First aid training requirements vary significantly across countries, reflecting differences in legislation, cultural attitudes towards safety, and the level of development of emergency medical services. However, they share the same goal to empower the public to act effectively for a safer community.
Australia
Australia has a robust first aid infrastructure, partly influenced by its outdoor lifestyle and water activities. The Australian Red Cross actively advocates for compulsory first aid training in schools, highlighting its importance from a young age. Surf Life Saving (SLS), Australia’s leading water rescue organization, is crucial in setting standards and delivering training. While there is no nationwide mandate for student training, the advocacy efforts and collaborative training programs created a strong cultural emphasis on first aid preparedness, contributing to higher bystander response rates in emergencies.
By partnering with various Australian organisation such as Survivor Training and Surf Life Saving Serices, Survival Skills Vietnam help Vietnamese learners access internationally recognized first aid and rescue education from decades of experience. Survival Skills Vietnam also received regular sponsorship from Australian government in piloting innovative programs such as development of SSVN Mobile App, Hazard Awareness E-learning Course and Training for the Deaf.
The United States of America
In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates trained first-aid providers in all workplaces, regardless of size, if there is no easily accessible medical facility nearby. This requirement underscores the importance of workplace preparedness for medical emergencies, potentially leading to quicker response times and better outcomes for workplace injuries and illnesses. The US also has a strong focus on CPR training, particularly in high schools. 39 states and Washington D.C. require CPR training as a high school graduation requirement. This proactive approach to equipping young people with life-saving skills has the potential to increase bystander CPR rates, contributing to improved survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Survival Skills Vietnam is also a partner of The American Center in Ho Chi Minh City to provide workshops to the public in various topics such as First Aid, Drowning Prevention, Self-Defense. In recent years, Survival Skills Vietnam has been working with various U.S.A.-based organisations for medical education digitalisation projects to help Vietnamese medical professionals in the field of nutrition for newborns and advanced trauma care.
Some European Nations
The UK: emphasizes a risk-based approach to first aid provision. Employers are legally obligated to provide adequate first-aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel based on a thorough workplace risk assessment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers detailed guidance on first-aid training, encompassing course types, trainer qualifications, and content recommendations. The HSE emphasizes aligning training with the Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines and using established first aid manuals , ensuring high-quality and standardized training across various workplaces. This risk-based approach allows flexibility in tailoring first-aid provisions to specific workplace hazards, potentially leading to more efficient use of resources and better preparedness for the most likely emergencies in each workplace.
France: Following the terrorist attacks in 2015, the French government enacted legislation to rapidly increase the number of students leaving junior high school with proper first aid training. This approach aims to create a generation equipped to respond to emergencies, contributing to a more resilient society.
Thailand
Thailand has implemented first-responder training programs adapted to their existing healthcare system. This localized approach ensures the training is relevant and effective within the specific context of the country’s emergency medical services. Besides, it’s mandatory for all school teachers to acquire CPR education. However, the mandatory CPR education is not accessible to blind teachers due to the lack of training organisations that are able to deliver customised training methods. In recent years, Survival Skills Vietnam and various Thailand blind organisation such as Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand have implemented various innitiatives to develop specialised training methodologies and resources for the blind.
These diverse approaches across countries highlight a global recognition of the importance of first aid training. While specific requirements and implementation strategies vary, the overarching goal is to empower individuals to act confidently and effectively in emergencies, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient communities worldwide.