How to Prepare for First Aid & CPR Training

First responders are responsible for providing life-saving measures in a variety of emergencies. Preparing for First Aid and CPR training can give you the best shot at retaining the training information and feeling more comfortable with the essential procedures. Learning First Aid and CPR can prepare you with the basic skills necessary to act in a calm, reassuring manner, and knowing how to handle yourself without panicking can give victims a better chance of survival.

Instructions

• 1

  Confirm the training details. There may be multiple course offerings at different times and locations to accommodate both professional and layperson training. This is especially true during summer and spring. Missing your start date could result in having your training session postponed or even cost you a nonrefundable course fee. Print a copy of the course details for yourself and your employer, if applicable.

• 2

  Read over the First Aid and CPR training guidelines. Getting familiar with course objectives and expectations can help you remain focused during training. This is especially true if you're seeking a certification following the training session. Be aware that most First Aid and CPR courses require both written exams and analyzed hands-on demonstrations. Pay attention to lists of required materials necessary for class, such as index cards or a CPR mask.

• 3

  Learn background information. Since the focus of First Aid and CPR training is to provide you with basic information and skills, some topics may not receive in-depth explanations during class. It's easier to understand the reasoning behind certain actions if you know how the body responds during normal and emergency situations. Familiarizing yourself with anatomy and physiology can make following First Aid and CPR steps seem almost instinctual.

• 4

  Approach the training with an open mind. Although you shouldn't totally forget about any previous training, it's important to understand that lifesaving techniques change as additional knowledge is gained. There may also be differences in approach and techniques between agencies and even between course instructors within the same training agency. For example, while you may have learned to complete CPR chest compressions using a standard rate, the new course may suggest using well-known songs as a guide for the compression rate.

• 5

  Write down questions for the instructors. Include questions and concerns about old wives tales, home remedies, and "television medicine." For example, this is the time to ask about that startling scene from your favorite action show. Although television dramas may contain realistic events and procedures, this isn't always the case. Mimicking the actions of your favorite television medic can cause harm in a real-life situation.