Hello Reader,
I’m excited to share my experience as a First Aid Instructor. Teaching life-saving skills has been one of the most rewarding roles in my career, allowing me to make a direct impact on the safety and well-being of others. Here’s an overview of my responsibilities, the courses I teach, and the positive feedback I've received from participants.
I started this due to my exposure to medical skills during National Service. As a medic, I was exposed to and trained in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), and Military First Aid (MFA). The BCLS certificate was renewable every 2 years, while the MFA was non-renewable in the civilian context.
As I saw the value in first aid skills and wanted to continue improving my exposure to public speaking, I did my research and selected Singapore First Aid Training Centre (SFATC) as my training centre.
I was fortunate to be trained by the founder and ex-paramedic in a small group with experienced professionals seeking a different training environment, allowing me to question and gain more insights into the first aid space.
Teaching Life-Saving Skills
Upon the completion of my required certifications and an active instructor status, I registered as an instructor with the Ministry of Education (MOE). As an instructor, my role is to conduct lessons and assess students' proficiency in various first aid courses. This involves educating participants on crucial first aid techniques and ensuring they are prepared to handle emergencies confidently based on Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council's (SFRAC) Guidelines. Here’s a breakdown of the courses I teach:
Standard First Aid (SFA)
Course Content: This course covers the essential skills needed to manage common injuries and emergencies. Topics include wound care, fracture management, and dealing with burns and scalds. In SFA, participants are taught hands-only CPR to increase the probability of trained personnels stepping up to aid when needed.
Assessment: Participants are assessed on their ability to perform first aid procedures accurately and efficiently. Practical assessments ensure they can apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
Child First Aid (CFA)
Course Content: CFA offers a blended course with coverage of first aid for both adults and infants/children which includes topics such as infant CPR, choking management, and dealing with pediatric/other emergencies. In CFA, participants are taught standard CPR with ventilation.
Assessment: Participants are evaluated on their proficiency in handling both adult and child emergencies, ensuring they can provide effective care to younger patients (inclusive).
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
Course Content: This course teaches the critical skills of CPR and AED usage. Participants learn how to respond to cardiac emergencies and increase the chances of survival for victims. In BCLS, participants are taught standard CPR with ventilation and locating of the pulse.
Assessment: Practical assessments test participants on their ability to perform CPR and use an AED correctly, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective intervention.
Positive Feedback from Participants
Throughout my tenure as a First Aid Instructor, I have received positive feedback from participants, which has been incredibly encouraging. Some have left glowing reviews on Google, praising the quality of instruction and the practical skills they gained. Here are some of the common themes in the feedback:
Engaging Lessons: Participants appreciate the engaging and interactive nature of the lessons, which make learning enjoyable and effective.
Comprehensive Training: The thoroughness of the training is often highlighted, with participants feeling well-prepared to handle emergencies after completing the courses.
Instructor Expertise: Positive reviews highlights the expertise and ability to explain complex concepts clearly, making it easier for participants to understand and retain the information.
Attention to Detail: In larger group settings, it is easy to miss out on minor key mistakes such as the placement of the heel, depth of compression, and location of landmarks. Participants have complimented my keen attention to detail in these areas. Ensuring that every participant performs techniques accurately is crucial, and my focus on these details has been greatly appreciated.
Key Highlights
Impactful Teaching: Educating participants on life-saving skills and ensuring they are confident in their abilities to handle emergencies.
Diverse Courses: Teaching a range of courses, from Standard First Aid to Basic Cardiac Life Support, catering to different needs and age groups.
Positive Feedback: Receiving positive reviews from participants, reflecting the effectiveness and quality of the training provided.
Challenges Faced
Adapting to Different Learning Styles: Ensuring that all participants, regardless of their background or experience, understand and retain the information requires adaptability and patience.
Keeping Up with Updates: Staying current with the latest first aid guidelines and techniques to provide the most up-to-date and accurate training.
Balancing Practical and Theoretical Learning: Striking the right balance between hands-on practice and theoretical knowledge to ensure comprehensive understanding.
Reflection and Takeaways
My experience as a First Aid Instructor has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to impart essential skills that can save lives. The positive feedback from participants and the knowledge that they are better prepared to handle emergencies are the most rewarding aspects of this role. Teaching first aid has reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring that I can provide the best possible training.
I hope this insight into my experience as a First Aid Instructor inspires you to value the importance of first aid training and the impact it can have on our communities. Not only is the work impactful, it also exposes you to presentation skills, adaptability, and develops your attention to detail. Stay tuned for more stories and experiences from my journey.
Thank you for reading!
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