CPR and First Aid training and certification is needed all over the world. In the United States, many employers are requiring this basic level of training in emergency care to work. Rightfully so, emergencies can and do happen anywhere. It’s always nice to have someone around that knows what to do until help arrives. In contrast, it can be bad news if no one knows what to do, or if well meaning by standers provided assistance in the wrong way. For example, let’s say you have a co-worker who is a bit confused and disoriented. He was complaining of a headache and keeps holding his head.
Joe citizen decided he should have an aspirin, not knowing that the victim is having a stroke and is bleeding inside his head. Oopss!!! Aspirin is not the right thing to be giving someone who is bleeding in their head, and as a result the situation is made worse and Joe Citizen could possibly be held accountable for his actions. Good Samaritan laws are not insurance policies and they DON’T protect in every situation. However, if Joe citizen had some training he would have been able to recognize the symptoms of a stroke, possibly give his co-worker a basic stroke assessment, and called EMS. This would have been the more appropriate response.
The difference between the trained and the untrained is as far as the east is from the west. Good competent CPR First Aid instructors are always needed, and the training is not hard. You don’t have to be a paramedic or critical care nurse to teach people basic emergency care. You simply have to care yourself and get some training. You might try the local American Red Cross or American Heart Association. There are also programs like ASHI (American Safety and health Institute) and Medic First Aid that have CPR & First Aid instructor programs.
Sometimes local CPR & First Aid training centers conduct instructor training on behalf of these larger organization and mentor the instructor until their wing are strong enough to fly. The current market rate for instructors is about 15 - 25 dollars and hour depending on where you are looking and your experience. The best way to get experience is to volunteer to teach for a training center. Training centers are always looking for volunteers.
Sometimes being a CPR First Aid instructor is a booster on the resume, because it tells employers that you are trained how to respond to emergencies and that you can train others. Employers like having those kinds of people on the job. It’s a good deal any way you slice it. If you like helping people, and have a personality that is comfortable teaching, you just might be that diamond in the rough. You might be that instructor, who taught that kid how to save his dads life. If you are interested call up a local training center and ask them how you can become an instructor. You can also email us if you have any questions.
