A vast majority of people enrolling in a first aid training program are students, employees, and social service providers who need to complete the first aid course to meet work or university requirements. First aid courses are mandatory for people working in certain workplaces, especially in industries where chemicals or heavy-duty machines are used on a regular basis as there is a high risk of accidents in such environments.
A proper first aid training program is compulsory for people working with sensitive or heavy-duty equipment that involves health risks. It ensures protection for all employees. You also get peace of mind knowing that your team is trained to give basic medical treatment to a staff member or visitor should any accident occur during working hours.
Tips for Finding a Good First Aid Course
Mostly, people consider the convenience and cost when choosing a first aid program. While it’s important to consider the cost of the course, this shouldn’t be the only factor in deciding the best first aid training program. In this post, we will walk you through a few important things you must take into consideration when choosing a first aid course. Let’s take a look!
Is it Nationally Accredited?
For a course to be considered nationally accredited, it must be up to the standards given by the national Government and official authorities. If it’s a nationally accredited course, it will have a detailed course description along with a unique course code.
For example, if you are choosing a first aid course, you will need to use the course code “Provide First Aid HLTAID003” or another code depending on the type of first aid program you want.
Does the Course Meet Your Needs?
A bit of Google research will show you a plethora of first aid courses that are designed to fit different industries and various requirements. The best course for you is one that meets your individual needs. It’s important that you consider your industry and workplace rules before selecting a course.
For instance, people working in childcare or daycare facilities should enrol in Childcare First Aid Program, instead of a general First Aid Course. Take some time to compare different options and choose a course that is suitable to the size and nature of your business.
Check Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Research helps you get a better idea of what the course is about, everything it covers, and most importantly, what other people have to say about the course. Before you sign up for the program, check the customer reviews, ratings, and testimonials on the company’s official website. Check their social media pages to learn more about their offers. Or, simply check a few Google reviews.
Is the Course Flexible?
Flexibility is another important factor that determines the suitability of a first aid course. Some programs are less flexible, while other providers offer reliable and flexible programs. There is a chance you may have to reschedule your booking. The company should be willing to make changes to the program and training according to your convenience.
What are the Qualifications of the Trainers?
Check the first aid qualification certificate of the trainers to assess their abilities and skills. The trainers must have completed an accredited first aid training course from a reputable institution. Each trainer must have up-to-date first aid certification and extensive knowledge in this area.
You don’t want to end up with a training company that hardly knows anything about the first aid requirements in your workplace! Review the training and qualifications of the trainers thoroughly and choose a company that offers a comprehensive and up-to-date first aid training program with all relevant certificates.
What are the Training Conditions?
Just selecting a good first aid training course is not enough! It’s equally important to check the trainer-to-student ratio to get a better idea of how many students will be there. You can’t expect a quality training program from a company that has only a few trainers and hundreds of students.
There should be enough space in the room for each student to move around during the practical exercises. Additionally, there must be enough trainers for each student. The last thing you want is to enrol in the first aid program where the trainers do not have enough time to cater to each student’s requirements or provide personalized feedback to you. As a general rule, the 20:1 ratio is an ideal student-to-trainer ratio for any course.
Wrapping Up
Compile a list of your requirements before choosing your first aid certification course. Consider your workplace environment and the type of risks your employees are exposed to. Also, think about the emergency situations that may need first aid specialists. Compare different programs and see what the various competitors are offering. Based on this, choose a course that fits your business environment and individual requirements. The ideal first aid course for you is one that fits your budget and includes comprehensive training for your employees.