The Importance of Theoretical and Practical-Based First Aid Training

Establishing and maintaining safety measures in work environments is of paramount importance to any company across the United Kingdom who wishes to operate in a safe and efficient manner. Although potential hazards and risks are commonplace within all walks of life, the workplace arguably provides the greatest danger through the use of heavy machinery, dangerous liquids and sharp equipment.

It is for this reason that the Health and Safety at Work Act demands every company that has a minimum of five employees on their books to enforce regulations and procedures, where humanly possible, which protect the safety and wellbeing of company personnel. In doing so, companies not only ensure they adhere to legal obligations, but also provide peace of mind to employees who feel valued and appreciated by their employer.

As part of their legal obligation to enforce health and safety measures, companies should consider the importance of first aid in the workplace. Although employees can be provided with adequate provisions, such as clothing and equipment, and training to carry out their duties in an efficient and productive manner, undertaking first aid training can provide employees with the ability to competently handle an injury or body malfunction to fellow colleagues, clients or customers.

First aid classes provide an effective balance of theoretical and practical-based education to ensure students utilise their new-found skills and knowledge effectively in the workplace. While certain courses may be primarily based on classroom or practical demonstration work, finding training experts who provide a combination of the two can make a crucial difference to the decision to make employees undergo first aid training.

As accidents and emergency situations can occur at any given important, it is essential to remain calm and composed when assessing a person’s condition in the aftermath. It can allow an employee to competently provide the best form of treatment applicable in order to provide comfort and handle an injury appropriately. Theory-based training can ensure students gain the right mind set and cognitive though process required to carry out immediate first aid.

Practical-based training is based upon learning first aid techniques from a qualified first aid professional who uses a test dummy to demonstrate CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), how to place injured people in the recover position, and other medical techniques which a qualified first aider can carry out. Learning the correct procedures and techniques are essential towards dealing with serious injuries and potentially saving lives.