The importance of first aid training for parents and carers

Do you know first aid?

If you have a child in your care and your answer was no, or you answered yes with even the faintest hint of hesitation, then now is the time to learn.

An Australian Child Health Poll found that 25% of parents were not confident that they could administer CPR to their child. While two in five parents were not confident that they could rescue a drowning child.

Why do parents and carers need to learn first aid?

Parents and guardians have a duty of care to their children, and naturally, you want to ensure they remain safe and well at all times. So while first aid training may be one of those tasks you have been putting off, for parents and carers it is essential. Children are relying on you to know what to do if they are hurt.

At the end of the day, first aid knowledge gives you power as a parent or carer to protect your family and loved ones. It will also likely make the incidence of a first aid emergency less stressful, as you will know what to do.

What are the benefits of first aid training for parents and carers?

• Being able to start CPR or begin wound management before the Ambulance arrives. This leads to faster treatment of wounds, sprains and other injuries, and can also mean a fast-tracked healing process.
• Understanding hazards and being able to prevent dangerous situations, whether that means reducing the risks of injury around your home or when out with your children (playgrounds, beach, sporting venues).
• Peace of mind knowing that you have equipped yourself with the necessary skills to respond to first aid emergencies that could occur inside or outside your home.
• The ability to keep not only children but your entire family safe.

What are the common accidents and injuries that a first aid training course can prepare parents and carers for?

Children often find themselves victim to several common injuries or medical emergencies. Although common, we believe knowledge of how to respond to them is not so common.

• Choking
• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis and allergies
• Fractures, sprains, and strains
• Bites and stings

Case Study: Alkimos Beach Baby’s Life Saved

A recent first aid story provides a perfect case in point. An Alkimos mother had to seek help from a stranger as her 7-month-old son was choking. 

Brett, an employee at the Lendlease sales office at Alkimos Beach and a father himself, was able to perform emergency first aid and clear the baby’s airway. Thankfully, he had recently completed an SLSWA first aid course, to which he credited with being able to save the boy’s life.

The mother had completed three first aid courses prior but stated that she felt too panicked and emotional to think clearly. This case highlights the importance of all members of the wider public, including parents and carers of young children, having up-to-date first aid training. 

What SLSWA first aid training courses can parents and carers take to become first aid ready?

Home Lifesavers Course

A basic life support course designed for the needs of WA families

This first aid course has been tailored to provide parents and family members with life-saving skills and knowledge for the home setting. This course covers how to minimise the harm caused by unforeseen accidents around the home.

HLTAID004 Provide an Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting

A family and child care first aid course

This first aid course has been designed specifically for carers, teachers and child care workers, as well as parents of young children. Endorsed by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), this course is also nationally recognised and covers all education requirements for first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma management.

HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

A CPR course covering essential skills and knowledge to save a life

This CPR course teaches participants how to deliver CPR and maintain or restore breathing and circulation to a casualty. The specific techniques for administering CPR to adults, children, and infants are all covered.

Ready to get started?

Don’t let it take a life-threatening emergency to push you into gear, become an #everydaylifesaver, your family’s lifesaver, by learning first aid. It’s a no brainer.

To book, simply find the course you wish to attend on our first aid training page and click to ‘Enrol Today’.

If you have any questions please contact us on 9207 6666 or email training@slswa.com.au.