Why First Aid Training Is Important For Security Guards

First aid training is a paramount component for many career fields out there, and this is no different for security guards. It should be a core aspect in training for anyone in the field of security, as it gives individuals the knowledge and acumen to provide immediate help to people that might incur an injury or be in medical duress while on duty.

It goes without saying that a security guard's role should go way beyond that of guarding property or assets. Why? Well, security guards are often the first to respond in emergency situations, making training and certification a must-have for their job. In this article we'll discuss the many key aspects of first aid training for security professionals, the role security guards play in emergencies, and how to effectively implement first aid response.

The Role of Security Guards In Emergency Situations

As mentioned above, the responsibilities of a security go way beyond that of just being present. In fact, they are the first line of defence, they are there to prevent any potential breaches to security, to respond to theft and assault, while also maintaining lawfulness on a premise.

Security guards or staff that have completed proper first aid training have the ability to provide immediate care to any injured people, and with more advanced training also stabilise them until such a time when medical professionals arrive on the scene. Lastly, they can also prevent any emergency situations from escalating.

Benefits Of First Aid For Security Guards

Proper training gives security guards the ability to act swiftly under pressure during emergencies. In the scenario when a person is injured, every second counts and security guards that know how to safely administer basic first aid such as CPR or proper wound management can often mean the difference between life and death.

At EMCARE, many of our first aid courses, including our Level 1 First Aid Course, can give security guards the know-how to manage various emergency situations with confidence and efficiency.

Having basic first aid training is not only valuable in the case of being a first responder, but it also instils confidence in security staff. Proper training will help anyone feel prepared to handle emergency situations, and this is no different to that of a security guard. By having the training needed, and thus the confidence to implement said training in the field, any panic faced by a security guard is drastically reduced, which allows them to keep the situation calm (and keep any injured people calm), and this ultimately allows them to make careful and informed decisions.

It's this sense of confidence and preparedness that ultimately leads to a safer environment for everyone involved in the emergency. Our Level 2 First Aid Course is a comprehensive, hands-on course that goes beyond the basics, and covers a wide range of potential medical emergencies.

Lastly, and most certainly not least, having proper first aid training can also make security staff more valuable to both their employers and clients. Why? Well simply put; by having these invaluable skills, they will not only be simply seen as guards who are there to monitor and report incidents. Instead, they'll also be seen as crucial members of the team who have the acumen to actively contribute to the safety and well-being of individuals on the premises.

By having this additional skill set, security guards notably increase their overall employability, and we here at EMCARE provide a plethora of courses, tailored to all needs, including our Level 3 First Aid Course, which provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking to advance their first aid skills even further.

How Does First Aid Training Improve Workplace Safety?

So how does having security guards with knowledge of first aid actually improve workplace safety? Firstly, security staff trained in first aid are able to swiftly identify any potential hazards and prevent accidents from occurring. In the worst-case scenario of someone getting injured, trained security personnel can administer immediate care, which could ultimately reduce any severity of injuries and prevent any further complications.

EMCAREs courses are all designed to provide staff with top-tier standards in first aid training, ensuring that your security staff all have the knowledge and abilities to handle emergency situations swiftly and effectively.

An Example of First Aid Training in Action
Say for example a security guard comes across a person collapsing due to sudden cardiac arrest. If this security guard has received training from EMCARE, he or she would have the confidence and ability to quickly assess the situation, call for emergency medical services, and if necessary, start administering CPR. It's this prompt action that will notably increase the person's chances of survival while waiting for medical professionals to arrive on the scene.

First Aid Courses Available at EMCARE

As mentioned above, EMCARE offers several first aid courses, and we are a leading provider of these courses in South Africa. We pride ourselves on going that extra mile, as our courses focus on administering practical skills and real-life applications. Our first aid programs will give your security personnel the necessary skills to handle any medical emergency effectively.

We currently offer the following courses: First Aid Level 1 Course (FA1), First Aid Level 2 Course (FA2), First Aid Level 3 Course (FA3), CPR & AED Course (AED) and the Basic First Aid and First Aid Refresher Course (FAR).

All our expertly trained first aid instructors have had extensive experience in the field and are able to provide the comprehensive, hands-on training that all participants need in order to get the necessary confidence to handle any emergency.

Whether you're a business owner looking to upskill your staff or a security guard ready to take on new skills, EMCARE's first aid training is an investment. If you're ready to take on new skills, don't hesitate to contact us or visit our website today to start your first aid training.