Update Your LIfesaving Skills
The First Aid Techniques You Rely On May Need to Change
By learning new lifesaving skills and updating past knowledge, travellers can feel more confident being away from home. Anyone can learn first aid.
Your Lifesaving Techniques May be Outdated
Many people learn basic first aid and lifesaving techniques in their youth, for example in babysitter training, swimming lessons, and in youth groups including Scouts and Guides. In the workplace, those who are not first aid specialists may still receive training appropriate to the job.
However, with every year there are new discoveries and advances in first aid and lifesaving, just as in almost every other field of human endeavour.
This does not mean your prior knowledge is useless but if you last took a first aid course more than two or three years ago, it's time for a refresher.
Organizations Which Offer First Aid Training
If this list does not give you a convenient source of first aid training, contact your local hospital or public health authority to find out what is available in your community.
Some organizations which may offer first aid training in your area include:
- St. John's Ambulance
- Red Cross
- YMCA, YWCA
- Ski Patrol
- Royal Lifesaving Society (or Lifesaving Society)
- Occupational Health and Safety Officers at your workplace
- Fire Department
Some of the Things Which May Have Changed
Depending upon how long ago and where in the world you learned first aid, these are some of the things which may be different now.
Breathing, also called
- artificial respiration
- artificial resuscitation
- kiss of life
The techniques and in some cases, the equipment, that a rescuer uses when breathing for a victim, have been updated a number of times. Older techniques are not necessarily bad, but they may not be the most effective. As breathing is essential to life, this is one of the highest priority things to know about.
CPR, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is not something you have to be strong and muscular to do. In addition to basic CPR, there are special techniques for babies and infants.
A number of public buildings now have automatic defibrillation devices available. Would you know how to use one?
Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
Anyone can have a stroke, and if it is dealt with quickly, there is a much better chance of recovery.
There have been many more developments in the field of first aid and emergency care. The point is, don't rely on outdated knowledge.
Learning first aid is a sensible and empowering thing to do, no matter how old you are.
With first aid training, a person's confidence and their ability to feel comfortable away from home both increase. The knowledge that both you and your travelling companion can handle emergencies makes travel continue to be accessible longer in life.
Has your guest or travelling companion been injured or become ill? For suggestions, try How to Host a Sick Person.
