First Aid courses

Submitted: Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 11:19
ThreadID: 41612 Views:2570 Replies:7 FollowUps:6
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I have finally signed up to do my St John's Senior First Aid certificate (having had to assist in a 5 vehicle pile up on Monday). I am looking at following it up in April with the Remote Area First Aid course, for which you have to have done the Senior Cert first. It is recommended for surveyors, geologists etc but also for 4WD enthusiasts.

Has anybody done this course? Was it worthwhile or do you think the Senior Cert. is enough. I am keen to do it but it takes two days and around $165 so I want it to be relevant.
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Reply By: flappa - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 11:23

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 11:23
What extra does it provide ?
AnswerID: 217711

Follow Up By: greydemon - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 13:25

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 13:25
This is what it covers. Some of it is just 'revise', and some of it relates to paperwork which I woudn't need to worry about. The rest of it looks OK, though the last line seems to me to show a distinct lack of confidence in my abilities!

Role and responsibility of the First Aider
Introduction to remote area first aid
Revise management of an unconscious casualty
Revise respiratory problems
Priorities of care and documentation in remote areas
Managing minor illnesses
Conditions affecting consciousness
Identifying and managing skin conditions
Recognising and managing broken bones, muscle and joint injuries
Recognising and managing spinal and back injuries
Effectively managing casualties with gastro-intestinal problems
Managing heat & cold induced injury/illnesses
Extended care and fluid balance
Managing ear injuries
Selecting first aid kits and equipment
Principles of triage and care of the deceased
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FollowupID: 478146

Reply By: mike w (WA) - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 11:31

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 11:31
Its amazing what is now crammed in to 2 days, when several years ago the course was 3-4 days in duration.

The remote area first aid will prove invaluable, it covers more indepth the types of situations that you would likely to come across when in remote areas and especially when help isnt 7 minutes away.

I have the utmost of respect for anyone that makes the decision to undertake any first aid training, beit basic or advanced. Well done
AnswerID: 217716

Reply By: DaveNQ1 - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 12:02

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 12:02
Greydemon
I do not know the content of the remote course but if it is anything like the course i completed over an 8 day period, i would recommend to do it. A larger knowledge base of first aid can only be an advantage. Sometimes, senior first aid is just not enough and relatively simple things can help preserve lives. Some of these simple things are not taught in a standard first aid course.

Cheers
Dave
AnswerID: 217721

Reply By: Robin - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 12:55

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 12:55
Have done that course Greydemon , it was worth it as work paid for it , but the certificate I got was only good for 3 years , then technically your unqualified again without a refresher course.

In that sense it wasn't good value for money , and I believe I learnt as much from reading websites and the book that came with the course.

Robin Miller

AnswerID: 217729

Follow Up By: greydemon - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 13:30

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 13:30
Thanks Robin, I have no plans to use this qualification for anything, I'll keep the Senior Cert up to date because my employer wants me to and is paying for that bit. As for the remote area training, once you know it then you know it. (and I'll have the book you mention). Hopefully it will be the sort of knowledge I never have to use but is comforting to know.

Nick
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Reply By: geocacher (djcache) - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 13:43

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 13:43
Hi Greydemon,

Looks like a standard Level II curriculum to me.

Have you looked at courses offered by your local Ambulance Service for comparison?

They are often taught by Paramedics as opposed to a similarly qualified first aider.

With a Cert IV in Training and Assessment a Level II first aider can teach first aid. Not much experience to back it up though...

In some states the Ambulance Service for the state is St John's, but not many.

Dave
AnswerID: 217741

Follow Up By: Member - Davoe (Nullagine) - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 16:14

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 16:14
How would that compare to occupational 1st aid? I first did it at St Johns Perth and was a 3 day course. I then re did it about a year ago on site and it took 2 days - believe me there is a massive difference in what you learn
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Follow Up By: markeaust - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 08:14

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 08:14
I agree with Dave on this one........the courses often have the same curriculum, BUT....would you rather hear it and practice it all with someone who has had practical experience with REAL people or someone who has only experience with a mannikin?

The other thing obviously missing from this course is how to deal with 'cardiovascular emergencies', ie Heart attack, angina etc.. Very common, especially with all the 'Grey Nomads' travelling this great country... 8-)

Cheers,

Mark
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Reply By: ExplorOz Team - Jackie - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 15:46

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 15:46
I have no knowledge on these particular first aid courses, but I just had an email the other day from one of our suppliers in relation to some course they do if you may be interested. It is more of a wilderness first aid course www.wmi.net.au for practical first aid knowledge. I am unsure of the cost though as well.
But thought it may be of some assistance to you.
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AnswerID: 217771

Follow Up By: greydemon - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 16:06

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 16:06
Thanks Jackie, I had a look at the website but WA is not well covered, there is only one Basic course and it's full. It is also quite expensive compared to the St John's course, and it's not assessed - I need an assessed course because I am too lazy otherwise!

There are a couple of topics there which I have jotted down to ensure that they are covered on the Outback Areas course so thanks for that.

Nick
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Follow Up By: markeaust - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 08:23

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 08:23
This provider is the biggest and best provider of wilderness first aid courses in Australia. They also work overseas as well.

All outdoor education instructors and teachers who lead outdoor trips for schools or commercial adventure activity organisations etc will have done this course. I did one many years ago, when I was teaching and it was very comprehensive (to a point) and included underlying pathophysiology of a variety of conditions as well as the principles of first aid and ongoing care when medical help is a long way away.

The downside is the cost.....you could probably give your car a fair dose of ARB for what they cost. Also their best courses are residential and aften take as much as a week or so.

Cheers,

Mark

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Reply By: Barnesy - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 11:37

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 11:37
Whatever course you decide to do greydemon, good on ya. Any little bit of knowledge you have can literally help to save a life. Without knowing much about details of these courses, i would be leaning towards one run by someone with first hand experience. The best teachers are ones who can answer lots of questions.
AnswerID: 218018

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