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The material taught in first aid courses that are required by most EMS training programs enables first-responders to save lives.

Designed to teach the knowledge and skills needed to provide initial care for an illness or injury, first aid courses are often tailored to inform non-expert persons to effectively manage a sick or injured individual until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. This generally consists of a series of simple yet potentially life-saving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.

However, most formal EMS training programs require the completion of first aid courses in order to be eligible to be employed and respond to emergency situations. Below are four real-world examples of how first aid courses and the skills reinforced therein have been successfully utilized by EMS personnel to save the lives of critically ill or injured adults and children.

• While responding to an emergency call regarding a vehicle accident, an EMT noticed the young woman involved in the crash was stung by a bee while standing by the ambulance. The woman initially refused treatment from the EMT. However, upon recognizing the signs of stridor, which comes from swelling in the airway below and around the voice box, the EMT immediately administered epinephrine and diphenhydramine (Benedryl®) to get her reaction under control.

• Paramedics responded to a 911 call reporting a bear attacking a man while he was walking his dog. Upon arrival, the bear was gone, but the victim had severe puncture wounds to the face, head and neck areas. Paramedics addressed the puncture wounds by first stopping the profuse bleeding, cleaning the wounds and protecting the wounds before transporting him to the nearest hospital.

• An EMT and his partner were sitting at an intersection late into their shift, waiting for the light to change when they witnessed a car get “t-boned” right before their very eyes. Also witnessing the crash were two off-duty firefighters in another car. The EMTs and firefighters sprung into action, and found one victim bleeding from the ear and asking the same question over and over. Recognizing the repetitious questions as a sign of a closed-head injury, the first responders immobilized the victim’s spine and immediately began transport to the hospital, where the patient was diagnosed with a concussion.

• A rock climbing instructor slipped while leading a group up a steep rock face. After dropping ten feet, the instructor jerked upside-down and his head slammed against the hard rock. Although he was wearing a helmet, a concerned member of the group dialed 911, and upon arrival, paramedics evaluated the instructor and noticed a large cut on his forehead. After an initial evaluation, the EMTs recognized signs of concussion, cleaned the forehead wound and transported the instructor to the hospital.

An up-to-date certification from a first aid course is an integral part of EMT training in order to effectively assist patients in emergency situations.

Health Ed Solutions provides various courses for first responders, individuals requiring certification, or those who want to be prepared in a medical emergency. For more information about ACLS, PALS, BLS and other courses, click here.