First Aid: Yes, You Can Save a Life

Why learn first aid? Because it's one of those things you'd wish you knew when the time comes. And chances are you will need it sooner or later. When an emergency happens there is very little time to act. Your actions during the first few minutes of an emergency can mean life or death.

Take for example respiratory and cardiac arrest which can be caused by many existing medical issues. In all cases, vital organs can begin to die from the lack of oxygen in just a few minutes. Waiting for paramedics may not be best option in such situations as this damage is permanent. In other emergencies such as choking, poisoning, drowning, heat stroke, and bleeding death can occur within minutes. Starting first aid immediately can and often does mean the difference between life and death.

It is vital that you know what to do, through proper training, so you can act quickly and competently during an emergency. Get trained and be ready. Here you'll learn the basics of controlling severe bleeding; dealing with breathing emergencies; helping heart attack casualties; recognizing the signs of secondary drowning; and much more.

Not only will you be able to help other people, but statistics show that being trained in first aid drastically reduces the chance of needing first aid simply by being better informed.

Please note that although we've taken great care to ensure the accuracy of all the information on this site, it is not meant to replace the advice of a physician. Also, reading about first aid procedures here is not equivalent to the training you would receive from a first aid and CPR course taught by a certified professional. However, we do feel the information on this site makes for a good reminder of previously learned skills and can even be used to prepare for certification.

As a youngster I started working as a lifeguard during the summers. From there I developed a strong interest in lifeguarding and teaching first aid, which then led to becoming a certified instructor and examiner with the Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Lifesaving Society. After graduating from York University, with a B.A. in Kinesiology, I took a position with the Canadian Red Cross in Toronto as their Safety Services manager. After a few years I started a first aid and CPR training company, offering courses throughout the greater Toronto area. Because I wanted to share all that I've learned,…