Advanced First Aid Training

Advanced first aid training refers to that which is taught to individuals who have had prior first aid training and want to advance to the next level. It is typically taught to health care professionals including paramedics and emergency room staff. More invasive and aggressive medical procedures, medications, and treatments are taught in advanced first aid training classes. These classes usually include both bookwork and skills testing which must be completed successfully.

Advanced Bleeding Control

• Supplies for Bleeding Control

  Bleeding control is taught in first aid classes across the globe. In an advanced first aid class bleeding control goes beyond using direct pressure on a wound which is what is taught in basic classes. Advanced bleeding control uses elevation, pressure points, cold compresses, and tourniquets. Elevation can be used in addition to direct pressure to help control bleeding from body parts that can be raised above the level of the patient's heart. Cold compresses can be used with direct pressure simultaneously if applied over the bandages used to control bleeding. Tourniquets use materials, such as a strip of cloth and pencil or even a blood pressure cuff, which can be used to stop blood flow to the injured limb. Tourniquets are used as a last resort due to the risk of permanent damage if done improperly.

Advanced Airway Control and Breathing

• Intubation Supplies

  Airway control and breathing taught in an advanced first aid class involves more invasive procedures and treatments. Intubation and emergency tracheotomies can be included in the curriculum of an advanced class. These procedures are performed when basic methods of airway control, such as oral or nasal airways, are unsuccessful. First aid training at an advanced level includes instruction on how to use machines that automatically support breathing like ventilators.

ACLS

• Cardiac Monitor

  Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) is taught during advanced first aid classes and gives patients who suffer from cardiac arrest a greater chance of survival. Defibrillators, medications and advanced airway control are used together in ACLS in an attempt to save a life. Those with advanced training use their skills and knowledge about various medical conditions to help determine the cause of cardiac arrest which helps them provide the best treatment with the hope of saving the patient.

Medications

• Medication Vials

  Medications are taught during advanced first aid classes. When, how, and why to use specific drugs is explained during class giving individuals the information needed to use the medications when appropriate. Medications can be administered in a variety of ways such as by injection, IV and orally. Those with advanced first aid training can use drugs like epinephrine (used in ACLS and for severe allergic reactions), morphine (used to treat extreme pain), and D-50 (used to treat low blood sugar) are among the drugs used for advanced first aid.

Equipment

• IV Medication Delivery System

  Instruction and demonstration on how to use various medical equipment is included during advanced first aid training. Equipment such as angiocatheters (used to start IVs), cardiac monitors, IO (IV access in bone), and ventilators can all be used for various treatments and procedures included in first aid at an advanced level. Those with advanced training must demonstrate their skills and ability to use the equipment to perform treatments and procedures properly. Equipment is available in a wide variety of brands and styles with each being unique in some way. Understanding how and why equipment works can help individuals use various brands and styles correctly.