Being equipped with basic first aid knowledge is not just a professional obligation, it’s a vital skill we all need to have – it’s knowledge that could save a life. Staying updated on first aid techniques is essential for health practitioners and committing to regular training ensures we’re always ready to respond when it matters most.
In this video, I talk about how every three years, I’m required to complete a 1-day emergency first aid course to maintain my membership with my professional body, regulator, and insurance as a natural health therapist. Every time the reminder email pops into my inbox, I find myself inwardly groaning. I think, “I really don’t have time for this; it’s not that important.” But every time I attend, I’m reminded just how wrong I am – it is crucial to know first aid.
When I completed my most recent course with St. John’s Ambulance, I had an unexpectedly great day filled with fun and lots of hands-on learning. Heather, the trainer, was brilliant (I was so impressed by her that I felt compelled to leave a glowing review for her on Trust Pilot). There were 12 of us in the session – 9 men, 3 women, plus Heather – and despite my initial reluctance, I walked away more aware of just how life-saving first aid knowledge can be.
Some of what we covered over the course of the day included:
- How to assess the primary scene and ensure it’s safe to proceed
- Checking for a response – if there’s no response, how to check breathing: lift up the chin to open up the airway to prevent choking
- How to carry out CPR (cardio-pulmonary-resuscitation) if someone is not breathing – 30 chest presses and 2 rescue breaths
- How do use a defibrillator and when to call for help
- The difference between angina and a heart attack (symptoms are very similar)
- How to treat shock, fainting, bleeding (mild, moderate and catastrophic).
Our trainer shared some very sobering facts about how so many more people could have been saved at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester seven years ago, where 22 innocent people were tragically killed, and many more injured, in a terror attack. The scale of injuries could have been dramatically reduced if more people had known basic first aid, such as how to apply a compression and a torniquet using a tie, a scarf, tights or socks.
Why first aid knowledge is so essential
As health practitioners, we are in unique positions of trust and responsibility. Even in fields like natural health, where the focus is often on long-term wellbeing, emergencies can and do happen. Knowing basic first aid enables us to act quickly in those critical first moments, whether it’s for a patient, a colleague, or even a stranger in need when we are out and about, ‘off-duty’.
At a minimum, I believe that we should all know how to:
- Perform CPR for cardiac emergencies
- Treat wounds and burns to prevent infections and complications
- Assist someone choking or experiencing severe allergic reactions
- Handle seizures or fainting episodes safely
- Recognise the signs of a stroke or heart attack and take immediate action.
It’s easy to think, “I already know the basics,” but first aid techniques and guidelines are constantly evolving. Attending regular courses is a great way to refresh the memory, learn and practise essential skills, and gain confidence in handling emergencies.
I am always comforted to see the St. John’s Ambulance responders and services at big events, be it major sporting fixtures such as Wimbledon and Premier League football matches, marathons or large country fairs. Although I’ve never had to use their services, I’ve always felt a sense of relief to see them, especially during the period of my life when I was experiencing panic attacks. Knowing that St. John’s was there made the difference between me going out or staying at home.
A commitment worth making
If, like me, you ever find yourself dreading the next reminder to book a first aid course, just remember – it’s worth it. The skills you’ll acquire could one day save a life, and that’s a commitment we should all embrace as health practitioners.
If you would like to ask me more about the course I attended, please get in touch.
You can visit the St. John’s Ambulance website here to find a first aid course near you.
