When thinking about the importance of first aid and what is first aid with regards to an injury or illness, I could quote the definition of first aid that is delivered in every course in the UK:
First Aid
noun
‘help given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available.’
“an expert in emergency first aid”
Definitions from Oxford Languages
To include statements like:
The workplace is inherently safe by nature of the rules, regulations, guidance and the law that is imposed upon employers. We have seen that injury and fatality rate in the workplace have significantly fallen over the years which is brilliant. We also have lots of first aiders in the workplace, as it should be, but why do I think that first aid is more than just ticking a compliance box? Well, the short answer to that, first aid saves lives!!
As I alluded to a second ago, the workplace is safer which means less accidents are happen therefore less injuries, we have to protect the health of our employees and make sure that they are not exposed to additional health risks and if they have any medical ailments these are known about with health surveillance to make sure things are in place for that person if they need attention. But it is when we leave the workplace and head off home, this is where you are more likely to be needed in a first aid situation.
We never know when we might be called upon as a bystander to help someone in distress, after an accident or they have taken ill. Having some basic life support knowledge on what to do can save a person’s life, this doesn’t always mean conducting CPR, it could be recognising a stroke, someone choking, stopping a bleed or having a heart attack. Our actions might not be heroic in nature but just calling 999 can save a life. This might be all we can do but such an important step in helping someone.
Every year in the UK, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in incidents. Many deaths could be prevented if first aid was given before emergency services arrive.
NHS
So, my point here is that it isn’t just down to employers to make sure their staff are trained, lets take action ourselves and make sure we have some knowledge on what to do in a first aid situation, by spending some time learning what to do could be the best decision for you or someone else that might need you.
If we could all learn some basic skills, we could potentially save thousands of lives between us. Now that is motivation to learn a new skill is it not!
By Sara Quayle
For more information on how I can help you learn some skills please get in touch.
