Employers should also be aware that Occupational Health & Safety laws require some businesses to nominate a trained first aider.
Regardless of occupation, anyone can learn first aid skills and assist their family, friends or even strangers in the event of an accident.
Studying First Aid
First aid courses range from workplace courses to learning CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) techniques. Courses are also available for specific first aid situations such as childcare, outdoor activities or sports. Nominated first aiders in the workplace are required to update their skills with a refresher course every three years.
Careers in First Aid
Full-time first aid officers are required in some industries but most first aiders hold another role and discharge their first aid duties when required. A first aid certificate is required for some positions and is an advantage in many others. For example, employers in safety-conscious industries such as mining or manufacturing would look favourably on an applicant with first aid training as evidence of the employee's responsible outlook and positive approach to health and safety.
Skills needed in First Aid
Anyone can undertake a first aid course and first aid organisations such as St John Ambulance urge everyone to learn some first aid skills. Training helps people keep a cool head in a stressful situation and apply correct, potentially life saving techniques.
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