St John Ambulance courses

upnorth

upnorth

Joined
Nov 25, 2006
Messages
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I just did a three day first aid/CPR course for work and I'm darn glad that I did it. I learned quit a few usefull procedures that could save a life in the bush or in the city. A rough break down includes :

Emergency scene management
Shock, unconsciousness, fainting
Choking-adult
Cardiovascular emergencies and one rescuer CPR-adult
Severe bleeding
Medical conditions (diabetes,convulsions,asthma,allergies)
Secondary survey
Bone and joint injuries
Head/spine/pelvic injuries
Chest injuries
Wound care
Rescue carries
Eye injuries
Burns
Poison,bites,stings
Heat and cold emergencies
Artificial respiration

I recommend a basic course like this for anyone/everyone. I feel MUCH more confident about tending to an injured individual now. I previously had no clue as to tying proper slings/splints/signs of shock and how to deal with it, etc. I don't kid myself that I'm an EMT or anything to that level, but I do have life saving and injury reducing skills now, designed to provide the basics until professional medical help is available. This agency also has very usefull pre packaged blaze orange kits to various levels and price ranges. They even had a blaze fanny pack for bicycling or somesuch I suppose, very handy anyway. I also spied a booklet on their shelf that had very usefull outdoor emergency survival tips.
 
I honestly think everyone should take first aid classes. I needed them twice and I was glad to know what to do.

I think it's in Germany where you HAVE to have those classes if you want to have driver liscence, it should be that way everywhere.
 
Way to go, upnorth, and congrats to you! I think first aid skills are under-rated by a lot of folks. You never know when and where something might happen.
 
I had a first aid coruse that came with the hunter education course I took a few years ago, it covered ballistic wounds, hipothermia, broken bones cuts, deep laserations, things like that. And I know what you mean, I know I feel alot better knowing these things.
 
Hey Guys

Upnorth...

Good job...

As far as I'm concerned, first aid should be mandatory to take in High school..
Everyone graduating highschool should walk out of those doors first aid, first responder certified...

Imagine the hundreds of people that would have first aid training each year from each school...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
It's too bad first aid / first responder type training is not an elective in high school. Here in Los Angeles, aka 'seismic zone 4', the next 'quake could keep many responders busy. And with the occasional drive by so popular, any kind of stop the bleeding training could save a life. The ability to save a life can be a powerful motivator - and most of the high school age kids I see during my travels (City building inspector) in L.A. could use some motivation / direction. I keep an aid bag in my car; I'm currently Red Cross certified in first aid / CPR but have held an EMT1/A cert and served as a medic (91B) in the CARNG.

Mike
 
Normark said:
Hey Guys

Upnorth...

Good job...

As far as I'm concerned, first aid should be mandatory to take in High school..
Everyone graduating highschool should walk out of those doors first aid, first responder certified...

Imagine the hundreds of people that would have first aid training each year from each school...

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
Click to expand...


It's a good idea, however, taking these courses does not give people the desire, or sense of responsibility to help others. IMHO if you aren't serious and willing to help others that desperately need it, don't waste your time. This is just the opinion of a 911 Dispatcher who has had many people tell him that they don't want to get involved, don't want to listen to his pre-arrival instructions, and would rather watch some poor bastard die on the side of the road than help save a life! -end of rant, and my apologies-

Upnorth- I congratulate you on your taking these courses! I in no way meant to degrade your experience or anything. I simply feel that with certain knowledge, comes certain responsibility. I'm sure you will do well when the time comes to use that knowledge. -Matt-
 
Great Job upnorth, I think these courses are a must for anyone spending time afield, or who just wants to be more than a victim or a bystander, If things go wrong.


And Im not just saying thet because I am an instructor and its good for my buisiness ;)

Remember that ist aid/ CPR cerification is only good for two years, and you should take time to re take it every few years, you will be amazed how much you forget over a year or so.
 
grease-man said:
It's a good idea, however, taking these courses does not give people the desire, or sense of responsibility to help others. IMHO if you aren't serious and willing to help others that desperately need it, don't waste your time. This is just the opinion of a 911 Dispatcher who has had many people tell him that they don't want to get involved, don't want to listen to his pre-arrival instructions, and would rather watch some poor bastard die on the side of the road than help save a life! -end of rant, and my apologies-

Upnorth- I congratulate you on your taking these courses! I in no way meant to degrade your experience or anything. I simply feel that with certain knowledge, comes certain responsibility. I'm sure you will do well when the time comes to use that knowledge. -Matt-
Click to expand...

I understand were you are coming from and it must be frustrating for sure. I was told in class that in Canada you are under no legal obligation to respond. However, now we get into personal ethics. If I saw a little boy or girl hit by a car, would I respond? In a heartbeat! If I saw a meth wasted hooker laying in a pool of puke or blood, would I respond? Sorry, I'm not an altruist. You gonna die baby. Even our first aid instructor infered that she would not respond to some cases because of the life threatening communicable diseases out there today. We were told to prioritize our own personal safety. Odds are that I am MORE LIKELY to respond now, but not in all cases. Life can be tough but I won't lose any sleep over my choices.
 
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