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first aid certification?

i wanted to take a test to become certified in basic first aid and my mom ask me what the point of doing that was. and i couldn't give her an answer so if anyone out there can help me out and tell me what the good of having a basic first aid certification is besides some normal jobs require it then that would be great thanks

Public Comments

1. Tell her that if she has a heart attack you can help save her life.

2. It costs about 90 dollars to do the 2 day course in Australia.
It should be about 50 in the USA.
Theory one day and practical the other day.
Your mom probably was thinking about the cost.

The whole point of First Aid is knowing what to do in an emergency.
Ringing 000 or 911 is the the only first aid most people are comfortable with.
Your mom probably thinks you're too young to make decisions in an emergency.

By doing a first Aid course you may be able to tell a person that they are having a stroke, ring 911 and save their life by getting them to hospital within an hour.
Your mom still probably thinks that if a person has a stroke that your life is over.
In reality more stroke victims are recovering fully because first aiders are spotting the signs and acting FAST>>>>>>>>

F Facial weakness on one side
A Patient can't raise arms
S Speech is slurred - sound drunk.
T Time...Get to hospital fast.

You'd be surprised at how many accidents occur when people drink at family functions. Quite often if a child knows first aid they can save a life or prevent a disaster.

3. Basic First-aid
Ability to care for a person that requires first-aid when they cut their self, and provide medical attention until an AMT or EMT arrives.
Ability to render CPR in most cases until EMS arrives
Ability to use medical Jargon on phone with 911 emergency.
Ability to take blood pressure and vital signs
Care for a injury a doctor cared for with ongoing basic medical services, without returning to a doctor.
Ability to render help to a heart attact victim in a public place at any givin time.

4. Knowing basic first aid is useful in case of an emergency, even if you just want it for family members.