# First Aid Training

It has been slightly over a year since the fatal Tanjong Pagar car crash. It made me wonder how I would react if I ever were in such a situation. Aside from calling an ambulance, I would probably not know what else I can do in that situation.

Out of curiosity, I decided to go for first-aid training. I wanted to know what I can do during an emergency, and I think it is also generally a good life skill to have.

#### Overview of the training

There are several training providers for this course. I attended the “Standard First Aid Course” conducted by the [Singapore Emergency Responder Academy (SERA)](https://www.sera.sg/en/).

The course fee for this course is $180.83. However, those above 21 years old are eligible for SSG funding of $135.20.

> This is a separate funding mechanism by Skillsfuture Singapore (SSG) that **does not touch your Skillsfuture Credits**. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents about the age of 21 are eligible for SSG funding of between 80-90%, subject to funding approval by SSG. - [SERA](https://www.sera.sg/en/index.php/standard-first-aid-full-course/#1621754020740-bcd55506-5ade)

I paid the remaining $45.63 using my Skillsfuture credits.

The training consists of both theory and practical lessons. The overview of the theory that will be covered can be found here: <https://www.sera.sg/en/index.php/courses/standard-first-aid-online/>

Generally, the theory lessons gives a good overview of the different types of injuries and your role as a first-aider.

For the practical session, you will be taught the following:

* How to perform CPR and use an AED
* How to use an inhaler
* How to use an EpiPen
* How to perform multiple bandaging techniques for different types of wounds and fractures.

There are 2 training modes currently available. You can opt for a 2-day onsite physical session, or a blended mode, where you’ll cover the theory components on your own via E-learning, and attend a 1-day onsite practical session. The onsite physical session starts at 9.30am and ends at 6.30pm.

#### My Learning Points

I enjoyed myself during this course. There were several misconceptions I had about certain injuries and how to treat them.

One of the biggest misconceptions I had is that you use an AED when the heart flatlines. This is actually false. You see, when a cardiac arrest occurs, your heart goes into this **irregular** electrical rhythm called “Ventricular Fibrillation”. Essentially, your heart is unable to function properly, but it doesn’t actually flatline.

![Taken from the SERA Guidebook](https://1381317493-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M_LagkeYCeK1tPDWgu6%2Fuploads%2FBeZkfDHEFnJVk6gEO4a4%2Fvf.png?alt=media\&token=4e092a0e-cf6f-4ccc-8344-d457939b5f17)

The AED is used to administer an electrical shock to help **restart the heart** and restore the electrical rhythm to normal. Unfortunately, movies portray a dangerously false depiction of this situation. I wonder if any filmmakers were sued for this, considering that it’s a life-or-death situation.

Overall, it was an insightful course. The trainer actually experienced 2 situations where he had to perform CPR - 1 during his NS days, and another during a car accident. It’s one of the reasons why he became an instructor. Deep down, I hope that I will not encounter these kinds of situations. Even with training, I am unsure how effective I will be under such stress. That being said, after the certification expires 2 years from now, I will probably do a refresher course to keep myself updated.