Why Every Parent Should Do A First Aid Course (yes – including YOU!)
Collaborative Post
Have you ever done a first aid course? If you’re a parent, can I please urge you to do one!
I say this with a little guilt brewing because I’ve been a mum for 6 years and I’ve only just gotten around to it, but it really is so important. Now I’ve been, I just can’t imagine why I didn’t do it before.
15 reasons you should do a first aid course
- Kids are always bumping into and falling off things – one day it might be serious
- You’re the parent – if something goes wrong, they’ll be looking to you
- Everyone else might be assuming “someone else” will know what to do
- You can’t watch kids 24/7
- Even if you could watch them 24/7, that doesn’t stop them getting hurt
- There is no time to waste in an emergency – you need to be “on it” straight away
- You don’t want to live with regrets
- You could save someone’s life
- A few pounds and a couple of hours for a class is nothing compared to the price of someone’s life
- The training is not as not as daunting as it seems
- If everyone knew how to do it, the world would be a safer place
- You never know when you’re going to need the information
- You could be somebody’s only hope
- Better safe than sorry
- It’s comforting to know that you’re prepared
Daisy First Aid Course
Today, I went to a parents’ first aid course run by Daisy First Aid. It’s one of those things that has always been on my ‘to do’ list for ages (years!) so when the opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance.
The course is specifically designed with parents in mind and covers basic first aid training as well as common childhood injuries and illnesses. We discussed things such as:
- Meningitis
- Burns
- Anaphylaxis
- Poisons
- Bleeding
- Treatment of an unconscious casualty
- Shock
- Resuscitation & CPR
- Choking
- Febrile Seizures
In each case, we were told what to look out for and how to help. The tutor was clear and precise so that we would know exactly what to do in each situation. We were also given the opportunity to practise bandaging a wound, using an epi-pen and delivering CPR.
I was shocked how tiring it was to administer the CPR – it really takes a lot strength and stamina. But it confirmed to me how important it was to go to the first aid course – better to discover this now, rather than in an actual emergency!
The great thing about Daisy First Aid is that they bring both adult-sized and baby-sized dummies to work with. They also talk about the different techniques needed for younger children. The whole class is specifically designed to equip parents and carers with the knowledge they need to react effectively in an emergency situation.
Booking A Course
Daisy First Aid have tutors up and down the country, and I can’t urge you enough to get in contact with them. They will be able to inform you of upcoming sessions, or you can book your own; all you need is a minimum of 4 participants, and the tutors will come and deliver the course at a location convenient to you. It costs just £25 per person and lasts 2 hours.
Our tutor, Cathy, was so easy to listen to. She used to work for the police and had plenty of examples where she’d had to use this training for real. She was confident and clear, and it really made you feel, “Yes I can do this. I can make a difference.”
After the first aid course was over, I bought one of their first aid kits. It includes all the usual dressings and bandages, as well as a handy booklet and even bravery stickers, which I thought was a nice touch.
I feel much more confident now, and I plan to keep reading through the notes I took so that the information stays fresh in my mind.
I hope I never have to use this training, but at least I know I’m ready if the unimaginable ever does happen in our family…
Disclaimer: I was attended the first aid course for free for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. For more info, check out my disclosure policy
Great advice here – I did one before Christmas and like you, I can’t believe I hadn’t done it before. (I have a 4yo & 1yo) The course was geared towards children, toddlers and babies, so had all the vital do’s but also an incredible number of ‘don’ts’ (quite a lot of stuff that my mom did for us, or would advise me to do for my kids, is now a big No No!) My course was free, if like me you’re lucky enough to live within a local authority area that still has publicly funded children’s centres, check out what they offer – you might find a course for free or just a couple of ponds donation. Xx
Yes the advice changes all the time. Our certificate is valid for a year, and then they suggest you do it again to refresh yourself and make sure you’re still up to date with things.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any free courses in our area, but I did like the idea of being able to book your own course and do it with a few friends
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Oh wow! Thank you, Brittany! I will get on and have a look at this!
I think these should be standard at the hospital before people bring a baby home! And require it for each child since safety changes over time. #BlogCrush
Oh yes absolutely – that would be a fab initiative!
OK I need to book one of these ASAP! Thank you for this post – really reminds me as to how important it is xx #blogcrush
Fist Aid course for babies and todders is a must!
C my 6 month old choked the other day and it was just shear panic more that made me do anything about it!
Great post!
Lx
http://workingmumy.blogspot.com
#BlogCrush
Yes you just never know when these little accidents might occur. It can be so frightening, but having the knowledge to deal the with situation is essential! I hope your little one was okay.
Thanks for this post Lucy, just what I needed to read to spur me on. Doing a first-aid course has crossed my mind time and again, but I’ve just not gotten around to doing it. I’m putting it on my priority list now – it’s such an important thing to know, esp for a mother.
#BlogCrush
Thank you, Nicole. Like you, I’d been meaning to do one for so long, but now I am so glad that I did it. I’d definitely encourage you to sign up 🙂 Thanks for being part of #blogcrush
Great thing to share, we did a Pediatric First Aid Course before our Daughter was born, and found it gave us added confidence.
Another reason i would add to the list for why is that things often change and update, or be specific to small children, so even if you’ve done one in the past, you really can benefit from renewing it!
Yes that’s so true – the advice does change, and sometimes there are different techniques depending on the size of the child. This was one of the things I liked about the Daisy First Aid Course – we covered all the different ages for each situation.
I forgot to add #blogcrush
A very important post Lucy and you have made me realise I really need to do some first aid training. Leo is a very clumsy child and I will be weaning Alex very soon so I will a lot more confident knowing what to do if he chokes on anything or if Leo had a nasty tumble. This class sounds very informative yet relaxed, definitely going to look into it xx #BlogCrush
I’d definitely recommend it, Wendy. I feel so much more confident now, knowing what things I can do to help if something bad happens
i think this is brilliant advice. I was lucky enough to be offered a free course through my local children’s centre but I know that these are few and far between. I would definitely have paid for a course otherwise. Since doing it 2 years ago I have had to use the training three times already, once with my littlest one as he was choking on a breadstick. It was terrifying, but the training I had just gave me that bit of confidence that I needed to get on and do what needed to be done. It was worth its weight in gold. Thanks so much for hosting #blogcrush. I love this linky, and while Fridays are always tricky for me to link, the least I can do is pop by and do some #blogcrush #bloglove! x
Aaaw bless you. I know Fridays are hard for you so don’t feel obliged to join up, but we love having you when you can make it. Plus, we’re extending our opening hours, as of this week – we’re now running from Friday until Sunday! Woop Woop!
Thanks so much for organising the class Lucy, I’m so glad you found it helpful! We’re all about encouraging parents – we all have the potential to save someone’s life one day 🙂 Best wishes, Cathy from Daisy First Aid x #blogcrush
Oh you’re very welcome, Cathy. I loved the class! You were so helpful and informative, and I’m really pleased that I can help to spread the message about this important service you offer 🙂
You’re so right. I did a baby choking and resuscitation course at the local children’s centre before I started weaning my daughter. It made me much more confident. I also recently did a CPR course I work. I’d really like to do a full First Aid course though because, as you say, accidents happen. Not only to be daughter but even more regularly to my cyclist husband…! Great post. #BlogCrush
Haha oh yes I totally understand this – my hubby cycles to work and back every day, and he’s always coming back with cuts and bruises! Thank you so much for being a part of #blogcrush, Angela 🙂
Yes yes yes. I think that everyone should be first aid trained. Everyone. It doesn’t cost much and a life is worth more that money. #dreamteam
Exactly – it’s such a small cost but can make such a massive difference
Agreed I did a first aid course when pregnant. A year later my daughter stepped into a swimming pool (we live in spain) and I was able to instantly calmly pull her out and put her in the baby recovery position without any panic at all. I was like a robot until I knew she was OK i burst into tears. I am so very grateful that I took advice and did this course.
This is fab – what a good job that you’d done the course! I hope your daughter was okay – I imagine it was pretty terrifying for all of you (and I would definitely have burst into tears too), but well done on putting your knowledge into practise!
Such a good thing to do. We did one when I was pregnant and although I think I’ve probably forgotten most of it, I like to think that it might come back to me should I ever need it. Hopefully I never will #blogcrush
Yes I think this would happen too – you brain will have filed the information away ready for an emergency
I’ve been meaning to do one of these courses for ages – it’s on my to-do list but I really need to get into gear and just book a course already. #DreamTeam
Stopping by again from #coolmumclub
Hands up guilty! I have not yet been on a first aid course but know I absolutely should do. Off to investigate further! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely xoxo
I think lots of people have it on their ‘to-do’ list but it’s hard to get round to it. I was really glad I’d done it though and I can finally tick it off 🙂
I took some first aid courses many years ago but I’ll be honest in that I don’t remember anything beyond the basics. My husband’s job requires him to take regular first aid courses and they organise this through the workplace. That’s great but I spend a lot of time taking care of Peachy when he’s not here. #BlogCrush
Yeah I’m worried about how much I’ll remember in an emergency. I’m hoping the adrenaline will force the memories out! Haha
I agree with you that everyone should learn first aid. In my first year of parenting I undertook a course and was so pleased I did. Gives you that extra peace of mind. #coolmumclub
Yes absolutely. I feel much more confident and prepared now.
At £25 there isn’t really an excuse is there? It’s one of those things that I have been meaning to do. Luckily hubby has done a course similar to this and has been imparting his knowledge. Thanks for sharing with the #Dreamteam x
I have done first aid as I’m a Brownie Leader but I’m definitely going to look at a baby and toddler one! This has reminded me to look into it!
You have completely inspired me to get off my bum and finally book a first aid course – something I’ve been meaning to do for 10 years, but you’re right, it’s so important and I’m appalled I haven’t done it till now. I’m going to contact Daisy First Aid now. #brillblogposts
This is great news!