First Aid/First Aid Training

First Aid Training
Reading this manual is no substitute for hands-on first aid training from an instructor qualified by a recognized organization.

Training programs vary from region to region, and we will highlight some of the main programs here.

North America

 * Lifesaving Society: The LSS, Canada's lifeguarding expert, provides first aid training geared toward both lifeguards and public
 * Red Cross: The RC has been a leading first aid training organization throughout North America
 * St. John Ambulance: provides first aid courses to the public, as well as more advanced training
 * Canadian Ski Patrol: provides first aid training for their ski patrollers as well as the public
 * Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
 * Corporate training programs: there are various corporations which provide their own programs
 * Many ambulance and fire services offer basic first aid courses to those who are interested, contact your local Emergency Services Station for more information.

United Kingdom

 * British Red Cross: The British Red Cross is part of the worldwide organization, and provides personal and commercial first aid training
 * St John Ambulance: SJA is the other main voluntary provider of first aid training in the UK

Professional Levels Beyond First Aid
Professional pre-hospital care is provided by local or regional Emergency Medical Services. It is feasible for interested persons to undertake further training. Higher levels of training include:


 * First Responder - The first responder level is often aimed at professionals, such as police officers, although in some areas, laypersons can become first responders, designated to reach emergencies before an ambulance
 * Emergency Medical Technician - Most ambulance services worldwide qualify their staff as EMTs or an equivalent. The additional skills they have vary between services, however most cover areas such as more advanced spinal care, resuscitation and patient handling.  In many countries, first aiders can attain this level of training through voluntary organizations or through private training.
 * Paramedic - Paramedics are often the most highly qualified of the ambulance personnel, usually with a range of intravenous drugs and items such as intubation kits. It is unlikely that any non-professional could achieve paramedic level.  In many countries, the title is protected, meaning that an unqualified person calling themselves a paramedic could face prosecution.