Posted by Brenda Berdahl on Aug 20, 2021 in CPR Certifications
What jobs require a first aid certification? More than we could possibly list here!
Healthcare providers are of course the most likely candidates, including physicians, nurses, CNAs, pharmacists, dentists and dental assistants, chiropractors, and many others. However, it’s very important to note that First Aid courses can be valuable for anyone—whether your job requires it or not.
Let’s begin by discussing the types of First Aid classes we offer, and then we’ll answer some more questions, including why getting a First Aid certification is a fantastic idea for reasons other than simply, you know, possibly saving lives!
Which First Aid Certification Class Should I Take?
At CooL Compressions CPR, we offer two First Aid courses. One of the courses is generally intended for healthcare providers, and the other is intended for non-healthcare providers or those with limited or no medical training. Let’s discuss both.
The course recommended for healthcare providers is the American heart Association’s Heartsaver® First Aid certification course. This class is instructor lead and video based, meaning that you and the other students will watch a video but also have an instructor with you to expound on details, ask and answer questions, and to provide you with hands-on training. The course is based on the 2020 AHA Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care—in other words, you’re receiving the most up-to-date training currently available.
Attendees will learn how to dress and bandage open wounds, how to stabilize sprained or broken limbs until additional help arrives, how to recognize and assist a choking person, what to do when another person is having a stroke, cardiac event, or seizure, and more. The course lasts for three hours and students will receive hands-on training to be able to demonstrate that they understand and can perform the required skills without any help. A workbook is required and your certification will last two years before requiring renewal.
The course best suited for non-healthcare providers is the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) Basic First Aid Certification class. This course conforms to the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for First Aid (the latest). Like the Heartsaver® course, this class is instructor lead and video based.
During the ASHI Basic First Aid Certification class, students will learn about primary assessment, the rapid initial examination of a patient intended to recognize immediately life-threatening conditions. Students will also learn how to use an epinephrine pen for allergic reactions or insect stings, how to assist a choking person, how to care for an individual in an altered mental state, how to stabilize broken or sprained limbs, and much more.
The ASHI course is appropriate for anyone who has no medical training and doesn’t require an AHA First Aid course (in other words, non-healthcare-providers). Whether you’re a lifeguard, a day care provider, a law enforcement candidate, a parent, or simply someone who wants to know how to help others in an emergency, this three hour course will provide you with the skills necessary to assist others and potentially save lives. Your certificate will be valid for two years before a renewal is required.
Learn more about the First Aid courses offered at CooL Compressions CPR to decide which is best for you, or simply call us at 720-609-2972 with your questions.
My Job Doesn’t Strictly Require a First Aid Certification – Should I Still Get One?
Yes.
You may think that we’re biased since we’re in the business of providing high-quality training in First Aid, CPR, and AED operation, but we sincerely believe that anyone will agree that getting a First Aid certification will benefit from it greatly.
The obvious and most important reason is that First Aid skills will give you the ability to help others in an emergency—possibly even saving their lives. For that reason alone, we believe everyone should have First Aid training and skills.
However, there are other fantastic reasons to get a First Aid certificate, even if your job doesn’t require it. We have many students who aren’t healthcare workers and who don’t work in industries strictly requiring a First Aid certification, such as lifeguards, corporate or professional entities, day care providers, construction workers, taxi drivers, retail staff, and many, many others. Something all of these students have shared in common is the fact that their First Aid certification was beneficial to their current career.
A First Aid certification looks fantastic on anyone’s resume, even if you’re applying for a position where you wouldn’t normally think that having one would be relevant. First Aid certifications show employers that you’re prepared, responsible, and would be a valuable asset to their company. If you’re already employed, a First Aid certification can show your current employer that you have all of those qualities.
How Do I Attend a First Aid Certification Course at CooL Compressions CPR in Denver, Colorado?
Attending a First Aid certification course in Denver is easy at CooL Compressions CPR! All you have to do is visit our training schedule and reserve your seat. We understand that you have a busy schedule—that’s why we always do our very best to offer our courses and renewal classes at a variety of different days and times throughout the week.
Speaking of renewals, if you happened to visit this blog post in search of more information, you may also use the training schedule to find a renewal course with us. If you have any questions or you’d prefer to call to reserve your seat, please call us at 720-609-2972. If your First Aid certification is about to expire and you need a renewal quickly, we encourage you to reserve your seat in the next course as quickly as possible, because these courses do fill up quickly!