First aid
Many
websites give information about attending first aid courses and
training, but few give factual information to the public for free. The
two largest first aid providers are St John Ambulance (www.sja.org.uk)
and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (www.redcross.org.uk),which
have branches in many countries. The following are reviews of websites
that give instructions on first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation.
The BBC offers an
interactive first aid course
(www.bbc.co.uk/health/first_aid_action). The site
aims to clear common misconceptions in first aid, provides a first aid
quiz to test and consolidate knowledge, and provides video clips with
example scenarios. These are designed for the user to see the practical
application of their skills and to gain confidence. The video clips
themselves are based on a popular television series 999. This
site is highly recommended; it is easy to navigate with quick links to
the skill in which you would like to gain experience and knowledge.
Topics include road traffic crashes, drowning, bleeding,
electrocution, eye injury, heart attack, choking,
poisoning, spinal injury, scalds, and burns. The interactive
programmeconcludes with useful practical advice for first aiders and a
reading list for further information. The 999 Lifesaver Guide
(available free) may be requested from the
website.
For more
detailed explanations and basic information then Mayo Clinic's
site
(www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/firstaidandselfcare/index.cfm)
is worth referring to. This excellent website covers a broad range of
conditions, including management of animal bites and foreign bodies.
Remember that because this site is American, many of the brands or drug
names may be unfamiliar to users outside the United States without
consulting a drug formulary.
Child
and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as a good summary of
the principles and management in first aid, are on www.firstaidweb.com.
Illustrations used on this site are not presented as clearly as those
on other sites. A quiz at the end of the course enables the learner to
test their
knowledge.
www.stjohn.org.nz/tips
comes from the New Zealand branch of St John Ambulance. The site is at
an appropriate level of detail for lay first aiders, however, medical
students may prefer a more detailed site. Medical conditions, such as
asthma and diabetes, are covered in easily accessible
language. Techniques and assessments are well explained in lay terms,
making this site accessible to members of the
public.
The Australian site
www.parasolemt.com.au/manual/efa.asp has easy to
follow comprehensive information. Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation is especially well covered. Some pages display
too much information making them less user friendly.
The European Reference Centre for First Aid Education
(www.firstaidinaction.net) does not offer direct teaching on first aid,
but it aims to unify first aid across Europe. The site gives guidelines
and advice for best practice in prehospital care. Newsletters may be
downloaded from the site.
Remember
that learning first aid from the internet is no substitute for
attending a course and practising skills under the supervision of a
trained
instructor.
Suneeta Kochhar, preregistration house officer
Email: suneetakochhar@doctors.org.uk
Stephen French, preregistration house officer, St Thomas' Hospital, London
studentBMJ 2005;13:133-176 April ISSN 0966-6494
