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You might think you’ll never need it – fingers crossed – but having some first aid knowledge under your belt is incredibly valuable.
Not only can it help you deal with minor health problems, such as knowing what to do in the case of a bee sting, a burn or a blood nose, but it could also help you step up and potentially save someone’s life during an emergency.
Those with the confidence to be able to administer CPR, or perhaps assist someone who is having a heart attack, can have a massive impact in the crucial minutes before an ambulance arrives, says Jane Walker, a lecturer in Deakin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.
‘If you come across someone that is needing some type of first aid response, you can absolutely reduce their risk of further deterioration if you respond appropriately and in an appropriate timeframe,’ she says.
But while first aid knowledge is vital during a medical emergency, it can also help all of us in our day-to-day lives. Of course it also helps ease the burden on overstretched paramedics, who are usually far to be busy to be worrying about minor ailments such as your latest sporting injury.
‘I think that first aid encourages people to be healthy and have a safe living environment,’ Walker says. ‘It also creates some confidence in relation to people maintaining safety in their lives.’
If there are young children in your life – either in your family, or perhaps through work – first aid skills can be particularly vital.
And with most large companies needing first aid officers on the floor, this kind of knowledge may even prove a boon to your CV.
‘First aid skills can develop confidence and ensure people know how to respond in healthcare situations,’ Walker says.
‘Of course we hope that an emergency situation doesn’t arise, however if you are ever in this situation, first aid gives you the skillset to be able to respond appropriately.’
So how good is your first aid knowledge? Take our quiz below to find out.
Quiz Maker – powered by Riddle
Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University
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