First Aid Training

[garand4life]

Any thoughts or recommendations on how best to get a good level of first aid response ability? I want to not only get CPR certified but also be able to provide a sufficient level of first aid in the event of an emergency. Obviously not to the level of a EMT or other first responder but adequate so that as we take high schoolers out of state for various functions I am able to provide some level of quick response in an emergency till first responders can arrive. Also as I start conducting CCW courses and become a RSO I would like to be able to say that I can provide some level of safety till help arrives. Any thoughts? Recommendations?

[MikeBjerum]

Start with a Red Cross basic first aid.  Beyond that, I Would Recommend a First Responder course.  I'm not sure how many hours it takes today, but not that many years ago in Minnesota it was only 24 hours.  We used to offer it in one of three programs:  Four hours a night, one night a week for six weeks, plus one test night; Four hours a night, two nights a week for three weeks, plus one test night; Or, Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, all in one weekend and done.  Well worth the time spent for the extra you receive.  No need to refresh you license, because the info will stay with you.

In my years as an EMT and as an instructor for many areas of emergency services I learned it is the refreshers that burn people out and not the initial training requirements.  That is what keeps me from getting my part-time law enforcement license today.  I have everything in place, but I do not want to tie into CPR every year, First Responder every two years, and the continuing ed requirements for a skill set that isn't that complicated or changing.

[GUNS-R-US]

If you search around some of the pro schools offer SABC courses. Isn't the US shooting academy in you area? Some place like that is where I would start looking.

[garand4life]

USSA is in OK and I'm in OH. But if I move back to NM it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to go to USSA for things. Thanks M58 that gave me some good direction.

[jaybet]

As a former firefighter and EMT, I believe that training approaching the level of emt is very handy for the average person. EVEN IF you don't qualify or use the training professionally it's a great body of knowlege to have as a parent, coach,etc. It is enough knowlege to control bleeding, recognize shock and other life threatening conditions, and apply basic first aid and basic life support till help arrives.
Such training is different in each state so you have to do a little homework.

[Sponsor]

[Big Frank]

The first thing I would reccomend is a red cross basic first aid course. It's so easy I got certified when I was 11. Next on my list would be CPR. That covers the basics, and EMT training would be good to have, but I haven't done it. One of my friends learned how to do tracheotomies too but I don't plan on taking that up.

[MikeBjerum]

I stopped short of recommending EMT at any level, because EMT skills above First Responder skills mostly require the use of equipment that most of us are not going to carry or be able to readily access.

[2HOW]

Take the Red Cross course, First Aid, CPR and AED class then find a C.E.R.T.  near you and train with them.

[DonWorsham]

Take the Red Cross course, First Aid, CPR and AED class then find a C.E.R.T.  near you and train with them.

Good advise.

[devzal]

I took a first responder course, it included first aid, CPR,and AED certification, at an Indiana University satellite campus. It took a few months at an hour twice a week, but it was pretty thorough.