First Aid Training Service offers a variety of training courses. You will find a list of training courses below. If you are interested in taking part in a training course you can browse our website and check availability.

Practical First Aid

A 12 hour course which is suitable for members of the public with an interest in learning first aid, for youth groups, transition year students and for workplaces who already have the required number of Occupational First Aiders in place. Certificates are valid for two years.

after those three years.

Occupational First Aid

A three day course, fulfils the Health and Safety Authority Requirements for first aiders at work. Follows the syllabus, as set down by the Health and Safety Authority.

Occupational First Aid Refresher Course

A one day refresher course, for anyone, whose occupational first aid cert needs to be renewed. In keeping with Health and Safety Legislation, you can only participate in a refresher course if your certificate expired within the last three months. If your certificate is more than three months out of date you must redo the full course.

Basic Life Support Course

A 4 hour course which goes through choking and CPR for adults, children and infants. Suitable for interested members of the public, for parents, healthcare workers and childcare workers.

First Aid Training Service is also a training site for the Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Association. We can offer any of the Basic Life Support courses accredited by the Irish Heart Foundation which are as follows:

• Family and Friends CPR
• Heartsaver CPR
• Heartsaver CPR/AED
• Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support/AED

Public Access Defibrillation:

Training in the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).Suitable for people, who have access to an AED. If there’s one in your workplace, there should be trained users!!

First Aid Training Service is in a position to give you advice in relation to getting a defibrillator for your workplace, club or community.

First Aid Training Service is recognised as a market leader in first aid training.

We are recognised as an Occupational First Aid training provider by the Occupational First Aid Assessment Agent (OFAAA) which is appointed by the Health and Safety Authority to register Occupational First Aid training providers.

From the 1st September 2008, on completion of a First Aid Training Service Occupational First Aid course, the successful participant will recieve, a FETAC Level 5 Certificate. This is in line with a number of changes in the Occupational First Aid guidelines as released by the HSA recently. These include:

• Introduction of a new Occupational First Aid Standard – Fetac Level 5 OFA
• Refresher for First Aiders – one day every 2 years
• Syllabus includes new standard for Instructors in Cardiac First Response (BLS/CPR and Defibrillator Training)
• Level 5 FETAC certification available after 1 day OFA Refresher for those with certificates not more than 3 months out of date

We also offer a variety of other courses which enable you to increase the safety of your employees at work. Short first aid courses, which can be used to assist,Occupational First Aiders in the workplace.

We offer public Occupational First Aid Courses every month in Galway City. These are particularly suitable where you have a small number of employees to be trained. We will also deliver courses on site for you if you require.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable piece of equipment measuring 1ft by 1ft that can deliver an electric shock to a victim of cardiac arrest in order to restore the heart to its normal rhythm.

The defibrillator contains special computer software that can analyze the cardiac rhythm and deliver a shock ONLY if the heart requires it. Therefore it is not possible to administer defibrillation to a person with healthy, regular cardiac rhythm.

Survival rates of cardiac arrest victims are directly related to the time it takes to resuscitate and administer defibrillation. If a person receives Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and is defibrillated within 5 minutes of suffering from cardiac arrest, the survival rate is approximately 50%, and is even higher with younger patients. If the time taken to resuscitate is 10 minutes or more, the chances of survival are very small.

In order to increase the chances of survival from cardiac arrest, CPR should commence as quickly as possible and the target time for defibrillation should be less than 5 minutes.

Therefore training people in CPR and defibrillation, and making defibrillators available in easy to access, local locations is vital to the survival of cardiac arrest victims in Ireland. With 6,400 cardiac arrests happening in this country per year, the need for defibrillators and people trained in CPR becomes even more apparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the course content Include?

The Defibrillator (AED) and its maintenance. – Using a Defibrillator (AED) on an adult.

Signs of heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest and foreign body obstruction.

Administering Asprin to a patient with cardiac chest pain.

The well being of the first responder including post traumatic stress.

How long will it last?

Training takes a half day. The certificate is valid for two years.

Where are these courses held?

Courses can be arranged close to where you live or work and may even be arranged in your company, club or school.

They are not wished for but they do happen. No one can also predict the time and place that a mishap will take place. Simply put, being trained in administering first aid will somehow help out in lessening the occurrences of the most unwanted events and likewise increase the chances of saving lives. Much more, having undergone the first aid training will prepare you for this.

Simply put, first aid is a type of an urgent care that is immediately provided to the victims of accidents prior to the arrival of the trained medical people. The act itself includes the use and application of the simple yet rapid measures like that of putting on pressure as necessary, clearing the air passage, or that of dousing some chemical burns on the eyes and skin. While it is impossible to predict the occurrence of any of these mishaps, it is always better to prepare yourself and anticipate what may come.

It is never fun to be caught off guard and pay a high price due to negligence. Therefore, whether you are simply chilling out within the confines of your home or waiting for your turn to be given way in a heavy traffic condition, it is best to keep your senses alert.

As the cliché goes, prevention is better than cure. Meaning to say, every emergency situation that has to be cared for must be coupled with a well trained First Aider. You should know its importance especially when emergency cases arise.

Your first aid training may have been years ago so it is always advisable to keep yourself well abreast of the new and modern techniques.

Accidents in the Workplace

Wherever you are, it is right to assume that you are not safe. After all, is there really a safe place on Earth? You must not doubt it. Nothing is perfect in this world because if it is, then there would be no accidents in the very first place! People normally get the slightest up to the deepest cuts, they fall down, they trip and hit the pavement, and they break their bones. Anything can happen to an individual’s body. It is also typical for people to meet accidents while they are in their workplaces. The mishaps of course depend on the nature of the job. Normally, there are more serious injuries met by people who handle heavy occupations.

Overall, these injuries frequently happen while the employees are in the workplace. That goes to show that it is very vital that some people inside the premises should be trained in giving Occupational first aid.

The Benefits of the Training

What good will it be when some of the staff, are trained to apply first aid? Of course there are tons of benefits that make up the list. Included are the ones stated below.

First and foremost, those who have gotten the training can attend to the employees at once as soon as the injury has been acquired. This includes that of bandaging the wound to keep it sanitary and safe.

Second, breaks or sprains can be shortly tended to prior to the emergency medical team’s arrival.

Third, in cases when CPR is required, the trained person can perform it and therefore save the victim.

Fourth, in the instances when the hospital is still too far, the basic first aid can already be administered by someone.

The main reason on why it is necessary to have the training is to increase the number of lives getting saved instead of being wasted.

If you are thinking about getting trained in first aid, then what you have to do is to find the programs that are being offered in your own community. In fact, there are plenty of employers nowadays who have realized the importance of putting someone under this kind of training. You can be lucky enough to be chosen. If your employer doesn’t provide this need, then you may look for schools or medical offices that provide the training. In this case there will be a fee required but then again you just have to think of the benefits that it will give you.

Become an Asset to Your Company

If you have been certified to be capable of administrating first aid, then you simply increase your value to your company. You can include this expertise into your resume and for sure your future employer will consider this as a plus point. By and large, first aid training can also be turned into a career.

What must comprise your personal first aid kit? Why should you prepare it at all times? If you have undergone some thorough first aid training, it is then given that you have been introduced to the essence of having a first aid kit at hand. However, you must know a lot about how you can provide the immediate help to lessen the victim’s degree of suffering. This you can do only if you are knowledgeable on how to administer the appropriate first aid treatment with the help of your first aid kit.

Why you should have a First Aid Kit

Alright as mentioned above, accidents take place at the most unexpected moment. Thus, being prepared with your kit can change the course of things. You can cut yourself or your family members may be too reckless to end up getting hurt. Again, things like these happen without your prior knowledge. Emergencies comprise of getting cuts, burns, and other degrees of injuries.

Try to imagine that you are in the park with your children and then one of them breaks his bone. You can always control the bleeding because you have your kit. You have your bandage and other paraphernalia. Whoever meets an accident, you can jump to your feet and rush to render help. After all, a helping hand is not only meant to be extended to your family and colleagues but to each and every one who has a need for it. By means of bringing along the kit with you, you get totally prepared even for the most surprising and unexpected circumstances. Furthermore, you can likewise promote the decontamination and prevent any infection. While you are waiting for a professional medical assistance, you can busy yourself with administering the much needed first aid.

What You should Put Inside Your Kit

An emergency first aid kit is a necessity in each home, car, and handbag. You see, mishaps and other untoward incidents may knock on your door wherever you may be. Thus, gathering the pertinent supplies that you need, will help you handle effectively any emergency situation even at a moment’s notice. It is also important to take with you this emergency kit as you venture into travels. Whether or not you are traveling with kids, it is a must to have the supplies ready.

So, what must comprise your first aid kit?

• Examination Gloves
• Adhesive Plasters
• Sterile Eye Pads (No16 with padding attached)
• Individually Wrapped Triangular Bandages
• Safety Pins
• Individually Wrapped Sterile Unmediated Wound Dressings (No 3.8.& 9)
• Individually wrapped Disinfectant Wipes
• Paramedic Shears
• Sterile Water
• Pocket Face Mask (for CPR)
• Water Based Burns Dressings (selection)
• Crepe Bandage
• Thermal Blanket

Accidents in Relation to the Seasons

It is right and safe to assume that accidents are for all seasons. They do happen anytime and anywhere. You can never say that just because you are inside the confines of your home you are already safe from harm. Either you are inside or outside, if it is meant to happen, there will be mishaps around you.

They say that during the summer months when everyone feels hot, emergency situations often take place. One of which is the case of fire because people tend to operate their air conditioning unit beyond its capacity. Others claim that it is during the winter season that there is a high rate of accidents. It is during this time that the weather becomes terrible. The wind blows coldly and the rains smash on the car windows. Snow also comes abound which makes the road very slippery. News flash reports often show cars stumbling one after the other because of the very slippery snow covered roads. But which is which? Which season can be considered as the peak of emergencies?

Accidents happen at no definite time. Whatever is the season be it the winter, the spring, the summer, or the autumn—one thing is for sure. That is, people will get involved in a series of disasters. These events are beyond anyone’s control. One good thing is that there are individuals out there who are skilled in the application of first aid so they make a change in the course of the events. In case of fire, they are able to treat the burns. If there are injuries, they are able to settle the victims using the most suitable remedy. If someone experiences respiratory problems, then the qualified individuals know how to revive them through CPR. It truly feels good that there is help nearby.

How You can be of Great Help

Knowing that you are a trained individual yourself, it pays that you take all necessary precautions and be prepared at all times. Here are some other reminders for you.

Needless to say, it is only safe to think that emergencies and troublesome

Since tragedy may strike at any time, you don’t know when your help is needed and who will be asking for your aid. Thus, it is essential that you ready yourself and your emergency kit.

Be alert as always. Anticipate all sorts of tragedies that commonly occur within your area. This will help you decide on the things and equipment that you will need. By surfing the news, you get a clear idea of what you have to expect. Inform those around you of what are supposed to be done during specific emergency situations. You may post flyers about the safety tips during earthquakes, fires, and many others.

Always keep a list of the emergency hotline. You need it and that is for sure.

Going through a first aid training course will train you into a more responsible and more careful individual who has a great concern for all and sundry. Thus, it really helps to be prepared at all cost.

Screening the Potential Babysitter

In most cases, babysitters are subject to interrogation or brief interview. Parents like you must be very particular with the person’s qualifications and trainings. First thing that you have to ask is the available time that the individual has so that you will know if she is the right one who can help you out. Also, there are some pertinent issues which you have to settle with her. How about when your baby chokes or if she stops breathing? Will she be able to perform CPR? What if your child gets an injury? Can she administer a first aid treatment? There are a lot of things that you have to ask her and ensure that she is capable of handling your precious little one in case of an emergency.

As a matter of fact, there are plenty of teenagers out there who want to earn their own money by means of babysitting. It is advisable for them to take up the courses so that they can become more qualified in handling little children. Apart from the training on the application of first aid, they can also learn more as they take up courses on how they can efficiently play and get along with little kids, how they will politely answer the phone calls and get the message when you are out of the house, how to feed the baby, bathe them, and change their diapers. They will likewise know more about how they may handle emergency situations.

Certification upon Course Completion

Soon after the person has completed the course, a First Aid Certificate will be issued as a proof that she is qualified enough to perform CPR and Basic First Aid. Thus, you have to keep in mind to ask for the vital certificates that will prove the person’s qualifications. After all, you will never entrust your children to a person who knows nothing about an effective handling of untoward events.

It is also very important to make sure that the Certificate is current and has not expired.

The first aid training is a course that is essential to each and everyone. Babysitters should all the more be persuaded to take this up so that they will know the proper handling of children with or without an emergency.

Why First Aid Training is a Must

By nature, children are hard to contain in one place. They are most of the times messy and playful. This therefore lets them end up getting wounds and injuries that vary from the petty up to the serious ones. There are cases when some of them find it difficult to breathe especially if they have medically related illnesses. When the school staff doesn’t have any background or so in administering first aid, then the institution often ends up being sued by the fuming parents.

If there is any person or better yet a couple of people who are certified to perform CPR and the rest of the first aid techniques, instances like attacks of asthma, diabetes, seizures, and choking can be handled effectively. CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation is known to be one of the lifesaving techniques. Someone who knows how to correctly administer it can work on reviving the victim while the medical team service has not arrived yet. Thus, instead of risking the lives of the children, the knowledge in first aid can save them.

The Nature of the First Aid Training Courses

The very goal of the first aid course is not confined to educating the learners of the necessary skills that will promote the saving of lives. It is likewise focused on emphasizing the preventive measures that can lessen the occurrence of accidents. Those who are encouraged to take up the course include the childcare providers such as babysitters and teachers. They are the people with whom the little kids are going to spend most of their time with so they better get learned on how to properly handle them.

The training course basically includes the teaching of the simplest instructions, the body of theories, and those hands-on interactions which will give the feeling of a real-life scenario. The courses are therefore provided by qualified and licensed trainers who will guide you in every step.

Benefits of Signing Up for the Course

Take note that you are a childcare provider. Apart from your educational background, you need an updated training on how you will confidently and safely survive the most terrible situations involving mishaps among children. There are different kinds of emergency situations that may confront you. Little children may trip, fall, break their bones, get injured, be attacked by their medical illness, or worst, have difficulty in breathing. If you are trained on how to apply first aid and most importantly that of the CPR, you can become the person of the hour and save the day.

Therefore, why not put the first aid training course on top of your concerns list?