Quarantine may change standard first aid forever

Everything has been affected by the Corona virus pandemic. This impact has not left any sector untouched including the health care and first responder sectors. These changes may have long lasting effects on how we perform and learn first aid.

COVID-19 + FIRST AID = lots of PPE

One of the first changes is something that everyone is already adopting in their lives. This is adopting social distancing. While this may not be around to stay for the long term, it is something to keep in mind if you have to perform Standard First Aid. One of the first methods recommended to provide minor first aid to a patient is to coach them to self treat. This will keep you safely away from the patient. If social distancing cannot be maintained then you should wear protective clothing such as a mask and glasses or goggles. As always, it is important to wear gloves when performing first aid and to throw them out afterwards as well as washing your hands thoroughly after a first aid encounter.

If the performance of CPR is required, it has been recommended to provide compressions-only CPR until first responders or paramedics arrive. In order to further protect yourself, it is recommended to put a piece of cloth over the persons face or install a pocket mask or face shield to prevent any possible spread of the novel Corona virus.

It is our hope that a positive aspect of this pandemic is that it will remind people of using personal protective equipment (PPE). Hopefully, this will become second nature and help to protect all first aid providers no matter the situation.

Is online first aid a near reality?

This recent pandemic has also caused many organizations to revisit the way that they provide Standard First aid, and CPR classes. Some Ottawa first aid course providers are looking at the possibility to offer parts of their trainings online or to allow distance training and make it more convenient for the participants. Have a look at the following providers for more information as it becomes available: Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance, Canadian Ski Patrol, and Ottawa Paramedic Service. While this change is being spurred on by the current pandemic, the hope is that this trend will continue to gain momentum. While many of the items in a standard first aid course can be done online, there are still skills that require a practice and demonstration element. On the other hand, CPR-C, CPR-HCP, and all other levels require a large portion of classroom participation and may not lend themselves to an online or a blended learning style as well. One of the best options put forward for the CPR Blended learning is to allow participants to do the theory part from home and then come to a drop in session to perform the actual skill. This drop in session can be short and possibly provided at a more convenient location for the individual. 

Have Questions, agree or disagree? Want to make a comment? Are you interested in taking a first aid class either in person (after quarantine) or in a blended style (when available)? Get in contact with us to discuss further.

Stay Safe!!