First Aid Course

A first aid course will equip students with the skills and knowledge to administer medical help of the first instance in the case of injury and an emergency.

First Aid Concepts

First Aid Concepts

The First Aid Concepts Course that we provide, aims to ensure that our students are well-equipped to help someone in need if they need emergency ...
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Our First Aid Course

First Aid courses equip students with the skills and knowledge of administering help in the first instance when an injury or an emergency occurs.

What Are First Aid Courses?

First Aid courses equip students with the skills and knowledge of administering the first response to a suddenly sick or injured person. First Aid is performed immediately after the incident. It is done before the arrival of medical personnel.

First Aid Courses

Name of Course: First Aid Concepts

Programme Type: Provider ProgrammeAward Issued By: Skills Academy Accredited By: Not ApplicableQualification Title: First Aid Concepts: CertificateQualification Type: CertificateCourse Duration: 3 to 6 months

Entry Requirements

Course Subjects

  • The Medical-Legal Implications And Principles Of First Aid
  • Elementary Human Anatomical Structures
  • Appropriate First Aid Procedures

     

The Medical-Legal Implications And Principles Of First Aid

Here is what you will learn in this subject:

  • The methods that you can use to help save a life

     

Elementary Human Anatomical Structures

Here is what you will learn in this subject:

  • Human anatomy
  • Human systems organs

Appropriate First Aid Procedures

Here is what you will learn in this subject:

    • This subject will prepare you on what to do when a person has a condition, for example, not breathing

Here is why you should study First Aid;

  • Encourages healthy and safe living
  • Give tools to prevent a bad situation to become worse
  • Provide patient comfort
  • Save lives
  • Creates confidence 

Encourages Healthy And Safe Living

As you go through your Short Course, you will be taught how you can live healthily and safely. The course teaches you how to eat healthily and to implement safety measures wherever you are being it, at home or at work. 

Eating healthy can help you avoid, for example, heart diseases. Having this knowledge will make you alert others who are within your environment. You must also look after yourself before you try to help others. 

Give Tools To Prevent A Bad Situation To Become Worse

Studying a First Aid course also gives you the tools to prevent a bad situation to become worse. Provide Patient Comfort. In some cases,  if a patient does not receive basic First Aid care immediately, their situation may become worse. The tools that you learn and can use can prevent that from happening.

It Saves Lives

Not only does First Aid save lives, but it also reduces a person’s recovery time. The First Aid Short Course will teach you how to remain calm in emergency situations. The course will also teach you simple acronyms to help you recall the steps that you need to take in an emergency. 

Creates Confidence 

Studying this Short Course can create confidence in you. When you get in a situation requiring your attention, you will be confident in your skills and abilities to take care of the situation.

For you to study the First Aid Short Course, you will need to get in touch with our course experts. They will talk to you about your career path and other academic issues. They may propose a payment plan for you.

Our First Aid: Short Course Certificate is valid for life. Once you get it, there will be no need to come back again to study the course after a number of years. There are other First Aid Certificates that are said to be valid for three years.

FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic to help someone who is under a stroke attack. The acronyms denote the symptoms of a stroke attack and what needs to be done when those signs and symptoms are observed. Here is what the letters stand for:

F – Facial drooping – In a stroke attack, facial drooping is recognised by a crooked smile

A – Arm weakness – In a stroke attack, there will be the inability to raise one’s arm or the inability to hold something 

S – Speech difficulties – Slurred speech is also a hallmark of a stroke attack

T – Time – if any of the signs and symptoms are showing, time is of essence. Call emergency services as soon as possible

Here are the duties of a First Aider:

  • Assessing the situation quickly and getting an understanding of what happened 
  • Comforting and reassuring those involved 
  • Protecting yourself and the casualty from any danger 
  • Preventing infection between you and the casualties 
  • Assessing the casualties. If there are multiple casualties, you must help those with life-threatening injuries or conditions first.
  • Giving first aid treatment, such as CPR or applying pressure to bleeding wounds. Life-threatening injuries and conditions must be prioritised before giving treatment to less serious cases.
  • Arrange for the right kind of help

Here are the 7 most common medical emergencies that people experience:

  1. Bleeding – Cuts and wounds cause bleeding. Severe injury can cause internal bleeding. However, not all incidents of bleeding require emergency medical treatment. In most cases, they can be treated by First Aid.
  2. Breathing difficulties – Here are some reasons that can cause breathing difficulties:
    • Asthma attacks
    • Allergic reactions
    • Coughs or colds
  1. Collapsing – if one collapses, they will most likely need medical attention if they lose consciousness and are not breathing
  2. Fit and/or Epileptic seizures – It is advisable to call emergency services if the following occurs:
    • Lose consciousness
    • The seizure lasts for longer than 5 minutes
    • They have never had a seizure before
  1. Severe pain – If the pain is from a severe injury, seek medical attention
  2. Heart attack – occurs when the supply of blood to the heart is blocked. This is a life-threatening medical condition and requires immediate medical attention. A heart attack is occurring when the following happens:
    • Severe chest pain
    • Pain in the chest, arm, neck. Jaw, back and stomach
    • Coughing
    • Sweating
  1. Stroke – It is a life-threatening medical condition. It happens when the blood supply to the brain is being cut off

A white cross on a green background is the internationally accepted symbol for First Aid. Regardless of where you travel and the language spoken there, you should be able to recognise the First Aid sign.

First Aid Sign

Here is the First Aid motto:

Preserve life – stop the person from dying. Prevent further injury –  stop the person from being injured even more.

Here are the skills and qualities that a First Aider needs:

  • Communication 
  • Confidence 
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork 
  • Leadership

Communication

First Aid is all about people. First Aiders should have good communication skills. Emergency situations can be stressful for those involved. A First Aider needs to communicate calmingly and reassuringly manner. 

A good First Aider also needs to be able to ask appropriate questions about signs and symptoms. This can be a challenge if someone is in pain.

Confidence

As a First Aider, you need to be confident about the skills and knowledge that you will have learnt in your First Aid course. You must be confident in applying these in real-world emergency situations.

Ability To Work Under Pressure

Your ability to work under pressure is critical. This is because you may be called upon to make decisions or act in emergency situations. In such situations, you should be able to remain calm and remember key lifesaving skills in those stressful situations.

Teamwork

As a First aider, you must be comfortable working as part of a team. You may also have to work alongside emergency services. This can also include other various players in emergency situations. 

Leadership

As you are the first provider of help and care, put yourself in a position of authority to prevent loss of life and further deterioration of those injured. Show your leadership skills by calling upon others and giving instructions on how they can assist as you to try to save lives.

Yes, anyone can be a First Aider. With our First Aid: Short Course, you will only need to need the following minimum requirements:

Yes, you can study our First Aid Short Course without Matric. However, if you do not have a Matric, you can also study for a Matric at Matric College through our Adult Matric Programme. If you have previously written Matric, you can rewrite your Matric through our Matric Upgrade Programme.

Here are some of the items that are you should expect in a First Aid kit:

  • Wound cleaner / antiseptic 
  • Swabs for cleaning wounds
  • Cotton wool for padding 
  • Sterile gauze 
  • Pair of forceps
  • pair of scissors
  • Set of safety pins
  • Triangular bandages
  • Roller bandages (75 mm x 5 m)
  • Roller bandages (100 mm x 5 m)
  • Roll of elastic adhesive (25 mm x 3 m)
  • Non-allergenic adhesive strip (25 mm x 3 m)
  • Packet of adhesive dressing strips (minimum quantity 10 assorted sizes)
  • First aid dressings (75 mm x 100 mm)
  • First aid dressings (150 mm x 200 mm)
  • Straight splints
  • Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable latex gloves
  • CPR mouthpieces or similar devices
  • An adequate supply of absorbent material for the absorption of blood and other body fluids
  • Disinfectant 
  • Disposable rubber household gloves.
  • A suitable sized impervious bag for the safe disposal of blood and other body fluid

The best practice is for small organisations (below 50 employees) to have at least one First Aider. If you employ over 100 employees, you will need at least one First Aider per 100 people.

First Aid is best done by a trained person. This is because a trained person has the skills and knowledge of being the first point of contact in an emergency. They are better placed to know how to assist. An untrained person can help under the guidance of a trained person.

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and artificial ventilation (breathing) when a person’s heart stops beating or stops breathing, CPR can give someone a chance to survive after a cardiac arrest. 

Here are the 7 steps of CPR

  • Ensure the patient and everyone is safe
  • Look for a response from the patient – You can shout their name
  • Send for help – If there is no response
  • Clear the airways – check if the mouth and throat are clear
  • Check breathing – Check if the person is breathing abnormally or not breathing at all. If they are breathing normally, place them in a recovery position.
  • CPR – if still breathing, place them in a recovery position
  • Defibrillation – Attach an Automated external Defibrillator

No, CPR and AED are not the same. CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. 

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. It is a medical device designed to analyse the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal.

The ABC of First Aid is the primary thing that needs to be checked when you approach the victim. Here is what they stand for: 

  • A – Airway
  • B – Breathing
  • C – Circulation

Here are the three basic Cs that First Aiders must remember:

  • C – Check
  • C – Call
  • C – Care

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It refers to the type of care that First Aiders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway.

Basic Life support (BLS) is part of CPR. Cardiopulmonary Respiratory is one type of care that First Aiders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway.

SAMPLE is an acronym or mnemonic used by First Aiders during assessments. Here is what it stands for:

  • S – Signs and symptoms 
  • A – Allergies
  • M – Medications 
  • P –  Past Medical History
  • L –  Last oral intake

This acronym can help you remember several basic treatments for soft tissue injuries. It refers to, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. RICE is considered a First Aid technique rather than a complete or comprehensive medical treatment.

Fish-shaped is another acronym or mnemonic that identifies 10 primary causes that can have an effect on a patient:

F – Fainting

I – Imbalance of heat

S – Shock

H – Head injury

S – Stroke

H – Heart attack

A – Asphyxia

P – Poisoning

E – Epilepsy

D – Diabetes

Bleeding is the loss of blood from the blood circulation system. There are numerous causes of bleeding. These can range from small cuts to deep cuts and amputations. Injuries to the body can also result in internal bleeding.

Wounds are classified according to their causes. Here are the four types of wounds:

Abrasion – This occurs when skin rubs or scrapes against a rough or hard surface

Laceration – Lacerations is a deep cut or tearing of the skin. Accidents with knives, tools or other sharp instruments are causes of lacerations.

Puncture – A Puncture wound is caused by a sharp object, for example, a bullet  

Avulsion – This is a partial or complete rearing of the tissues beneath the skin. Avulsion occurs, for example, in heavy accidents.

Here are the three types of bleeding:

Arterial bleeding – Occurs in the arteries. Arteries transport blood from the heart to the body.

Venous bleeding – This type of bleeding happens in the veins. Veins carry blood from the veins back to the heart.

Capillary bleeding – This takes place in the capillaries. Capillaries are small blood vessels that connect the arteries to the veins

Here are the six steps that can stop bleeding:

  • Remove clothing on the wound – Wear protective gloves if possible
  • Stop the bleeding – Place a sterile or clean cloth on the wound
  • Help the injured person to sit or lie down – Place the person on a rug to prevent the loss of body heat
  • Do not remove the gauze or bandage – If blood seeps through the gauze or cloth, add another
  • Tourniquets – This is effective in controlling life-threatening bleeding from a limb 
  • Immobilise the injured body part as much as possible – Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to an emergency room

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has set the standard for first aid kits of being green, with a white cross. This is in order to make them visible and recognisable to anyone requiring first aid.

Why Choose To Study First Aid via Distance Learning

Here is why you should study through distance learning:

  • You study at home at your own pace and in your own time
  • Tuition is competitively priced
  • You cut costs on transport
  • You cut costs on snacks and lunches
  • You have access to our tutors

Careers That Require First Aid Training

Here are some careers that require First Aid training:

  • Childcare Providers – R 23 000.00 per month
  • Coaches and Personal Trainers – R 24 700.00 per month
  • Construction Workers – R 15 850.00 per month

 Here are the duties of a Childcare Provider:

  • Organising daily routine for children
  • Supporting children’s development
  • Monitoring and recording children’s progress 
  • Spotting any behavioural or developmental problems 
  • Preparing and cooking healthy meals or snacks for children to promote a healthy diet
  • Supervising children to ensure their safety at all times
  • Introducing basic concepts to children when playing
  • Supporting high levels of hygiene
  • Changing nappies and assisting toddlers with potty training

 Here are the duties of a Personal Trainer:

  • Evaluate clients’ fitness levels and health conditions
  • Build  exercise programs 
  • Monitor progress of clients’ fitness levels 
  • Explain safe and proper use of gym equipment
  • Lead both individual and group training sessions
  • Promote the gym’s fitness packages and plans
  • Perform CPR and administer first aid in case of emergencies
  • Inform clients about on gym safety and hygiene guidelines
  • Build a positive and trusting relationship with customers 
  • Advise customers on how to change nutritional and lifestyle habits as needed

 Here are the duties of a  Construction Worker: 

  • Assist tradesmen and machine operators in construction projects
  • Erect and break up scaffolding, ramps
  • Unload and carry materials at construction sites
  • Use equipment to break old forms and structures
  • Prepare and apply construction materials to build structures o
  • Smooth and level new concrete or other materials
  • Clean out site from debris and discarded material
  • Place traffic signals where appropriate
  • Electricians – R 25 538.00 per month 
  • Firefighters – R 82 019 per month
  • Flight Attendants – R 16 125.00 per month

Here are the duties of an Electrician:

  • Execute plans of electrical wiring for well-functioning lighting
  • Install electrical apparatus, fixtures and equipment for alarm and other systems
  • Install safety and distribution components 
  • Connect wiring in electrical circuits and networks, ensuring compatibility of components
  • Prepare and assemble conduits and connect wiring through them
  • Prevent breakdown of systems by routinely inspecting and replacing old wiring and insulated cables, cleaning circuits etc.
  • Perform effective troubleshooting to identify hazards or malfunctions and repair or substitute damaged units

 Here are the duties of a firefighter:

  • Respond to fire alarms quickly to regulate and extinguish forest or building fires
  • Operate fire fighting and rescuing equipment 
  • Provide emergency medical services with compliance to established standards
  • Inspect scenes of fire or accidents to identify causes or discover significant findings
  • Clean up fire scenes by removing debris and burned items
  • Respond to other emergency situations and assist those in need
  • Write accurate reports after incidents and submit them 
  • Assist in public education programmes to help prevent dangerous fire accidents

 Here are the duties of a Flight Attendant::

  • Provide information and assistance for safety and comfort to passengers onboard aircraft
  • Conduct safety checks before flight
  • Greet customers, check their tickets and accompany them to their seats
  • Prepare and serve drinks and food to passengers
  • Present emergency equipment and give instructions
  • Comply with all aviation rules and regulations for safety and protection
  • Assist passengers and cabin crew during emergency situations
  • Provide special help to passengers with special needs 
  • Submit analytic reports concerning flight incidents

Benefits Of Studying At Matric College

Matric College offers excellent opportunities for students who are interested in distance learning. Distance learning does not require you to attend classes in person or to take scheduled online classes. Students who work and study will benefit from distance learning. 

Here are some of the many reasons to study at Matric College:

  • You can work and study
  • You can set up your own study schedule
  • Our tutors will assist you if you require help
  • Our friendly support team keeps you updated on your progress
  • Our payment plans are unique

Yes, when you are unconscious, your pulse may become faint. When you become unconscious, you may not respond to loud sounds of shaking. In addition to a faint pulse, you can even stop breathing if you are unconscious.

First aid kits may not contain prescription or over-the-counter medications, for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, decongestants, or sinus relief. These are not first aid items. Employees who require these medications are encouraged to bring them to work for their personal use.

To check if a person is still breathing, you can do the following:

  • Look to see if their chest is rising and falling
  • Listen over their mouth and nose for breathing sounds
  • Feel their breath against your cheek for 10 seconds

These are the signs of a person not breathing:

  • Breathing rate. – An increase in the number of breaths per minute may mean that a person is having trouble breathing or not getting enough oxygen
  • Colour changes – a pale skin colour
  • Grunting – A grunting sound when exhaling
  • Nose flaring – Nose opening when breathing
  • Retractions – The chest appears to sink in
  • Sweating – there may be increased sweat on the head
  • Wheezing – a whistling sound when breathing
  • Body position – May lean forward when breathing

A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. For example, a well-trained athlete might have a normal resting heart rate closer to 40 beats per minute.

Here is how you can check your blood pressure without a machine:

  • Place your index and middle finger of your hand on the inner wrist of the other arm, just below the base of the thumb. 
  • You should feel a tapping or pulse against your fingers
  • Count the number of taps you feel in 10 seconds
  • Multiply that number by 6 to find out your heart rate for one minute

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Date Published: May 5, 2022
Editor: Amy Venter