Introduction
Congratulations on deciding to become a first aider.
There are many reasons why people wish to qualify as one. The most important of these is probably to be able to save a life.
A first aider is the first person who arrives at the scene of an accident, and who is qualified to render aid until medical help becomes available. The role of such a person should not be underestimated. Often, patients survive owing to the capable assistance rendered by first aiders. The rapid treatment can ease pain and save lives.
The purpose of this course is to equip prospective first aiders with knowledge and insight on how to render efficient first aid to patients.
For this reason, this course will contain text, illustrations, photographs, slide shows and videos showing treatment, concise text to prevent confusion, and minimal medical terminology.
Medical terminology has only been used if it is vital for first aiders to be familiar with it. Having mastery of medical terms means that accurate information can be relayed to medical personnel when they are called upon for assistance.
Personal satisfaction and a wonderful sense of self-esteem also results from the knowledge that he or she is able to help and potentially save lives in a medical emergency.
Overview of the content of the course:
Module 1: The Principles and Objectives of First Aid
Module 2: Elementary Anatomy and Physiology
Module 3: Shock
Module 4: Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
Module 5: Airway obstruction
Module 6: Dressing and bandages
Module 7: Bleeding
Module 8: Soft tissue injuries
Module 9: Burn wounds
Module 10: Musculoskeletal Injuries
Module 11: Spinal column injuries
Module 12: Head injuries and unconsciousness
Module 13: Transportation of the patient
Module 14: Environmental injuries
Module 15: Poisoning
Module 16: HIV/AIDS
Learning objectives:
- Demonstrate an understanding of emergency scene management: personal safety, scene safety, patient safety and medico-legal implications
- Demonstrate an understanding of elementary anatomy and physiology: different systems of the body
- Assess an emergency situation: triage, mechanism of injury or nature of illness, types of injuries (fractures, burns, lacerations, difficulty with breathing, severe haemorrhage, head injuries, spinal injuries, level of consciousness, strains and sprains) and type of assistance required
- Sustain a basic level of preparedness for health emergencies in the workplace
- Assess and manage an emergency scene in the workplace. Explain and manage shock
- Apply first aid procedures to life-threatening situation: appropriate current treatment, (improvised) equipment, precautions, CPR and medical assistance required
- Treat common injuries: identify injury, determine treatment, choose or improvise equipment, prevent infection, get medical assistance and provide follow-up care
How does this course work?
The training has two components, namely the theoretical and practical component. You will finish the theoretical component online. After each module there will be an assessment that should be completed before you can go to the next module. The pass rate for the assessments are 80%. After you have successfully completed the theoretical component you can make a booking to do the practical assessment. The practical training should by booked in advance with us. You can send an e-mail to helene@firstaidleague.co.za to make a booking. Because of the fact that most people have a demanding schedule, we will be available on Saturdays for the practical assessment as well.