6 Ways to Learn Important First Aid Skills Every Mom Needs

I’m a stay-at-home (or I guess a work-from-home) mom. This means that I will likely be my kid’s first responder in any first-aid emergency. So, having first aid skills is important to me.

But getting those first aid skills can sometimes feel overwhelming. Am I right?  I mean we moms have a LOT on our plates and not much time to spare. But then, first aid really saves lives.  Even knowing WHERE to learn first aid skills can feel overwhelming–who has the time for that research?

A mother treating her daughet

 

Well, today, I have SIX different ways you can learn first aid skills.  I have done the research for you, and I think you can find ways to squeeze some of these into your life a little at a time!

1 – Read about First Aid Skills at Libraries & Book Stores

There are many fantastic books on First Aid, and you can likely access them for free at your local library.   Then read them at your convenience (waiting rooms, tub at night, etc.) to learn or brush up on your first aid skills. Even your kid must know first aid basics.

In addition, many libraries will occasionally have book sales, and this can be a great place to get quality books for less.

I also love to shop for books on Amazon.  Occasionally I will buy a new book, but I almost always buy a used version of the books I want and save myself a lot of money!

My favorite general first aid manual is from the American College of Emergency Physicians.  You can find the most recent (5th) edition HERE on Amazon.  As I write this (Feb 2017), you can get a used version for as little as $4.78.

In addition, some of my very favorite first aid books are those by Dr. James Hubbard. He gives great information about what to do when help isn’t coming.  He is down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and a real doctor.  He does not recommend using the techniques he teaches instead of seeking medical help.   He only suggests using them when there is no medical help.  You can find his books HERE on Amazon.  I especially like the Living Ready Pocket Manual.  As I write this, you can get a used version for as little as $3.99.

Printable RN Approved First Aid Kit Checklist

2 – Learn Basic First Aid Training and Skills by Watching YouTube

If you are a visual learner, YouTube can be a great place to learn first aid skills.  My only caution is to make sure you are getting information from someone qualified to give it.  The British Red Cross has a great channel.  You can find their playlists HERE.

3 – Learn First Aid Skills from Experienced Family Members, Friends, or Neighbors

If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor that is an EMT, firefighter, nurse, doctor, or something similar, ask if they will give training for you and a group of friends! It’s important to be a number one matter to learn, like simple CPR and choking first aid actions.

4 – Learn First Aid Skills on Quality Websites

You can find basic, reliable first-aid information on websites such as WebMD, the Mayo Clinic, and the Red Cross.

I also mentioned Dr. Hubbard above (under #1 libraries and bookstores).  He has a great website HERE.  He focuses on what to do when medical help ISN’T coming-when 911 won’t pick up.  His information is helpful, accurate, detailed, and safe.  He always recommends seeking professional help first if at all possible.

5 – Ask Your City Recreation Department if They Teach First Aid Skills

Oftentimes cities will hold free (or very inexpensive) first aid classes.  Call your city and ask if they offer classes occasionally (sometimes it is only once or twice a year).  If they don’t, call neighboring cities.

If they don’t have a first aid course, they will sometimes offer a babysitter training course, and a large part of that course will include first aid (with an emphasis on pediatric first aid)

6 – Take a First Aid Class!

If you need to be first aid certified for a job or other situations, you will need to take a class and pay a fee.

The Utah Emergency Medical Training Council offers many online and live classes that you can find HERE.

The American Heart Association offers online and live classes all over the United States.  You can search for classes near you HERE, and find their online courses HERE.

The Course for First Aid offers online courses that you can find HERE.

And last (but not least), you can find classes taught by the Red Cross HERE.

More First Aid Info

A first Aid App: While I do not recommend relying on an app for all of your first aid training, it can be a great way to remind yourself of things you’ve already learned when you suddenly need to use your skills.  You can read more about my favorite (free) app here: My favorite first aid app.

A First Aid Kit Checklist: Knowing what to put in a first aid kit can feel overwhelming.  You can find a mom AND ER Nurse approved list here: First aid kit guide and printable packing list.

Babysitter Printable: If you aren’t home with your kids all day, make sure your babysitter/caregiver has solid first aid skills.  You may also want them to have the information on on the printable in this post: Prepare Your Babysitter.

Quick Guide: If you want to know about the quickest way to perform such basics, check out this first aid quick guide here.

What resources have you found helpful for learning first aid? Have you ever had to put your first aid skills to the test in your home? If so, what would you like other moms to learn from your experience? Let us know in the comments!

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People doing first aid techniques
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Becky is a wildlife enthusiast and pet and livestock care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to Simple Family Preparedness through insightful info about pets, livestock, bee keeping, and the practicalities of homesteading.

9 thoughts on “6 Ways to Learn Important First Aid Skills Every Mom Needs”

  1. Hi Musty, great information. Another great source of information is the site “hesperian.org. This a great site where they have medical information you can download for free, such as “where there is no doctor” and “where there is no midwife” and others. You can buy the books but they’re kind of pricey. I downloaded the stuff and edited it because some is almost too basic then kept them in binders in document holders. Hope this helps! Bonnie

    Reply
  2. Misty, Really good collection of possible sources. Do you have a favorite real book (as opposed to kindle), ? I’ve been going through the Doom&Bloom survival books and like them. Just wondered if you have a fave?

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  3. This is just the info I’ve been looking for! Thanks so much for this! You may be responsible for seeing lives saved even without a regional or national emergency!

    I’m getting so many prepper emails I have to cut down. I’m NOT getting off your list!

    Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Thanks Misty for all of your information that you send out. It is very helpful when I write our Preparedness newsletter for our church. You put in all of the research work and it saves me when I run out of ideas of what to share.

    Reply

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