First Aide?

FlyingScot, RN · Apr 5, 2009

I agree with Gila. Basic first aid will serve you well, much better than even an EMT-B (I am one). I say this because usually the time you need first aid skills is when there aren't any hand-dandy medical devices around for you to use. So you need to figure out how to splint or tie a sling with what you have on hand. Of course in this day of cell phones it is much easier to get emergency care but what do you do if you're hiking out of cell range and your friend sprains an ankle? Can't call 911. Well you could tie an ankle hitch which works very well. You won't learn that in an EMT course but you will learn it in a first aid class. Not dissing EMT's and Medics here as they serve a great purpose and are wonderful guys and gals and their education is top notch but they can't be everywhere. Another terrific course is the National Ski Patrol's Outdoor Emergency Care. It's intended for patrol candidates but some patrols will take people interested in learning the skills.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Apr 5, 2009

I remember when I had to renew my first aid card and I would get like 5 questions wrong out of 20 or so. I would feel so embarrassed. How could I make good grades in nursing school but not do good on a first aid test for the lamus person ?

sunray12 · Apr 5, 2009

I agree with Gila. Basic first aid will serve you well, much better than even an EMT-B (I am one). I say this because usually the time you need first aid skills is when there aren't any hand-dandy medical devices around for you to use. So you need to figure out how to splint or tie a sling with what you have on hand. Of course in this day of cell phones it is much easier to get emergency care but what do you do if you're hiking out of cell range and your friend sprains an ankle? Can't call 911. Well you could tie an ankle hitch which works very well. You won't learn that in an EMT course but you will learn it in a first aid class. Not dissing EMT's and Medics here as they serve a great purpose and are wonderful guys and gals and their education is top notch but they can't be everywhere. Another terrific course is the National Ski Patrol's Outdoor Emergency Care. It's intended for patrol candidates but some patrols will take people interested in learning the skills.

I took a health class in undergrad. CPR and first aide certification were included in the course. This was long ago. I was a liberal arts major and my school did not have a nursing program or even a nursing program agreement with another school. So it sounds like nursing and first aid are two different things. I'm looking into emt-b courses now - sounds like I should take first aide again as well. I'll feel silly if I have nursing credentials to my name but don't know how to help in a basic emergency.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 5, 2009

i took a health class in undergrad. cpr and first aide certification were included in the course. this was long ago. i was a liberal arts major and my school did not have a nursing program or even a nursing program agreement with another school. so it sounds like nursing and first aid are two different things. i'm looking into emt-b courses now - sounds like i should take first aide again as well. i'll feel silly if i have nursing credentials to my name but don't know how to help in a basic emergency.

i guess that what i bolded is what motivates me the most. i feel that nursing education has fallen short these days, and i strongly believe that as nurses, we should know basic care in the event of an emergency. these things were not covered, and i feel that they should be. we teach patients, families and communities. they do look to us somehow, and i decided to learn it for myself...it gives me more validation, i guess.

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2009

Haven't you guys read the first responder threads? It seems due to lack of skills we are in the way .

Anyway most EMT classes cover basic first aid, the American Red Cross offers several programs and even the Boy Scout manual will cover the basics. In any case, stabilize and go to the doctor!

I think it's great that anyone wants to help at all! :yeah:

M

allnurses Guide · Apr 5, 2009

The first year I went off to be a camp nurse, I found I didn't even know how red a throat should be before worrying about it. I took the first aid course offered to the staff. Why don't we get taught in nursing school? Because there is so much to try to stuff into a curriculum that pre-hospital first aid is just not a priority.

First take the Red Cross First Aid Course, then take TNCC, the ENA's trauma nurse core curriculum course.

I've also taught the Boy Scout First Aid Merit Badge several times to my Boy Scouts, and to my Girl Scouts. After taking the Red Cross course, volunteering with the Scouts is a good way to keep up on skills and have a good time while doing it. Splinting is lots of fun, when the kids do just about every appendage in sight.

Most of the time, nurses do get in the way of EMS, just through not knowing what to do. First, call 911, then do the ABCs, keeping people still and not moving their necks. Let EMS take over when they get there, only do what they want you to after that. If you are going to stop at accident scenes, keep some gloves in your car. Wrapped maxi pads make good pressure dressings for heavy bleeding (think about it, what are they made for!). I carry NSO, personal malpractice insurance, because I do (and often have) stop at accident scenes.

FlyingScot, RN · Apr 6, 2009

The other thing to consider is the cost and time factor. An EMT-B course takes about 16 weeks of class two times a week for at least four hours each class and costs, on average, $600. Plus there's a big, scary, expensive test you have to take. And it still doesn't prepare you for providing first aid when you don't have access to fancy splints and such. I'm not sure what the American Red Cross is charging but I can't imagine it's anywhere near $600 and it's about 4-6 weeks long.

rngolfer53 · Apr 6, 2009

Have any of you found that you don't quite know how to handle situations that may require first aide even after graduating from nursing school? This has bothered me for some time, especially since during summer months, I do health fairs and anything can happen from insect bites to anaphylaxis. I decided to purchase a first aide book to review and may even take a class offered by the American Red Cross at the community college. Just pondering...

Remember your ABCs and you're well on the way to being a good first aid provider. :wink2: