First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care past the first aid intervention. It generally consists of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.

Basic principles, such as knowing to use an adhesive bandage or applying direct pressure on a bleed, are often acquired passively through life experiences. However, to provide effective, life-saving first aid interventions requires instruction and practical training.

Basically, first aid is the prompt provision of essential emergency care to injured or sick persons. Sometimes first aid care is all that is required for people who have sustained minor injuries and illness and no further medical assistance is needed. In serious situations, the prompt first aid attendance to anyone who is injured before an ambulance can get to the scene makes the difference between life and death, or a full or partial recovery.

The Purpose of First Aid:

- Save life

- Prevent further injuries or harm

- Prevent injuries from becoming worse

- Provide relief from pain and

- To reassure the injured person

Training on first aid is a very useful skill to have, even if you are not in a health service profession. You never know when you will need the skills to be able to help someone important to you. There are many organizations that provide first aid training. However, to ensure that you get training from a legitimate organization, you should make sure that they are licensed to provide you with the training.

There are different courses which you can choose from when you want to get some first aid training. These courses are based on different levels according to difficulty. Level 1 training includes many emergency medical modules. The course mostly contains theoretical modules, as well as the practical skills that are needed to apply first aid. There are usually three courses in total. A lot of first aid training schools offer students the option of taking a single course that is a combination of material from the three different levels.

In today's dangerous world, taking first aid classes can be an important step that allows you to prevent serious injury to the people around you. Unfortunately, mishaps come without any warning; therefore, your first aid training can be of great help to your close friend or a complete stranger. For anyone who does not know, first aid is the immediate action that should be taken when someone is injured. These actions go a long way in preventing any further damage to the affected person until he or she is able to get proper medical aid.

First aid classes are of many types and they can be taken according to your preference. The basic class is generally for a just a day or two and gives you a brief overview on the most common injuries and the first aid to be given in such instances. Online first aid classes have become very popular because they are convenient for everyone. These courses can be completed according to your schedule from the comfort of your own home. If you have a group of people interested in enrolling for first aid classes, you may opt for group classes. The basic classes do not take more than an hour per day and the shorter courses only last about a week. Of course, the more detailed courses can go on for a month or more.

First aid courses are of various types depending on the degree of certification you would like to obtain. If you are taking a basic course, it may be completely free or offered at a very low cost. Even the advanced courses are not expensive. These courses are very convenient and can be organized for a whole group or individuals. The courses are very user-friendly and can be easily taken even by people with very busy schedules. First aid training and CPR training can also be taken with the help of online training schools at very nominal rates. These first aid certification courses are valuable because they can help you provide first aid for your children, elderly parents, spouse, pets, neighbors and even strangers. First aid course for treating wounds and bleeding can help you understand the type of wounds and basic treatment to wounds to prevent them from developing into complicated problems like severed tendons and blood vessels. Immediate treatment for wounds and bleeding can also help prevent infection. First aid course is ideal for employers, employees and any other individuals who want to administer first aid.

Author's Bio: 

Lorenzo writes for medic, offering lots more independent advice and help with first aid training. He always makes sure that his articles are interesting and error-free.