First Aid Course: From The Empires To EMCARE

A first aid course is not a modern idea but rather originated from ancient civilizations. First aid has always been a tool for survival throughout the epochs that make up human history. Although they were not called courses when they were originally taught, we have seen similar training under various pseudonyms throughout history.

Rome had an extensive “first aid course” training system held in the valetudinarians (purpose-built hospitals). The ancient Egyptians recorded first aid courses and knowledge by carving on stone, clay, or papyri and the German Empire is considered to be largely responsible for the way the first aid course is structured today.

EMCARE follows the modern-day three-level first aid course structure. In this article, we take a look at the historical background that eventually developed into the three-tier first aid courses we offer at EMCARE today.

The Roman Empire

In ancient Rome, public health and safety were highly valued. Not only were they valued, but the care to teach and train more than just medics became imperative in education systems. This is largely due to philosophers like Plato, whose dialectical books “The Republic” and “The Laws” prompted educational systems to include what would be known today as first aid courses.

Teachers, soldiers, government officials and civilians as a whole were taught the value of medicine. Additionally, valetudinarians were built to help treat soldiers and slaves. They were purpose-built hospitals which followed the scientific and hygienic standards of the era. Most importantly, these hospitals had specialised departments, much like we recognise in hospitals today.

This specialisation enabled first aid to be taught to responders in settings like war, and appropriate care could be given to those admitted into valetudinarians.

The Egyptian Empire

The Egyptian empire was historically recognized for having talented physicians and advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgery. Similarly, to the Roman Empire, they had specialised doctors, paramedics and first aid responders depending on the emergency at hand and what was required.

Several of their methods, including the ingredients and plants they used are still prevalent in present-day medicine. Additionally, knowledge on health and diseases was recorded in things like Ebers’s papyrus, or medical papyri, and carved into stone, temple walls and clay. They valued not only medicine and specialisation but also the sharing and recording of knowledge.

Some of their training was lost, but what remained was an in-depth documentation that allowed modern medicine. We can teach the appropriate responses to certain medical emergencies because we learnt from their content and improved upon it.

The Prussian and German Empire

Friedrich von Esmarch is often considered the father of first aid. He studied medicine and served in the military. His military service taught him invaluable medical responses for treating wounded comrades. After his military service, he became a professor and wrote a handbook on military surgical and first aid techniques.

Things like bandaging, splinting and how to address wounds were some of the things Esmarch wrote about in his work. He found that soldiers and volunteer nurses needed to be better equipped with how to use bandages and deal with wounds in field hospitals.

Esmarch’s handbooks were considered the best in their field and taught to military personnel and civilians alike. They were widely used to be what we would call first aid courses today. In particular, Esmarch inspired the first aid level system with his education and lessons. He largely influenced modern-day medicine with his encouragement of both on and off-the-battlefield first aid training.

EMCARE’s First Aid Courses

EMCARE’s first aid course, much like ancient civilizations, are recognized by the relevant governmental departments. More formally, we are accredited with local accreditation bodies like the Department of Mineral Resources, Department of Labour, LGSETA and HWSETA.

Being accredited ensures that the right people are instructing these first aid courses to the general public and institutions. In particular, we follow after the experience required by empires like Rome, which only allowed qualified trainers to teach any skills in medicine. EMCARE’s instructors have a minimum of 1000 hours of experience in their fields and are fully qualified Level 6 Intermediate Life Support Paramedics.

Similarly, just like the ancient Egyptians - we have a comprehensive guide on the skillsets you will learn in our first aid programs. Each first aid course includes learner manuals, training equipment and an A4 certificate that lasts three years upon completion of the course. We value the ability to return to the training you learn, just like the Egyptians valued the recording of appropriate responses to emergencies on things like papyrus and carvings.

Finally, just like the aftermath and influence of the Prussian empire, we follow a three-level first aid course system. All three levels offer different types of training, however, at EMCARE each level has both practical and theoretical training. In the level one first aid course, you receive an introduction to emergency and how to apply basic first aid. In level two, you are taught more extensive knowledge of patient care and emergency protocols. Finally, In level three, advanced training is offered in healthcare services. Level three is similar to that of the Roman Empire, used by first responders such as police or firemen, lifeguards, teachers and education professionals.

Holistically, EMCARE’s first aid course offers all the modern-day equipment, knowledge, and skill sets. Our qualifications, experience and accreditations make us a leading health and safety training centre. There is an appreciation for the past empires, but EMCARE is the product of what comes after. Signup for one of our first aid courses and learn the invaluable tools that can save lives.

Get In touch!

If you are ready to receive first aid training that is as valuable as it was in ancient civilizations from a leading health and safety centre, get in touch with EMCARE today! If you are interested in learning more in-depth about what each level of first aid course offers you can read more on our website. Any other questions, clarifications or inquiries can be done by completing a contact form. EMCARE is ready to get you in touch with your local branch so that you can start your first aid course as soon as possible.