I took a two-day Standard First Aid – CPR C & AED through St. John Ambulance this week. I am now certified to save your life for the next three years. It’s been six years since I took a refresh. It was nice to get out of the office for a few days. But let me tell you it was a challenge to sit in a classroom setting. (Thankfully there was recess.) The class also started at 8 a.m. sharp. I was late on the first day because I got the times mixed up. It didn’t go unnoticed.
But hoorah … I am now the designated daytime First Aid attendant for the newsroom.
About 15 people with different backgrounds and reasons for being there took the course. On both days we had hands on training – tying slings, CPR on dummies and choking scenarios – so we got to know each other pretty well. Our instructor was hilarious with his decades of real-world stories. He really knows his stuff and our names. I was impressed he had our names down within an hour. (I was the only late comer so I was easy to remember.)
As you know I am on the trail and in the mountains a lot. Just recently a friend face-planted after tripping on something and a few weeks ago my foot caught on a rock and I went flying down a hill. Thankfully neither one of us were seriously injured.
Next up is the wilderness first aid course. It’s a bigger time commitment but I think it would be so rewarding. I’m also considering volunteering with the organization to keep up my skill levels.
WHY RUNNERS SHOULD LEARN FIRST AID
As runners, we are in many situations where anything could happen – hypothermia, heat exhaustion, heart attack, falls, etc. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke particularly comes to mind at this time of year. We must listen to our bodies and be aware of the conditions. There’s no time to be a hero. I am always mindful when I run in the heat especially after my Lost Soul experience two years ago.
Thankfully I have not been at a race where a runner has collapsed. While I see a lot of runners who look like hell at the finish line, fortunately I have not been in the vicinity of someone who has a heart attack. A friend was at a hotel room’s exercise room when a man collapsed on the treadmill. It can happen anywhere.
Most of all it is comforting to have knowledge in case there’s a medical emergency or life-threatening incident. I would hate to feel helpless and live with that regret of not helping someone in need.
Do you have your First Aid certification? Were you ever forced to use your skills in a life-threatening situation?