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LIFEGUARD TRAINING NY

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First Aid

First Aid class

Accidents requiring first aid treatment may occur anytime and could harm anyone. If you see an emergency situation, how much help can you give?

Let’s face it. There are people around you, loved ones included, who will one day need your help in an emergency. If you think you aren’t armed with skills to do so, now may be the right time to learn first aid.

All our First Aid classes are given in Long Island NY. This includes Nassau County and Suffolk County NY.

Why take a First Aid class?

Many people give a million excuses for not taking first aid training. One of the top reasons for ignoring first aid is the thought that there’s always somebody out there who could do it other than yourself. in your mind, paramedics and those involved in life-saving work or advocacies can be relied on anyway.

Why me and not them? This mindset is entirely risky. Failing to learn basic first aid puts you and your family in a precarious situation.  If no one in the family is prepared to do first aid during an emergency, the consequences can be fatal especially in a life and death situation.

Who should get involved?

Who should take first aid training then? Are there specific persons who should?  Are there members of the family who are expected to learn the skill? The answer is almost EVERYONE should learn first aid. If you are a lifeguard, EMT, Paramedic, Nurse, Doctor, Teacher or a parent, then you should definitely learn First Aid.

Family members who can understand clear and simple instructions should know first aid. People who are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable are in a position to know and understand the basics of first aid. Persons who are around elderly and children should learn first aid.

Practically everyone capable isn’t exempted from first aid training. With that, you might start considering getting training now.  Enrolling is easy and there are free courses offered by agencies and some hospitals. These training courses have been designed so that you can arm yourself with skills that could help you respond to a situation intelligently. This is important at times when a person in danger needs first aid while paramedics are on their way to the scene.

A few hours is all it takes

It would take around a few hours of your day to finish a basic course in first aid. If you can shop all day, go to the movies, eat out, hang out with friends, why not take a detour for a change and take that first aid course.  Be the person anyone can depend on during emergencies. Even if your first language isn’t English, there are centers that can accommodate your training needs including those for CPR. One more good news is that there are many programs designs available. It depends on your choice and priority. There are first aid courses focused on CPR. There are those that apply to the elderly or babies. Even first aid training for pets is available.

Everyone should be responsible enough to set aside time for first aid training. Whether the situation is a matter of life and death or a minor accident, you can be of help to anyone if you are trained.

Contact Us for First Aid Training

Make no excuses. There are a lot of centers that offer first aid training. But out staff are made up of Paramedics, EMT’s and instructors who have been teaching First Aid for years, and have a lot of experience. Ask us for the schedule. Better yet, bring someone with you to the training sessions. It can be anyone – your mom, a sister, your neighbor or your staff. Enrolling in a course with a friend or family ups your chances of completing it. Even kids who are at least 11 years old can be trained. Some form groups or teams before signing up. Church members, a boys club, members of a rotary, and other groups can collectively learn first aid skills.

Saving lives and treating people who are hurt through first aid isn’t limited to people who are in professions that revolve around saving life and limb. You cannot predict when an accident will befall you or your neighbor but you can arm yourself with first aid training. Learning first aid only takes a little of your time, however, the impact it could make on anyone facing minor or near death situations can be huge.

Why First Aid Is Important

Many people who are asked to take a first aid course simply decline. Before you do the same, think twice.  It’s a life-saving skill you might need one day.

It is unfortunate that some people simply ignore the idea or invitation to enroll in a first aid training program.   Typical reasons are that their schedules are too hectic to accommodate first aid training or they simply don’t have any idea where to avail one. Some are complacent, thinking that the basics they’ve learned from reading books are more than enough.

But if you ask anyone who has considered and eventually finished a first aid training session, the common response is that they are so thankful they did it without delay.

Here are three important reasons why you should be taking that first aid training now.

  • You can help mitigate further damage or injury
  • You are able to provide temporary relief
  • You become more aware of safety practices

You can help mitigate further damage or injury

Many accidents could have ended fatal first aid treatment were made available instantly. Often times, an injured victim who did not receive first aid instantly would likely deteriorate fast. When you are able to administer first aid or CPR to someone in dire need of it, you are actually helping him stabilize.

This is crucial especially when an emergency team has not yet arrived at the scene. With first aid training tucked in your sleeves, you will be able to apply the skills you have learned even in the absence of first aid tools. Because you were trained, you know that there are items around the house that could help alleviate pain or suffering. You can also help gather valuable information that can be passed on to attending paramedics.

You are able to provide temporary relief

Not every accident would call for rushing a patient to the nearest emergency unit of a hospital. But do not think that first aid doesn’t have a place in such a situation. You could use your knowledge of first aid to lessen the pain caused by a minor accident. A kid around the block who got a bruised knee while playing can be helped.

Because you know that an ice pack will help decrease inflammation, you can help lessen the pain he’s feeling. Your training on bandaging techniques will go a long way. Apart from helping ease physical pain, you are also able to calm him down. Due to your training, you know how to pacify someone who is hurting or in panic.

You become more aware of safety practices

It’s of prime importance that those who extend first aid treatment know how to prioritize safety.  During first aid training sessions, you are taught to protect yourself too. If you take safety precautions seriously you are in a better position to extend help to patients who will depend on you. Apart from this, you will also be guided on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. You become aware of the fact that you are supposed to make healthy choices.  You don’t become a burden to others.

What You Learn In A First Aid Class

When you sign up for a first aid class with a reliable institution, you get the best program designed to equip you with the right emergency response skills.

Learning tools

In general, first aid instructors will teach you how to respond quickly and appropriately when in a situation that requires you to administer it. Workbooks are provided for class participants. They cover principles and required interventions, among others.

Manikins are used for purposes of learning skills hands on. Sometimes, a buddy system is adopted during the training.  Videos and other visual aids are provided to stimulate course learning and understanding.

Corroborating with emergency teams

One of the first sessions involves giving instructions about corroborating with emergency medical teams. You’ll be advised to keep updated, complete, and accurate contact numbers of emergency teams including the nearest accessible police and fire stations.  Take note that there are certain regulations that govern first aid or CPR.  These are also thoroughly discussed during the sessions.

Step-by-step instructions

As one of the participants, you will be taught how to methodically deal with emergency situations.

  • One of the first topics taught is evaluating the incident that needs first aid.
  • In assessing a situation, you will learn how to evaluate an incident and predict the next most likely scenario that could take place.
  • You will also be taught how to approximate the number of victims and spot people who could provide immediate help.
  • Next important lesson is about assessing the victim himself. Through observation and palpation, you must be able to assess if the victim is still breathing or if there are signs of bleeding. History taking is also critical and instructors will also touch on this topic.
  • After an initial observation, you will be trained to dig deeper into his vital signs.
  • You will learn how to check the appearance of the eyes, the neck down to his abdomen, as well as his skin, limbs, and back.

Precautions practiced worldwide

First aid training isn’t limited to first aid principles per se. It will also open doors for you to learn important precautions that are universally followed.

You will be taught about the principles behind universal precautions and why there is a need for it. Critical topics to be discussed around this subject include:

• Infectious and potentially infectious fluids from the human body

• Pathogens that are blood-borne

• AIDS and Hepa-B viruses

• Safe management of blood spills

• Correct disposal of dangerous items including bloody materials and sharp objects

• Correct use of gloves and body gear that offer protection from exposure to harmful substances

End of course assessment

Towards the end of the course be ready for an assessment. Instructors will evaluate if you have successfully completed the first aid program. Their assessment will be based on the skills you have acquired. You will also be given a written exam to check if you have learned all the principles and practices they have taught you to efficiently administer first aid treatment.

Types of First Aid

You may already know basic first aid but take note that there are different treatments for different situations. Before getting involved, read and learn.

You can’t predict what type of emergency situation you will be dealing with. If it comes, how prepared are you? If you can’t give a definitive answer, a short guide could help you deal with it the right way.

Basic first aid

You can’t predict what type of emergency situation you will be dealing with. If it comes, how prepared are you? If you can’t give a definitive answer, a short guide could help you deal with it the right way.
Basic first aid

What you should do when faced with these three scenarios

First degree burns

Look for cold water and flush the burn continuously with it until paramedics arrive. Never attempt to peel off the cloth that might be stuck on his burn/wound. Leave it untouched. Never clean or scrub it with soap. Never apply ointment on it.

Bleeding

Loss of blood, especially if left unattended could lead to more serious complications like shock. If you are with someone who is bleeding profusely, you may apply pressure on the wound to lessen the bleeding.  Make sure to use a clean piece of cloth when applying pressure on that area. If you can, position the victim in a way that the source of bleeding is high above his heart.  Once the bleeding is under control, leave the cloth on the wound.

Physical Injury

Do you know that it is risky to move a person who has just suffered an injury? If you have no proper first aid training, don’t attempt to move someone who has been in an accident. This is especially true when the victim has just injured his spine.  One false move can be life-threatening.

Wilderness First Aid

When you find yourself in a crisis, having first aid skills gives the confidence to help yourself and others. But what if you are out on an expedition with friends when an emergency sets in? A vacation that has turned into a nightmare isn’t one for the movies only.  It can happen anytime and anywhere – even in the wild.

Since you were young, you were always told time and again that preparation is everything. Prepare for the worst when going out on an adventure in remote places. These places may not have the everyday conveniences you are used to having.  Moreover, the important skills that you must have should include dressing a wound, treating animal or insect bites, or managing a broken limb.

More insights on first aid

If a victim experiences difficult or laborious breathing but does not manifest cardiac arrest, you may use emergency oxygen on him.  This will help prevent a cardiac or respiratory arrest. Even if his breathing has improved, do not remove him from his oxygen supply until the emergency team arrives.

In case the victim has a hard time wearing the oxygen mask, just hold the mask as close as possible to his face. The oxygen will still find its way to his nose and mouth. Always read the maker’s printed instructions before starting to administer emergency oxygen to the victim.

Your ability to respond well in a crisis will also depend on having the right skills as well as equipment and supplies at your disposal. Do you know any survival skills? When going out hiking, you must be knowledgeable about building fire, shelter, tying knots, and even fishing.

Items that you should bring in your kit must include bandages, ointment formulated for stings, tweezers, and disinfectant.   You might need to bring two sets of kits, depending on how long you’ll be gone. Some hikers bring flares or any device that can be used to send signals. Fire starters are also useful to bring in the wild.

When help comes, the emergency team will do its best to treat or revive a victim who may have stopped breathing.  In this case, basic life support will have to be initiated right away. First, they will check the victim’s responsiveness.  If there is no show of response, an automated defibrillator might be needed. Pulses will be checked too. If there is none, cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR will have to be administered. Pulse is monitored every two minutes. Quality CPR by alternating rescuers will help increase the possibility of resuscitation and survival.

Blended Learning For First Aid And Why It Is Beneficial

A lot of tools have been designed to teach first aid. With the discovery of new technology, better modes of learning have emerged for everyone to access.

Blended learning involves teaching skills, principles, or ideas through various modes. If you have gone to a class or two that uses blended learning, you know that this approach is a merger of online and the classic hands-on practical learning experience.

This mode of learning is relatively new in the first aid or CPR landscape yet there are many institutions now that have embraced such modes of training – from hospitals to colleges. Basically, you’ll notice that a blended learning on first aid will start off with online sessions, then a hands-on practice, and finally an assessment of skills and concepts learned.

The impact of teaching first aid via blended learning

Convenience is always a feature of this learning approach. Doing it online could facilitate even the hands-on sessions.  Moreover, you save time.  Imagine the time wasted when you have to physically form groups or teams.

Another benefit is that you and your group are on the same page when learning first aid. This is because collectively, you are taught the same information and the same processes.

Finally, holding classes becomes cheaper as the time it takes to complete hands-on training becomes shorter.

Centralized vs decentralized approach

Right now, teaching first aid and emergency response can be categorized into two – centralized or decentralized. If you choose the first approach, you will start off with learning the concepts via online.  You go to a site and complete the course that’s offered on the web.

After which, you will be given the names of local organizations that will teach you the actual skills you must learn in first aid and emergency response.

On the other hand, if you opted for a decentralized method, you will be directed to local organizations that will directly teach you skills via online and practical sessions.

However, you will still have access to the sites run by the bigger organizations but this will be arranged for you by your local trainer.

Why hands-on learning is vital to first aid skills

Blended learning which includes hands-on first aid training is vital to your success as a trainee. This gives you the chance to practice the skill. It is not merely ticking off a box alongside each learned skill. While the online component of blended learning has its merits, it is in the hands-on session that you will realize improvement and mastery as you are physically immersed in the sessions.

Another advantage of hands-on sessions as part of the blended learning approach is that you are able to see actual demonstrations by instructors and get faster, personal feedback.

The merits of online learning

As mentioned earlier, online learning as part of the blended approach has its benefits too. The most glaring are that you are able to control which information you wish to learn extensively. As a learner who is given the freedom to navigate a site, you have the option to spend more time reading about unfamiliar topics included in your first aid training. In other words, you have a say when it comes to setting priorities and time management.

Two or more learners will be using the same material, images, podcasts or video. You are being fed with the same information and taught with the same approach as the others.  Another advantage is that interactive online tasks bette stimulates learning and comprehension.

Probably, one setback of online learning is when a participant is not that savvy with technology. These people may get frustrated or overwhelmed with navigating and searching within the actual site. Given this, it is vital that the website navigation is made user-friendly but not too simple as to disengage a participant who is the opposite.

A word of advice

Learning first aid and emergency response skills exclusively via online may not suffice. The objective of teaching these life-saving skills is for the trainee to master them by physically doing them. Practice does make perfect and so learning first aid through the blended approach could work best for you.

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