Introduction
What is first aid? First aid can be defined as the initial and immediate assistance provided to someone who is ill or injured before professional medical help arrives or is available. Understanding what is first aid is essential because it encompasses a range of procedures aimed at preserving life, preventing further harm, and promoting recovery.
Accidents and emergencies can strike at any time, resulting in unexpected injuries or medical situations. Knowing what is first aid is crucial, especially since emergency services, ambulances, and paramedics cannot be stationed on every street corner or workplace, waiting for these emergencies to occur. Therefore, there is always a time delay before professional help arrives. In South Africa, the time delay for emergency services to arrive is unfortunately even longer. This highlights the importance of knowing what is first aid and having trained first aiders available at work, within the community, or even at home.
Common workplace accidents such as “slips, trips and falls” can result in injuries such as wounds, fractures or even head injuries. Medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes can also occur and result in a serious workplace emergency. First aid can make a significant difference until professional help arrives and performing first aid and effective CPR, can save someone’s life!
Key Important First Aid Skills / Actions to Remember
Listed below are some first aid skills which are important to remember in emergencies. Printing them out and placing them on workplace notice boards, or on a fridge at home will assist in remembering these points:
- Emergency Calls – Contacting emergency services promptly (e.g., 10177, 112, 082-911, 084-124, 0861-007-911).
- Safety for Yourself – Always keep your safety in mind, don’t endanger or injure yourself.
- Start CPR when there is no normal breathing and no movement. Effective chest compressions and rescue breathing maintain oxygenated blood flow to the brain.
- AED use – Use an Automated External Defibrillator as soon as possible if available, to try to restore a normal heartbeat in cardiac arrest.
- Recovery Position – Always place an unconscious person in the lateral recovery position to keep their airway open.
- Stop Bleeding – Apply strong direct pressure with a bandage or towel to control severe bleeding.
- Burn Treatment – Cooling burns as quickly as possible under cool or cold running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the degree of burn or risk of further burn damage.
- Splint Broken Bones – Applying a support splint underneath broken bones helps support and reduce pain.
- Equipment Availability – Ensuring first aid kits and equipment are accessible and kept well-stocked.
- Keeping Knowledge Current – Regularly update your first aid certificate, don’t let it expire.
National qualifications framework levels
In South Africa, first aid training is structured and aligned to NQF levels. Our accredited first aid training / first aid courses are fully accredited and we predominantly supply two-course options, namely:
First Aid NQF Level 1
This 2-day First Aid NQF Level 1 course is the starting point for first aid training and may also be referred to as “Basic First Aid”, but this introductory course covers a broad range of essential first aid skills such as CPR, AED use, bleeding control etc. It equips delegates with good first aid knowledge and practical skills. Workplaces must send their delegates to complete this first aid course, to comply with the OHS Act and the General Safety Regulation’s requirements.
First Aid Level 1, 2 & 3
This is a 5-day combined First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3 course which offers a more detailed theoretical and practical and increased training time course option. The course includes more advanced skills such as child delivery, drowning, additional medical and traumatic emergencies and practical simulations. Ideally suited for workplaces or individuals seeking additional advanced first aid skills and knowledge.
First Aid, Fire and Safety Training is fully accredited by the Department of Employment and Labour to offer all levels of first aid training. First aid courses are government-regulated and must only be conducted by accredited first aid training skills development providers.
OHS Act Compliance and First Aid Requirements
What is first aid, and how many first aiders are needed? The number of first aiders required depends on workplace size and the hazards and risks present. According to the OHS Act, at least one first aider is recommended per 50 employees. Understanding what is first aid is crucial, especially when a first aider must be trained as soon as the employee count reaches 10. Additionally, first aid certificates expire and must be renewed every 3 years to ensure ongoing competency.
Providing accredited first aid training is a legal obligation and helps maintain a safer environment for everyone. Employers must understand what is first aid and consider factors such as the nature of work, hazards, workforce size, work hours, accident history, proximity to emergency services, shared building concerns, and even the need for non-employee first aid training. Knowing what is first aid empowers individuals with basic first aid skills, which is essential for creating responsive and safe environments, bridging the gap between an emergency situation and professional medical assistance.
Conclusion
First aid is an invaluable skill that can save lives and prevent emergencies from worsening. By mastering basic first aid procedures, recognising life-threatening conditions, and ensuring the availability of essential first aid equipment, you contribute to a safer environment for everyone around you.
Don’t wait for an emergency to realise the importance of first aid. Equip yourself and your team with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively, so book a first aid training course with First Aid, Fire and Safety Training today.
Visit our First Aid Training Courses page to learn more and schedule your training session.
