I have always been interested in First Aid treatment. When I was little, being a medical doctor was a wonderful dream I was made to anticipate; every parent wanted his or her child to study Medicine in a higher institution. Our basic school teachers then wouldn't let us rest with discussions about how a career in Medicine is a sure path to never-ending riches. They'd tell us about how only the most intelligent students are good enough to become a medical doctor, save lives, earn the love and respect of all, and accumulate some serious wealth while at it.
So when First Aid was introduced, there was some serious interest because it was sold to us as if practicing it would make us some sort of baby doctors or doctors in the making. Honestly, they got our pulses running with enthusiasm back then. However, when I got to secondary school and realised that First Aid doesn't make you some sort of baby doctor, I lost interest.
Despite the disappointment, I always had the idea of First Aid at the back of my mind. I never learnt the basics and didn't bother about it until I saw a group about it at the NYSC camp. I registered and underwent training at the camp. It was enjoyable and made me feel like a true First Aider until I realized I never actually used the knowledge anywhere for once. And gradually, my interest dampened once again till it faded away.
But, come to think of it, First Aid has always been a natural part of our lives since we were little. Though the knowledge may not be extensive, one way or another other we've been ill or injured and found a way to control the situation even without seeking medical help. Well, that's First Aid. After all, it is the immediate help given to an ill or injured person before proper medical attention. So using Paracetamol to douse a raging headache or applying Methylated Spirit immediately after an injury is definitely First Aid.
In general, my knowledge of First Aid piqued when I was a Basic Science, Basic Tech and PHE teacher at a secondary school. Of course, First Aid cuts across the curriculum of all junior classes in the three subjects. For me to teach it, I had to master it. Also, considering my previous experience, which was likened to Medicine, which only confused me, I had to make it avoid its recurrence by teaching it succinctly as a standalone topic without any form of dependence on Medicine. As I prepared for classes then, I was also gaining valuable knowledge of things I had always wanted to know. Does that make me a registered First responder? Well, no. But in emergencies, I now know one or two things I could do that may be the difference between life and death, the difference between a whole body and an incomplete one.
Finally, as a parent, First Aid is a non-negotiable. When I was little, I fractured my left arm. It was at a time and place where medical personnel were, or nearly, unavailable. Despite that, my mum was able to help me through it by using basic First Aid methods. If she hadn't done that I'd probably lose the arm. Kids will definitely sustain cuts and bruises. Knowingly what to do in that instant to diffuse the situation because seeking medical help is a very valuable knowledge.
