First Aid Equipment Training

Certain professionals, such as firefighters and hospital workers, are trained to use first aid equipment. For the average citizen to learn to use first aid equipment, the place to go is the Red Cross, an international organization that deals in all types of disaster care and education. There are chapters in most cities in the United States, and the classes cover all types of first aid equipment.

Types of Equipment

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) equipment includes the training mannequin and face protectors. The Red Cross's classes train people to use defibrillators, which are commonly found in workplaces, airports and other public places. These first aid classes will also teach the use of splints, bandages and other equipment found in first aid kits.

Considerations

• The type of equipment and the extent of the knowledge needed will depend on your purpose. The layman wishing to learn basic first aid equipment will benefit from the first aid and CPR classes the Red Cross offers. However, if you are a health care professional who intends to use the equipment training for professional reasons and needs to learn how to take care of the equipment, most manufacturers offer specialized training. The Red Cross also has more extensive teacher certification classes that will cover this.

Benefits

• Knowledge of first aid equipment is valuable when time is of the essence in an emergency situation. For instance, if you already know how to locate and use a defibrillator, the minutes saved could save the victim's life. A knowledgeable person can help keep the victim and bystanders calm in an emergency situation.

Expert Insight

• Emergency preparedness is crucial for safety in the home, school and workplace. Disasters, accidents and emergency situations can happen quickly, without warning. Learning how to use emergency equipment is an important component of preparedness, according to the Red Cross.

Warning

• Formal training in the use of equipment is important for anyone rendering first aid, to prevent further injury to the victim. However, there is a Good Samaritan Law that protects people from being sued in the case of further injury as a result of good-intentioned efforts to help. The laws in each state are basically the same. For example, the Hawaii Good Samaritan Act states: "Any person who in good faith renders emergency care, without remuneration or expectation of remuneration, at the scene of an accident or emergency to the victim of the accident or emergency shall not be liable for any civil damages resulting from the person's acts or omission, except for such damages as may result from the person's gross negligence or wanton acts or omissions."