SO WHAT ACTUALLY IS FIRST AID? 

First aid words

We all think we know what ‘First Aid’ is but have you ever stopped to think what it actually means? And who is it that provides First Aid?

The definition of First Aid is ‘the help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available.’ So, First Aid is provided by the FIRST person who is able to help, and BEFORE professional medical help arrives. Effective emergency treatment before professional help arrives can go a long way to reducing the effects of illness and injury and can indeed save someone’s life.

First Aid covers a very wide range of possible actions. It could be a simple as providing reassurance whilst you are waiting for the emergency services to arrive. Or it could be performing CPR to save a life. First Aid is anything that is done whilst waiting for the availability of professional medical treatment. This could be waiting for the emergency services to arrive or it could be actions taken before the sick or injured person arrives at a surgery, medical clinic or hospital.

The aims of First Aid can be remembered by thinking of the three Ps:

  • Preserve Life
  • Prevent The Situation Worsening
  • Promote Recovery

On a First Aid training course you are taught what is involved in each of the three Ps. The skills that are learnt are life skills which can be called upon both in and out of the workplace.

It is important to understand that the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide suitable First Aid cover in the workplace. St David’s First Aid Training is here to help you manage your legal requirements and enable beneficial training for your employees.

We hold regular First Aid At Work courses in central Cardiff. There are two levels of courses available depending on the level of risk in your workplace. Click these links to find out the dates of upcoming courses and to book places online:

Alternatively, many employers prefer First Aid training to be carried out at their own workplace so we can provide a quote for us to come to you. 

Here's how to get in touch and find out more information:

 

St David’s First Aid Training – keeping you safe and legal.