First Aid Training Basics

First aid training basics include special equipment, topics and delivery methods
By Elizabeth Gibson Every employer should offer first aid training classes to at least a minimum number of employees. The type of training given should include the basics, such as first aid in the office, but also address particular hazards for the type of business. Any employee who desires certification in CPR and first aid should have the opportunity to become certified. The number of employees trained correlates with the total number of employees and their physical locations.

There are numerous methods to accomplish first aid training including first aid training online and online first aid certification. Every business owner must provide for the safety of their employees, and first aid training is where it starts.

When designing your first aid training program, consider the following:

1. Identify appropriate equipment needed for first aid training.

2. Identify topical areas that should be covered in first aid training.

3. Determine first aid training presentation options.

Utilize appropriate equipment needed for first aid training

Your business will need several training aids for first aid training. Obvious equipment includes a CPR manikin, biohazard cleanup and disposal equipment and an automatic external defibrillator. You will also want to teach the proper use of bandages, tourniquets and medicines.
Try:  CPR Prompt manufactures adult and child-size CPR practice manikins. The website includes instructions for assembling the manikins. HeartSine produces the Samaritan automatic external defibrillator, a device that helps an individual having a heart attack. CPR Savers & First Aid Supply sells supplies for first aid in the workplace, including bloodborne pathogen protection, first responder kits, burn care materials and bandages. This company carries specialized first aid kits for farm and ranch, restaurants, welder and others.

Design CPR and first aid classes that focus on injuries typical to your business

Subjects taught in your first aid training should cover both personal and on-the-job first aid. Employees should know how to help a person having a heart attack or a diabetic seizure as well as know how to assist a person injured on the job. First aid training should cover both types of aid, as well as injuries common in your business.
Try:  OSTS suggests several topics essential to proper first aid for the office, including allergies, poisoning, bleeding, and cardiac arrest. This company also sells a safety video on these topics as a training aid. American CPR Training provides first aid training for different industries, such as electrical safety, crane safety, office safety and ladder safety. The program descriptions provide a good source of topical areas your in-house first aid training should cover, whether you use an in-house trainer or hire a consultant.

Compare first aid training presentation options

People learn in different ways at different paces. First aid classes with an instructor can help employees learn first aid basics. Others may prefer an on-line CPR and first aid training course instead.
Try:  Black Mountain Safety & Health produces a number of first aid videos useful in a classroom setting. These videos include topics such as emergency first aid, back safety, heat stress, asbestos protection, confined space and ergonomics. First aid training can include hand-outs or overhead presentations of procedural direction on first aid topics. MayoClinic provides a comprehensive listing of such training aids. You might decide to offer some training by an external vendor such as that provided by RedCrossOnlineTraining or International CPR Institute.

• Become very familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standard codified at 29 CFR 1910. This federal law explains your company's obligations in providing medical treatment for personnel. Ensure your first aid training program helps your company comply with the law, including first aid certification of first aid providers.