First Aid Course: Importance of First Aid in Mixed Martial Arts

First Aid Courses offer indispensable skills and integral knowledge in many lines of work. One such speciality is extreme sports, such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Knowing first aid is a fundamental skill to know before instructing MMA. It is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the world as hits to the head and body are amongst the most serious sports injuries. Full-contact sports such as MMA require instructors to know First Aid so they can accurately and appropriately respond to any injuries that could happen.

EMCARE offers not only a practical first aid course but also a first aid course that offers theoretical knowledge. We are leading health and safety trainers with experts in the field, we can be trusted to provide you with not only competency but accreditation. Our courses are recognized by the appropriate South African local accreditation authorities. If you want to know more about why MMA requires first aid course qualifications, and how EMCARE is the best choice for you, continue reading below!

What Is Mixed Martial Arts?

If you're unsure of what exactly mixed martial arts is, it is the over-encompassing terminology used to describe different styles of hybrid combat sports. Below are a few examples of different styles which would benefit from a first aid course.

• Judo: Judo is a modern Japanese martial art. The intent of judo is to subdue or immobilise one’s opponents with a stranglehold, grappling manoeuvre, joint lock, or choke. This has high-risk factors, a first aid course can prepare instructors, and even learners for the possibility of unconsciousness. Knowing CPR is considered an unnegotiable.
  
  
• Krav Maga: Krav Maga is a hand-to-hand combat system which involves grappling, wrestling, and striking techniques. It is known for its extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks and will incapacitate its opponent by any means. Krav Maga being one of the only MMA styles to have no rules during combat makes this style one of the riskier to engage in. With a first aid course, both instructors and learners can feel protected in the case of any injuries.
  
  
• Muay Thai: Muay Thai is an MMA style that makes use of clinching and stand-up striking techniques. It uses an eight-point contact strategy, focusing on kicks, elbow strikes, punches and knee strikes. The eight-point contact strategy means injuries are likely to occur. A first aid course equips instructors with the ability to handle any fractures, broken bones or strains that can happen in combat.

Importance of First Aid in MMA

In mixed martial arts, the most common injuries include skin damage, sprains, and strains. Knee injuries, dislocations and fractures. Trainers and facilitators also need to be prepared for abrasions, concussions and unconsciousness. Anything can go wrong in combat and many risk factors impact the safety of the sport. Poor techniques, excessive force, inexperience and underlying medical conditions can all lead to major injuries.

Martial arts facilitators and teachers need to know how to react when injuries occur as the wrong kind of treatment can lead to longer and lifelong joint, vision and tissue injuries. First aid is imperative in conditions where injuries are common, EMCARE’s first aid course makes sure you can respond with the appropriate aid so as to not cause longer damage or incorrect protocols. Not only that, but having an appropriate qualification that first aid course provides, makes you a more trustworthy and expert instructor.

EMCARE’s First Aid Course

We are a reputable and pioneering training academy with instructors who have 1000 hours worth of experience. Our first aid course in particular is facilitated by a fully qualified Level 6 Intermediate Life Support Paramedic. At EMCARE we believe first aid courses provide life-saving skills. We train you to act swiftly and decisively in an emergency situation.

We offer 4 different first aid courses. The first is a Basic First Aid/ First Aid Refresher Course. This first aid course takes 1 day to complete and is a perfect stepping stone into the next levels. Our First Aid Level 1 Course takes a day and a half to complete. It trains you with basic first aid training. Our First Aid Level 2 Course takes 2 and a half days to complete and goes into more detail than level one. Finally, our First Aid Level 3 Course takes 4 days to complete and is ideal for extensive training and covers extensive emergency response protocols.

When completing a first aid course at EMCARE you also receive a 3-year valid certification. Valuable skills that we have discussed in this article are taught in our first aid courses. As seen in the section above, there are many situations where learners are put in danger and can sustain injuries. These are applicable skill sets that apply to MMA that are taught in training:

• Choking
• Shock, fainting and unconsciousness
• Fractures
• CPR
• Head and spinal injuries
• Wounds and bleeding
• Chest and eye injuries
• Joint injuries
• Abdominal pelvic injuries
• Multiple injury management

You will be more than equipped with training at EMCARE. We cover all major injuries and emergencies that can possibly arise in MMA. There will be no situation you will not know how to handle when doing a first aid course with us.

Get In Touch

If you are looking to enrol in a first aid course whether individually as an instructor, at an MMA school or as a learner who wants to know how to handle injuries and emergencies - contact us for more information. Everything you need to know and more will be taught in our first aid course. So don’t hesitate to get in touch to start your first aid course.