A character on a popular TV show has a sudden heart attack. His wife finds him and gently rocks and kisses him as he breathes his last breaths. Viewers are enraged. Why on earth didn’t she call 911? Medical experts weigh in. She should have immediately started CPR to give him a fighting chance. But how many adults know how to respond in an emergency? Emergency and Safety Education for everyone-
Workplace hazards, risky hobbies or a simple need to be prepared can interest you in emergency and safety education. Your options include classes, workshops or online training. But choosing the best kind of emergency and safety education depends on the type of emergency you are likely to encounter.
Military and First Responders
First responders, like police officers and paramedics, must know how to stabilize an injured person until they reach a hospital. Because they often provide care in a crisis such as a school shooting, these professionals receive a specialized type of emergency education. Known as tactical medical training, the goal is to treat serious injuries and reduce casualties while reacting to a fluid, dangerous situation.
Emergency medical personnel learn to manage pre-hospital trauma and to use emergency equipment. For example, TacMed Solutions offers a TMS University course that consists of a series of web-based classes, discussion groups and product training. The coursework even covers life-saving training for K9 (police dog) handlers.
Workplace Safety
Few civilians find themselves treating severe wounds on a battlefield or from an auto accident. It is far more common to encounter workplace injuries caused by equipment or dangerous chemicals. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines education and training practices for workplace hazards. In addition, OSHA published “Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs” on its website that outlines a 10-step process for workplace safety programs. Safety training for managers and workers is an important step in reducing the occurrence of workplace hazards.
Youth Coaches
Most coaches of youth sports are caring parents with little knowledge of first aid. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that youth sports coaches and parents learn what to do in an emergency. To help coaches learn lifesaving skills, the AHA created a CPR & Youth Sports Training Kit that contains materials to train 10 to 20 people at once and is designed as a self-guided course. It covers CPR, dehydration, concussions and more.
Wilderness First Aid
If you hike or camp in remote environments, you should know wilderness first aid. This lets you help an injured companion while waiting for emergency personnel. The Red Cross offers an online Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course for those over 14 with CPR/AED certification. This 16-hour course covers topics like head and spinal injuries, hypothermia, and bone and joint injuries.
If your wilderness activity is hunting, most states require a hunter’s education course to receive a hunting license. The course contents vary by state, but most include a section on first aid.
First Aid Training
Maybe your interest in safety education has nothing to do with work, sports or wilderness adventures. If you simply want to be prepared in case of an emergency, the Red Cross offers first aid training. Classes are available online, in person or in a blended format. The training covers care for adults and children and satisfies OSHA and workplace requirements. When completed, you will receive a two-year first aid certification.
Emergency and Safety Education
If you’re like most adults, you have wondered what you would do if someone near you needed CPR or the Heimlich maneuver. Don’t worry any longer about how you’d help a child or friend in an emergency. Use the information here or do a quick Google search to find an emergency and safety education course near you. Gain the confidence that comes with knowing you are prepared for anything.