First Aid Training
26th December 2021
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).
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
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.
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.
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