Is It Sufficient To Take A Free First Aid Training?
You know you want to get first aid training, so you've looked around for a class. You've even checked online, and noticed that there are several places online for first aid training - even free - as long as you don't care about the piece of paper to frame and put on your wall, or to put into your wallet to show off if anyone asks if you know what you're doing.
So you're leaning towards a free first aid training, but you wonder - is it safe enough to get trained in first aid for free? Are there any risks are involved in learning about first aid that way?
Pros (And Cons?) Of Free First Aid Training
Obviously, the biggest pro to free first aid training is that it doesn't cost you. There's the "cost" of your time, but that is minimal - most programs can be finished in about an hour of time online. Other programs can cost upwards to $100 for their training and certificate.
Another benefit of most of the online programs is that you can work in your own time. That means, you don't have to attend a class at a certain time, and you can take the course at a time that is best for you - whether 6 am, 6 pm, midnight - it doesn't matter to the website!
Because there is no fee to free first aid training, there is no reason to disclose your credit card or ATM number. In a world with ever-increasing security concerns, this is a definite bonus to many people.
You might worry that the free first aid training course would be sub-standard. Actually, that's not the case. You will want to check with the actual free first aid training course you're considering taking, but generally, they all adhere to the very same guidelines as the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross and other private schools. The same fundamentals and skills are taught as in the other, in-person courses.
But will it count if I need certification for a particular occupation? That's a question best researched for your individual situation, as laws, rules, and requirements change and vary from state to state and county to county. Sometimes the rules were put in place before online certification was a possibility. You can still take a free first aid training as practice ahead, or as a refresher, even if a different style of course is required.
