In serious situations, providing first aid can be highly stressful and understandably for those who have never done a first aid course before they may have some questions. Here are some of the most common ones we get asked in our First Aid Courses.
Can I be sued for doing first aid?
Most states and territories in Australia have a “Good Samaritan” legislation in place which protects you from being sued. A good samaritan is someone who is acting good faith to help another. First aiders who assist someone in a time of need should not worry about being sued as long as they are aiming to help and not causing additional harm or being reckless in their actions.
How long does it take to do a first aid course?
Typically, a face to face in class first aid course can be completed in one day although, this can vary from provider to provider. If you opt to do the theory component online rather than in class, it can take as little as 5 hours to complete. Advanced first aid courses are usually completed over two days. CPR courses are much shorter and take around 2.5 hours.
What if I’m not confident in my first aid techniques?
If you are uncertain or don’t understand how to apply first aid correctly, it’s a good idea to ask your first aid instructor when doing your course to explain the steps in detail to ensure you understand how to do it properly. If it’s been awhile and you are not confident in your first aid abilities, it might time to do a refresher course to update your skills.
Can I kill someone when doing CPR on them?
If you’ve ever seen CPR being done it can look quite intense, which it is. CPR is done when someone is not breathing and whilst it may hurt the person receiving CPR, it is much better than them potentially dying from nothing being done. The act of performing CPR cannot kill someone, you are trying to prevent them from dying.
Can I break ribs when doing CPR?
It is a possibility however, it doesn’t always happen. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, saving their life should be the priority, broken bones can heal. Ensure that your hands are in the correct position before commencing compressions to minimise the risk of this occurring.
What if I don’t have a first aid kit when an accident happens?
The likelihood of this happening is high unless you carry a first aid kit in your bag. You can still apply first aid techniques using the knowledge you have gained via your course if a kit is not in close proximity.
How successful is CPR administration?
The quicker that CPR is started the better the rate of survival for the patient. You can more than double a person’s chances of survival by acting immediately. Around 90% of people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, unfortunately don’t make it.
How long is my first aid certificate valid for?
First Aid Certificates in Australia are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. You can also complete a refresher course prior to the 3-year expiry of your first aid attainment to update your skills. By doing a refresher course often you can improve your technique and confidence to respond when and if an incident occurs. Professions such as nursing and lifeguards have to complete their first aid on annual basis.
What if I witness an accident and there is no one else around to assist, do I call triple 000 first or help the patient?
If there is no one around to help you and the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, its best to assess the situation promptly and check for any potential danger to yourself and the patient. Call triple 000 and commence CPR if it is safe to do so, if you can put the ambulance on speaker and they can offer assistance and guide you through the counts of your compressions and advise you on what steps you need to take whilst waiting for help to arrive.
What do I need in a first aid kit?
The items in a first aid kit can vary depending on whether it’s for a workplace or home.
Here are some essential supplies that should be found in all kits:
- Bandages of various sizes, both elastic and non-elastic
- Pen and notepad
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Saline satchels
- Medical tape
- Band-Aids
- Sterile gauze pads
- Thermometer
- Disposable gloves
- Antiseptic cream/spray
- Alcohol wipes
- Eye wash solution
- CPR face shield
- Instant cold packs
You should check the expiry dates of your first aid products on a regular basis and replace them when necessary. If you use an item, ensure it is replaced promptly. Injuries and accidents can occur anytime and anywhere. Knowing how to do first aid correctly and having a well-equipped first aid kit at your home and in your car can potentially help you save a life.
Here at Paradise First Aid we offer nationally accredited First Aid, CPR, and specialised First Aid training on the Gold Coast. We have both online and face to face learning options available. If you have any questions or require further information regarding first aid, give our friendly team a call on (07) 55725299. We are happy to help if we can.
