Learning to Save Lives: My Experience with First Aid Training in University

Date 20 February 2023

First aid training is a valuable experience for university students as it equips them with the necessary skills to provide basic life support in emergency situations. In this blog, Aliya explores the importance of first aid training, the topics covered in a typical training course, and the benefits of learning these life-saving skills.

Aliya Noor

Attending a first aid training course can be an incredibly valuable experience for anyone, as it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide basic life support in emergency situations. As an Early Years student, I recently had the opportunity to attend a first aid training course and would like to share my experience.

The training course I attended was organized by the university and was conducted by a certified first aid instructor. The course covered a wide range of topics including basic life support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), choking, and wound care. The instructor began the course by explaining the importance of first aid and how it can make a significant difference in saving lives.

The training was both theoretical and practical, and we were provided with ample opportunities to practice our skills in simulated emergency scenarios. The instructor showed us how to assess the situation, identify potential hazards, and call for emergency services if needed. We learned how to provide basic life support, including how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive a person in cardiac arrest. We also learned how to treat common injuries such as cuts, burns, and fractures.

Throughout the training, we were encouraged to ask questions and clarify our doubts. The instructor was patient and engaging, and his teaching style made the learning experience more enjoyable.

First aid is a vital set of skills that can help anyone, regardless of their profession, be better equipped to respond in an emergency.

The primary benefit of knowing first aid is the ability to save lives. In an emergency, every second counts, and being able to provide immediate assistance before medical professionals arrive can make all the difference. Knowing how to administer CPR, stop bleeding, or treat shock can be the difference between life and death. Quick action can prevent further injury or even save someone’s life.

Having the knowledge and skills to respond to an emergency can give you the confidence to act quickly and effectively. When you know what to do in an emergency, you are less likely to panic and more likely to take control of the situation. This can be particularly important in situations where there is no medical professional around, or when there is a delay in emergency services arriving. Knowing first aid can make you feel more in control and better able to manage emergencies.

First aid knowledge can help to reduce recovery time for a person who has been injured. By administering immediate and appropriate care, you can help to prevent further injury or complications. When you provide the right treatment, the injured person is more likely to recover faster, with fewer long-term effects from the injury.

Knowing first aid also increases safety awareness. By learning how to respond to an emergency, you become more aware of the risks and hazards that can lead to accidents. This knowledge can help you to take steps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place, such as identifying potential hazards and taking proactive steps to minimize the risk of accidents.

By the end of the course, I felt confident in my ability to provide basic life support in emergency situations. The training not only equipped me with the necessary skills but also made me more aware of the importance of first aid and emergency preparedness. I realized that being trained in first aid is not only beneficial for myself but for those around me as well.

In conclusion, attending a first aid training course in university was an enriching experience that I would recommend to anyone. The course not only provided me with the necessary skills to respond to emergencies but also made me more confident in my ability to help those in need. I believe that first aid training is an important aspect of personal and community safety, and I encourage others to take advantage of similar opportunities that may be available to them.

Aliya Noor standing in front of a flood lit pitch.
Aliya Noor

Aliya Noor is a first year student at the University of Northampton studying Early Childhood Studies.