Since its invention, education systems have constantly changed. As a result, learning institutions continually seek and implement more innovative ways of sharing knowledge to reach wider audiences.
CPR and first aid training classes are constantly evolving like any other field. As researchers try to develop more effective ways of saving lives, their partners in training are coming up with more effective methods of reaching larger audiences. High quality CPR and first aid training help in saving lives. It applies simple skills that anyone can acquire regardless of educational level.
The number of CPR and first aid-certified professionals is yet to reach the recommended ratio. The Covid 19 pandemic has increased the need for CPR and first aid certification worldwide. Training institutions always try new techniques to effectively share knowledge at a lower cost and attract new clients. The desire for learning institutions to grow has led to innovations in the field.
The Importance of CPR
CPR and first aid programs are critical in everyday life. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a life saving procedure for cardiac arrest victims. First aid training, on the other hand, first aid training covers a wide range of health emergencies, including bleeding, burns, cuts and wounds, heat-related illness, and allergies.
Health emergencies result in panicking when those around them don't know how to act. The training provides skills to assess the victim's state and provide the necessary help. It also offers the individual courage to take care of critically ill patients.
There are different topics covered under CPR and first aid. CPR provides skills and knowledge in the management of cardiac arrest. It covers the administration of CPR, the use of the AED, and choking. These are life-threatening emergencies that, if not taken care of within the shortest time possible, could result in fatalities.
Growing trends of CPR and First Aid Training Classes
The demand for online learning has been on the rise over the years. The growth in technology has immensely contributed to the increasing demand for online training. Every aspect of human life has been transformed by the Internet as people communicate and establish relationships over the Internet. Human interactions have become easier with the advancement of Web technology and social media.
Businesses are constantly growing their client base through online marketing and selling. With everyone on the Internet, major business processes occur over the Internet, with huge business deals between trusted buyers and sellers transacting over the Internet.
With a huge population going online every minute, learning institutions have taken advantage of this traffic to reach their clients. CPR and first aid certifications are now available over the Internet.
What Are the Benefits of Online Learning?
There are various reasons why institutions prefer online learning over physical classes.
Online Classes are affordable
Online classes are affordable as they don't require physical interaction between the teacher and the learner. Online CPR and first aid classes are cheaper for the institution, which translates to a lower cost to the learner. With online classes, learners earn the same skills, knowledge, and certificate at a lower cost. The cost of movement is also eliminated with online education classes.
Online Classes are not limited by time and space
The e-learning classes are not limited by time and space. CPR and first aid training institutions are asked to provide services to an unlimited number of learners simultaneously. The learner gets to choose their schedule depending on the urgency of the certification. Online first aid and CPR certification have been a lifesaver for persons in a hurry to earn the certification. The high level of flexibility that comes with online classes makes it the best choice for many professionals and people with busy schedules.
Online classes are less intimidating for learners.
Physical classes are competitive, which some people might find uncomfortable. Such an environment might result in many people shying away from taking up the program. With online classes, learner competes against themselves to achieve the required grade. There is also less fear of failure.
Online Courses have less pressure as you choose your schedule and location
Learners don't have to deal with the pressure that comes with the fast learning environment of the physical classroom. Learners taking online classes are more relaxed, making the process more smooth and more fun.
What are the Challenges Associated With e-Learning Classes?
Online learning is quite beneficial to many. It, however, poses a set of challenges to the learner and the institution. Some of these challenges include:
Need for Discipline
Online learning requires proper time management and self-discipline. Unfortunately, the flexibility of the course leaves learners too relaxed that many who enroll in the program don't finish. Learning institutions also face related challenges of learners not finishing their training and others taking longer than necessary to attain their certification.
Need for Interactive Learning Environment
The interaction found in a classroom setting makes the learning process less fun. Learners are not able to actively engage their tutors. There is also less motivation among learners and their teachers. The learning environment is not challenging as students don't compete among themselves.
Customized CPR and first aid training for different professions
The level of need for CPR and first aid skills differs from one profession to another. Training institutions customize the training content to match the needs of different professions. The training programs are designed depending on the nature of the work and the risks involved.
There are first aid and CPR programs for healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, emergency response teams, and hospital staff. Other professions with special CPR and first aid programs include lifeguards, security guards, drivers, teachers, flight attendants, caregivers for the elderly, and nannies. Advantages realized from the customized CPR, and first aid programs include:
The development of a more focused program
The special CPR and first aid courses provide more relevant skills to the learner. The level of skill and knowledge offered is also deeper than the general certification programs.
The training is more specific to the needs of the learners in that particular profession. Those taking the program are also at an advantage as they acquire more useful skills they can apply daily. In addition, the content provided is of higher quality as learners get information of better quality that they can relate with.
Employers providing training for their staff
Customized online and first aid CPR certification create better and more cost-effective avenues for employers to develop their staff. Employers are now encompassing first aid and CPR certifications in their staff development programs to provide knowledge and motivate their employees at work. Health emergencies are common in the workplace. They could be in the form of accidents and heart attacks.
Employers are required by law to have some safety measures and training programs to ensure employee safety as they carry out their normal duties. While some employers make it a basic requirement for their employees to have these certifications, others provide the training at their own cost.
Benefits of Having First Aid and CPR Certified Employees:
- Preventable health emergencies at the workplace can be avoided before they occur.
- Organizations with first-aid-certified employees are at a lower risk of employee injury and related costly lawsuits.
- Employees can also ensure their safety as they undertake their routine tasks.
- They also feel safe at the workplace as accidents are kept at a minimum. As employees feel safer at their places of work, their productivity increases.
- In case of health emergencies, the staff is skilled in acting. Fatalities are reduced as employees take care of their colleagues in emergencies.
- Health emergencies are also handled more professionally without causing damage to the image of the institution. Injuries at the workplace can taint the public perception of the institution, which can affect the business negatively.
- Some institutions provide CPR and first aid training for their staff at the cost of the institution, which creates employee loyalty and goodwill.
Conclusion
The advancement of technology and research has introduced new and more effective ways of transferring and sharing. CPR and first aid programs provide critical life skills. Online CPR certification programs are now more popular as the need for skills increases.
Employers are now more aware of the benefits of having first aid-certified staff- this has led to more organizations putting their employees through certification programs. As they try to meet the individual needs of their clients, CPR and first aid training institutions are now providing more customized content.
The world is generally moving towards bridging the existing gap in CPR and first aid-certified persons who have always been below the world-recommended ratio.
