I arrived at my first aid class this week armed with a pen, a notebook, and a thirst for some first aid knowledge. I will admit it had been awhile since I had brushed up on my first aid skills. I got my certification years back, and meant to recertify it when it expired, but never did. It was always on my "to do" list.
Last week while interviewing two first aid instructors, Athena and Deb, I remembered why learning first aid is an important “to do.” Here are some scary facts: The number one killer of Canadians between the ages of 1-44 is injury. AND people mostly likely will have to perform first aid on someone they know: a friend, a family member, neighbour or a co-worker.
But here is a non-scary fact that I learned while taking my course: First aid is very easy to learn. Anyone can do it. Our friendly instructor, Chuck, a retired paramedic, made our class educational and fun. We learned CPR compressions to “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees to ensure we got the right rhythm. He also shared a tale or two of when he had to perform first aid on someone. The best story he told was when he once performed an abdominal thrust on a young lady choking in a restaurant. (He now can eat at that restaurant for free for life.)
At the end of the day, we took our final test. I got an A, and also a whole new set of life-saving skills. Hopefully, I will never have to use them. But, if a loved one is ever in trouble, I will know what to do now. That is a pretty amazing feeling.
When was the last time you took a first aid course? Share your first aid stories in the comment box below.