Yesterday, I spent the day getting my First Aid Certificate. I did it with St John's Ambulance (although I since learned that it's easier and cheaper to do it with the Red Cross). It was very intense. It's about the 4th time I've taken a First Aid course and the last couple were with St. John's Ambulance. However, they've changed a lot of stuff. Including the teaching style which involves the trainer (or whatever he is called) acting like a total asshole and making you feel like crap. Example:
He has just explained the first steps of ESM (Emergency Scene Management). If the person is unconscious call 911. But there are other steps and, at first, it's a little confusing. Extra confusing when someone is almost shouting questions at you. He emphasizes taking charge of the scene. So then he picks someone and looks them in the eye...
Him: "So, you've arrived on the scene. There's bystanders, but you're the only First Aider. You've assessed LOC (level of consciousness) and the person is unconscious, what do you do??? What do you DO? COME ON! You won't have time to hesitate on the scene!"
Person (like a rabbit in headlights), "Err, err...ABC's"
Him: "NO!" (picks someone else). Points at them. "YOU! The person is unconscious...what are you going to do? Seconds are going by...what are you going to DO???"
Person #2: Silence...blank stare.
Persons #3 - #15 stare intently at their shoes or at the opposite wall.
Him: "Someone! (Finds a pair of eyes glance his way). What are YOU going to do?"
Person #16: whispering hesitantly, "Call an ambulance?"
Him: "Not like that you're not! Take charge. Point to me and demand I call an ambulance. Look me in the eyes and say, 'YOU! GO CALL 911....NOW!'"
And so on went the day. Lots of fun.
I mean, if someone asked me for my phone number in that manner I don't think I'd be able to recall it.
"WHAT'S YOUR PHONE NUMBER??? Come on...minutes are going by. WHAT IS IT? You KNOW this...what IS IT?????? You need to know this!"
"I...err...I just...err.. I don't know. I'm sorry. I can't...I think it's 604 123-4567"
"WHAT? How are you going to get anyone to call you with that voice. Come on! Say it louder!"
"I can't...I don't even know if that is my number. I'm weak and a failure!" Breaks down into sobs.
However, as I learned during lunch break, there is method behind this mad-ness. He was actually a nice guy. (It's important not to take it too personally, although some people did). It's an almost military style of teaching intended to get you involved, make you remember, and build up your assertiveness so that you will feel confident in what you have learned, most importantly, in your ability to administer first aid and SAVE LIVES! Rather than other courses where you hear a lot of blah blah blah...sit and yawn and day dream, do a couple of breaths into a doll, and get given a certificate, hoping that you are never called on to actually administer first aid. I think it works; you're so worried that he's going to pick on you and that you'll give the wrong answer or be unable to answer that you pay VERY close attention. Of all the First Aid courses I've done, I'd say that this one was useful and that I will remember a lot of the stuff. I even feel confident that I could actually give first aid. Of course, you'll have to ask me in 3 months or a year if I remember anything.
Incidentally, when you or your child gets a nose-bleed, hold your/their head forward and down...not back.
1 comment:
St John rocks!!! I was a member for about 5 years, first a cadet and then adult. I still hoped I would never be called on to give assistance and by the time I was some smart ass said you don't do that you do this, they had been taught only that year where as I went a couple of years prior. That works wonders for making you shrink in to insignificance and doubt any ability that you may have.
Glad the environment and personalities you are working with seem pleasing, have a great time and enjoy.
Wxxx
Post a Comment