The idea of first aid training and emergency response makes some people squeamish, and that’s understandable. Maybe you can’t stand the sight of blood, or think you’re not good in a crisis. But in case you haven’t noticed, the world is a dangerous place and there’s never a bad time to train up.

Not everyone is cut out to be a paramedic or an ER nurse. We can all play a role though, and first aid training is the best way to make sure that you’re not standing around helplessly waiting for the pros to arrive. 

It’s no secret that hospitals and emergency staff are overloaded, and there is no denying that paramedics are struggling with the increased workload. The potential for low-frequency, high-risk emergencies is greater than before, and now is the right time for all of us to play a role in ensuring the health and safety of those around us.

First aid equipment and procedures have evolved and improved dramatically over time.The introduction of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and innovative airway management devices has dramatically improved first aid outcomes(opens in a new tab) during the past few decades, with the devices used by trained first aiders every day.  

But you can’t just yell “CLEAR!” and whack someone with the defibrillator at your local footy field like you’re on Grey’s Anatomy. New tech means new skills to learn in order to use them properly — and also new ways to learn old skills. Progressive and technologically advanced simulation-based first aid training offers a deeper and more immersive learning experience, with knowledge and skills more readily recalled. Simulation-based first aid courses are a far cry from the ones you did years ago with creepy CPR dummies and easy workbooks. This training method, formerly used only by police, the military and emergency professionals, has been embraced by first aid trainers and course participants.

Simulation-based first aid and emergency response training uses professional actors, realistic props, pyrotechnics, sirens, alarms, simulated 000 calls, VR, realistic-looking fake injuries and blood, and other effects like capsules that make your “patient” foam at the mouth to simulate a seizure. Basically, it means when the real thing happens, it feels familiar, and hopefully, not quite as scary.

And while a standard first aid course is definitely still more interesting with blood and fireworks, there are more specific courses that might be right for you too. Courses offered by providers like Real Response(opens in a new tab) include Tactical First Aid, Remote First Aid and training designed for specific occupations. If you love to hike, a Remote first aid course is a great idea; if you’re finding yourself feeling anxious about the state of the world or public incidents, training in tactical first aid could be a fun and practical way to help yourself feel more on top of things.

First aid attainments work like building blocks, so you can personalise your skillset for greater workplace responsibilities, job promotion, or a completely new career trajectory. Progressive first aid courses provide enhanced learning methods for CPR, respiratory management, pain management, critical care, and a whole lot more. But even just an introductory first aid course takes only a day or two to complete, yet delivers skills that last a lifetime.

Believe it or not, first aid training with the right team(opens in a new tab) is fun. By the time training is complete, you won’t be scared of fake blood at all, and if you ever encounter the real thing, you’ll know you’ve got this.. There are times when it seems the whole world is crashing down around us, but at least there’s a practical way to feel like you have a handle on the chaos.