From Rod Brouhard,
Your Guide to First Aid.
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First aid training can be overlooked. Most people never take a formal first aid class. Maybe your mother taught you some first aid. Maybe you learned it as a Girl Scout or Boy Scout.

First aid training may help you decide when to go to the emergency department. Emergency departments are expensive and busy. The average time spent in an emergency department visit is over 3 hours. Many folks don't want to go to the ER if they don't have to go.

Most importantly, first aid training may just save your life, or the life of someone you love. First aid is just that - first! Good first aid training helps you recognize and treat life-threatening conditions and injuries.

Where to Find First Aid Training

Most first aid classes take less than a day to complete. Community colleges, fire departments, ambulance services, and hospitals all often provide first aid training to the public. Several nonprofit organizations provide first aid and CPR training.

• American Red Cross
• National Safety Council
• American Heart Association

While there's no substitute for proper first aid training, About First Aid offers free email courses to help you get a jump-start on your first aid training. You can also use these email courses to help study during a first aid couse, or as references to refresh old training.

• First Aid 101 Email Course
• Blood Pressure 101 Email Course

What's Does First Aid Training Cover?

First aid classes are designed to give students the tools to save lives. Common topics covered in basic first aid classes include:

• Emergency Scene Management
• Safety and Protection from Infection
• Initial Assessment of Victims
• Recognizing Emergencies
  • When to Call 911
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Heart Attacks
  • Strokes
  • Heat Exhaustion
  • Hypothermia
• Bleeding Control
• Burn Treatment
• Adult CPR
• Broken Bones
• Head and Neck Injuries

What is Not Covered by Basic First Aid Training

Many first aid classes do not have time to cover minor injuries and illnesses, which are not necessarily life threatening. Many of these less urgent needs are covered on About First Aid.

• Black Eyes
• Bug Bites
• Flu
• Food Poisoning
• Nosebleeds
• Seizure
• Strep Throat
• Sunburn
• Tick Removal

What's the Difference Between CPR and First Aid Training?

First aid training covers a wide variety of emergencies and emergency scenes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one procedure that everyone should know. If you only have time for one class, take CPR. There are many levels of CPR training, read Before You Take a CPR Class to learn how to choose the right class for you.