Should knowing first aid be compulsory?

Should knowing first aid be compulsory?

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Everybody is susceptible to illness, injuries and trauma. Even when you follow all precautions, whether on the road or at the workplace, accidents can always occur.

The worst part is that we never know when such disasters strike. Also, you can either be the victim or someone who happens to be at the scene before an ambulance arrives.

Since no one knows which side of the accident they'll be, life-saving techniques are imperative in knowing what to do when another person's life is in danger.

First aid training, therefore, should be made compulsory in every institution, from schools to workplaces. In this article, you'll learn why everyone should be taught basic first aid training. (1)

Helps save lives

One of the main reasons why first aid knowledge should be compulsory is the fact that when trained, you'll be equipped with basic life-saving skills.

When you join a certified institution like Australia Wide First Aid, you'll be provided with the necessary training that'll make you competent and reliable enough in situations before emergency services arrive.

Remember, even the most basic idea of ensuring that one's airways aren't blocked can go a long way in saving lives.

Breeds confidence

Having an idea is one thing, but putting it into action requires a lot of bravery, especially when it's a life-and-death situation.

By improving your first aid skills, you get the confidence to put all what you've learned into action. As part of the course, you might be required to carry out one or two practical exercises to ensure that you have what it takes to save a life whenever required.

Prevents certain situations from worsening

Sometimes a victim's condition may be salvageable, but the longer they wait for a professional medical practitioner, the worse their situation may get.

With the right first aid training, you'll be able to stabilise the patient before they get attention from first responders.

For instance, during an automobile accident, broken bones, bleeding and wounds are all possible. To ensure that the victim remains in a stable condition, you can use your first aid training to stop the bleeding and prevent the wounds from being infected.

Provides comfort

After an accident or any other life-threatening situation, the victim would most likely be in pain. A trained person who has the right first aid skills can make sure the pain is reduced or, at the very least, alleviated. If you're the one providing first aid care, you'll know which drugs to give or tools to use in this case.

Remember, putting together a survival first aid kit is the key to saving lives, and this is something you can learn through training. (2)

Some basic procedures like preventing further bleeding are things you can do without any formal training.

However, how you do it may determine the patient's comfort. First aid courses are designed to ensure that you provide the necessary service in the right manner, which may give the victim the comfort they need.

Encourages a 'safety first' mindset

One of the most underrated benefits of first aid training is the fact that it encourages people to prioritise safety first.

The main point of attending these courses is to learn how you can save lives during emergencies, but that's not the only knowledge you'll gain. First aid training advocates for self-awareness and understanding of the environment.

As a trained person, you'll be able to assess your surroundings and know how you can prevent an accident from occurring.

This mentality is crucial, especially now that most industries use heavy machinery in their production. You'll also be able to teach that mindset to your family and colleagues, which would ideally improve their well-being. In the long run, the number of incidents, especially those that result from recklessness, will reduce by a significant margin.


Many people are always wondering whether they really need to attend any first aid training. Inasmuch as it's currently not considered a compulsory course, first aid training comes with a lot of benefits.

Of course, some institutions need it more than others, which is why a growing number of workplaces ensure that their employees go through a short course before they commence their duties.

Among the advantages of knowing how to do basic first aid is the fact that it gives you the confidence to handle life-and-death situations.

With the knowledge of what to do instilled in you, you'll be able to help save lives during emergencies. These courses also give you the skills to ensure that you prevent the victim's situation from worsening, which will make the job of medical professionals easier.

In addition to all that, this training also encourages awareness with regard to your surroundings, which is key in reducing situations that could lead to accidents.


1. Source: "First Aid Training"

2. Source: "Emergency Essentials: Putting Together A Survival Kit"