One topic I feel incredibly passionate about is first aid. I genuinely believe that everyone should have at least a basic understanding of first aid and the confidence to act in an emergency.
I’ve been trained in first aid since I was 18, having always worked in the care industry. Thankfully, I’ve rarely had to use those skills – but the training has always been there if I needed it. A close friend of mine, Becky, is a self-employed painter who had never received any first aid training. One night, her dad suffered a cardiac arrest. Becky called 999 and, following the instructions from the emergency call handler, performed CPR. Incredibly, she managed to get his heart beating again.
Her story is a powerful reminder that we never know when we might find ourselves in a life-or-death situation – and that quick thinking and swift action can save a life.
Why everyone should learn first aid
I’ll admit it – selfishly, I want to be surrounded by family and friends who would know what to do if I ever needed help. While most people receive first aid training through their job, in my experience, these skills are often needed outside of work – at home, in public places or in day-to-day life.
That’s why I believe everyone should learn basic first aid. It should be part of the curriculum in schools, colleges and universities – not just a one-off, but as an annual refresher. Every person, regardless of age, job or ability, should have access to first aid training.
I appreciate that making this happen would take a cultural shift. It would require people to be more proactive and place greater value on these life-saving skills.
What does first aid really mean?
First aid is simply the help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available. I’m not suggesting everyone should become a doctor or nurse – just that we each have the ability to provide support until an ambulance or first responder arrives.
There are a wide range of training options available – from short 3-hour courses to more in-depth 3-day qualifications. There are even specialist courses for parents, such as Mini First Aid, which my friend Naomi runs across Suffolk. These sessions cost just £20 per person – a bargain for the peace of mind that comes with knowing what to do if your child needed urgent help.
The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service also offer free awareness training for bikers, covering incident scene management, casualty care and visibility. They recognise that when a motorcyclist is injured, it’s often another rider who is first on the scene.
There are many more brilliant courses out there – the key is being proactive and spreading the word when you find a good one.
Making first aid more accessible
I’m proud to be a first aid trainer for Ocala Healthcare. As soon as I qualified, I organised a session for my family and friends – many of whom are self-employed or stay-at-home parents and wouldn’t otherwise be offered training through work.
My mum, aged 53, attended her very first first aid course that day. Everyone found it hugely valuable – not just for the knowledge, but for the confidence it gave them. They especially appreciated the practical parts of the session, including practicing CPR on a manikin and using our choking vest.
I’ve also offered to run basic first aid sessions for charities – because I’m determined to do my part in making first aid training more accessible to everyone.
What next for you?
If you’re employed, speak to your manager and ask if they’d support you in completing a first aid course. If you’re self-employed or not currently working, have a look at what’s available locally and book yourself onto a course.
You’re also welcome to contact us to book a place on one of our Basic Life Support training sessions. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use the skills you learn – but if you do, you’ll be glad you have them.
