would be a fantastic next step. Imagine if every child left school knowing how to perform basic life-saving techniques. It could transform society, making everyone feel more prepared and more confident in the event of an emergency 

The Many Benefits of First Aid Education

The benefits of teaching first aid in school are significant. Not only could it help save lives, but it also provides students with invaluable life skills. Learning first aid fosters confidence, promotes better communication, and builds teamwork skills. These are all essential abilities that go beyond just first aid, making children feel empowered to handle challenges that come their way, whether at school, at home, or in the workplace later in life.

Besides the practical applications of first aid, these skills also provide students with a sense of responsibility. When kids know how to help others in emergencies, they become more aware of their role in society and their ability to make a real difference.

The Restart the Heart Initiative: A Step in the Right Direction

Since originally writing this blog, I’ve discovered something wonderful. A local Brownie group spent an evening learning how to use an EpiPen and even participated in a Restart the Heart session, which teaches children how to perform CPR and use defibrillators. This is fantastic! If more community groups and schools adopt such initiatives, it could have a real impact on the future of first aid knowledge in this country.

Could These Skills Save a Life?

One day, those children in the Brownie group may find themselves in a situation where they can use their new skills to save a life. How amazing is that to think about? The truth is, most people never expect to find themselves in an emergency situation. But the reality is, it could happen at any moment – on a day out, at home, or even at work. Wouldn’t it be great to know that the next generation is armed with the knowledge and skills to handle such emergencies, confidently and competently?

First Aid and the Ripple Effect

Learning first aid doesn’t just stop with knowing what to do in an emergency. It also has a ripple effect on other aspects of life. By teaching first aid in schools, we’re not only equipping children with life-saving skills, but we’re also encouraging a culture of caring, responsibility, and readiness. These are qualities that extend far beyond a first aid scenario – they’re qualities that make someone a good friend, a good colleague, and even a good leader.

So, if you haven’t already, consider taking a first aid course. And if you have kids, encourage them to get involved in any local groups or activities that teach first aid. The knowledge they gain could one day save a life – and that’s an opportunity worth investing in.

Final Thoughts

First aid training is one of those things we don’t always think about, but it could be the key to saving a life when it matters most. The fact that so many people are not equipped with these simple yet essential skills is something we can work to change – through education, in schools and in communities. If we all knew the basics of first aid, imagine how much safer and more confident we would feel in everyday life. So, let’s start the conversation about first aid, and who knows? Maybe the next time you’re in an emergency situation, you’ll be the one who steps up and makes a life-saving difference.