The main difference between taking a first aid course and just CPR is the number of emergency topics covered within the curriculum. CPR courses cover cardiovascular emergencies, while first aid courses cover various topics, including CPR.
An emergency can happen at any time. The majority of medical emergencies are not heart attacks and cardiac arrests. I always recommend that students take CPR in conjunction with first aid. First aid covers breaks, blending, burns, medical conditions, etc. Taking a first aid course will allow you to recognize an emergency and give you the skills to keep a casualty alive while waiting for EMS to arrive.
While taking a first aid course, you will learn to splint a beak, apply a tourniquet, cool a burn, administer an Epi-Pen for a casualty with a severe allergic reaction, and many other life-saving skills not taught in a CPR-only course
What subjects are covered in a Holmes Medical Training First Aid course?
Standard First Aid Course Curriculum:
Defining First Aid and Understanding First Aid Objectives | Automated External Defibrillators (AED)-Adult, Child & Infant | Chest Injuries |
Casualty Management and Assessment | Adult, Child & Infant Choking | Core Body Injuries (Pelvis, Abdomen, and Groin) |
Emergency Scene Management | Strokes and TIA | Triage (Multiple Casualties) |
PPE and Anti-Contamination Protocols | Severe Bleeding and Wound Care | Eye Injuries |
Shock and Fainting (Unconsciousness) | Minor Wound Care | Poisons |
Responsive Casualty Management | Bites and Stings | Opioid Overdose (Naloxone Training) |
Head and Spinal Injuries and Concussion Protocol | Burns | Environmental Illness, Injuries, and Procedures |
Heart Attacks and Angina | Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Seizures, Asthma & Allergies) | Patient Lifting and Transport Techniques |
Adult, Child & Infant CPR | Secondary Survey | Evacuation Protocols |
Two Rescuer CPR | Bone and Joint Injuries | |
What are the different types of CPR, and what do they cover?
CPR level A with AED training means the first aider (you) have learned the skills to recognize a cardiovascular emergency and give CPR while applying an AED to an adult. Adults in first aid terms are any casualty that appears to be over the age of 8.
CPR level B with AED training means the first aider has learned to recognize a cardiovascular emergency and give CPR to adults and children while applying an AED to both age groups. Children in first aid terms appear to be a casualty between the ages of 1-8.
CPR level C with AED training means the first aider has learned to recognize a cardiovascular emergency and give CPR to adults, children, and infants while applying an AED to both age groups. Infants in first aid terms appear to be a casualty under one year.
BLS CPR Level C with AED training is a course designed for healthcare professionals where cardiovascular emergencies are recognized by a team approach. Not only will the first aider learn how to give CPR to all ages, but they will also learn how to use a BVM, Rescue breathing, and take a casualties vitals.
What courses are covered in the Holmes Medical Training CPR course?
CPR Level C with AED Course Curriculum
Defining first aid and first aid objectives
Casualty management and assessment
Shock and fainting
Adult, child & infant resuscitation (CPR Level C)
Automated external defibrillators (AED)
Choking for adults, children & infants
Strokes and TIA
Heart attacks and angina, and cardiovascular disease factors