First Aid Training

[Ant]

Who has it?
A lot of us go treking off into the back and beyond either with our friends or alone and quite often we can be quite a way away from the nearest medical assistance.

How many of you have got some form of officially recognised first aid training and why did you get it?
If you got it because of bike touring or "the greater good" can you please elaborate slightly? By "the greater good" I'm meaning either because you want it to help your family or a stranger in an emergency.

As some of you know I'm planning a trip to Scandinavia next year with a couple of friends and it struck me that you're really in the arse end of no where when you're up there. It could take a while for help to arrive and I was just curious about how many people are prepared for that eventuallity?  

[rockwells]

Have taken various first aid and cpr courses over the years, not current in any.  I also keep a good first aid kit in each of my bikes saddlebags.  Better to have it and not need it...

[bomber]

had some first class training whilst a minion of the ferderales -- not currently rated, but, hey, if ya got a sucking chest wound or a gunshot through and through, I'm yer guy!

I have a small first aid kit in that lives all the time in my tank bag -- only had to use it once (on another), but like Jed (above) sez, it's good to have

[Andrew]

I sign up for a refresher class every other year (free through work) that and I get the time off work and get paid for it

[ZED]

I've had first aid countless times for work purposes (required every two years), but I also pay special attention to the types of injuries/situations that I could get into while off-roading, wilderness camping, motorcycling, etc.
In our truck and camper we carry an old first aid book that even shows things like how to set and splint a broken femur.  This may be handy (hopefully not) when you're >200km from the nearest paved road or cell tower.  (OK, most people in the U.S. and Eastern Canada won't relate to that part )

[MDHCO]

Boy Scouts, military, and work.   You never know when you'll have to address a sucking chest wound.  

[ZED]

Boy Scouts, military, and work.   You never know when you'll have to address a sucking chest wound.  

My first aid book covers that too!  It also includes what to do when someones hand gets severed in a circular saw.  (hope I never have to use those! )

[arkansawyer]

I wish I knew where to get refreshed on first aid.  There seems to be one course in the state.  I won't go into what I think about the folks teaching it.

[M.Brane]

 My first aid cert. is good until 2/09. My CPR/AED cert. expired in Feb., but I'm sure I could do it if it was required. Fortunately that hasn't happened, and I hope it stays that way.

[sprintrock]

Boy Scouts, military, and work.   You never know when you'll have to address a sucking chest wound.  

All similar training except for the Boy Scouts; and I also took an EMT class when I thought I wanted to be a hose dragger.  I find the best and easiest first aid kit for bike travel is 4x4 gauze bandages, tape, and scissors.  That packs the smallest and lightest and you can always trim the gauze down if need be.  When in the woods I would add some Bactine, Neosporin, tweezers, and Benadryl.  Benadryl is a literal life saver for allergic reactions.  

[cultureslayer]

I picked the "work" option because I worked for a veterinarian in high school.  I got to do WAY more stuff than they would have ever let me try on people, and it was a great experience in that way.  

I also know how to make a cast out of roll cotton and Vetwrap.  co-flex, vetwrap, or whatever the human version is called is the best stuff EVER.  Flexible, sticks to itself, and waterproof.  Carry a roll and I doubt you'll just be using it for medical purposes.  I've also been known to use it to make grips a bit more comfortable, but I haven't tried it on the bike handlebars yet.  That'll be for my next trip for sure .

[Thundergod]

First aid and CPR certified....check.
I think it should be mandatory for the general public. Take a class- get a tax break.

[Tyrroneous]

How timely.  I just completed a 60 hour First Responder course yesterday.  I volunteered through work, but my alterior motive was that I want to know how to handle the occasional downed motorcyclist I might come across during my bike trips.

I enjoyed the class, and now I know just enough to get into trouble!  

[shil]

I took a course at work.  I'd much rather that someone else nearby has been trained up: it's often me with the circular saw.

[lionlady]

I took a Wilderness First Aid class, based on the NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership Schools) requirements. It was an intense weekend long class. I highly recommend the course to anyone in the mid-atlantic area: www.wfa.net

Though geared to canoeing and hiking, etc. it was primarily "What to DO" when faced with X: How to assess injuries, and decide what is most life threatening, etc. Not, "Call 911" then hold the victim's hand until help arrives.

P

[timmybob4]

I took a course in college. It satisfied an elective and made a lot more sense than basket weaving.

[ST-DocLizard1]

Volunteer EMS 1979 to 1999. EMT training has served me well both in my personal and professional life.

Doc

[cultureslayer]

What, no other fans of co-flex here?  I get it at the feed store so it costs about 1/4 what the drug store stuff does, same exact thing.

I am going to go put some on my grips next time I ride now, I want to see what it does.

[MisterEd]

Gotta have it for the motorcycle instructor gig.

I'd have it anyway, regardless...

[sprintrock]

What, no other fans of co-flex here?  I get it at the feed store so it costs about 1/4 what the drug store stuff does, same exact thing.

I am going to go put some on my grips next time I ride now, I want to see what it does.

OK I was getting ready to ask you where you got it.  I think I know what you're talking about.  I use that on my horse when he get anrasions on his legs.  Never thought about it on grips though, I wonder if it would get sticky after a while?