When emergencies happen, having a first aider on the scene can make a difference (sometimes between life and death).
First aiders or first responders play a crucial role in providing immediate response until emergency services can take over. When you work in high-risk environments that involve operating heavy machinery, working from a height, or lifting heavy weights – having a first aider on-site can mean saving someone’s life.
Many businesses and organisations are seeing the importance of First Aid training, thus, making it mandatory for all workplaces in Australia. Although the number of first aiders required will depend on the number of employees.
Being a first aider carries a range of different and incredibly important responsibilities.
Prompt and Quick
A great first aider must be able to recognise when someone needs emergency help.
In a sudden accident or injury, it takes initiative and training to be able to assess the situation and quickly come up with a plan. As soon as the emergency happens, you should be able to render help to the victim without any delay.
Calm and Controlled
First aiders face a variety of emergency situations from time to time. With that, you should be able to keep your ‘cool’ under pressure and maintain awareness of the overall situation.
Most of the time an emergency scene can be chaotic and uncontrolled, but a great first aider must remain composed and confident. The key is to take your time but be decisive with your next actions. Failing to do that will only make the situation worse. It can also result in bystanders and colleagues losing their confidence in your ability to take care of the situation.
Effective Communicator
Being able to communicate with the victim/s in a high-pressure situation is one of the great qualities you should possess as a First Aider.
You will need to communicate with the victim (if conscious) and gather information from bystanders and colleagues on the scene. If the victim is in extreme pain or not fully conscious – there are techniques to follow to make them focus and get information from them. You must be clear and specific when asking questions on what happened and how they are feeling.
Proper communication is also important in verbalizing the situation and injuries to the emergency services upon arrival or over the phone. You will be in charge of passing the victim to the paramedics, and must be able to relay the information gathered without missing out any important details.
The Ability to Lead
As a first aider on the scene, you must know how to take command of a potentially volatile situation. Other people, including colleagues and bystanders, may rely upon you in providing leadership during an emergency.
A first aider is often required to work alongside other first aiders, as well as members of emergency services. It is why aside from the ability to lead, a great first aider must also be a good team player.
Knowledge of Your Limit
As much as you want to jump in and attend to all emergencies, you must also be able to recognise the limitations of your skills and knowledge. A trained first aider can judge whether further help is necessary, rather than trying to do it alone.
Get Trained
Good practical and hands-on training is necessary to allow the first aider to assess hazards and confidently provide first aid.
Attending a formal First Aid course, such as the ones delivered by Skills Training College, trains you to be in a better position to react confidently when an emergency happens. You can step in and feel confident that you now have the skills and knowledge to assist, whatever the situation is.
Skills Training College aims to develop the personal and technical qualities that can make you a great first aider by practising scenarios based on real-life incidents.
For more information about First Aid training, contact us at (08) 8317 5113 or email enquiries@nationaltrainingcollege.com.au.
