Guide to Choosing First Aid Training

Choosing first aid training can sometimes be a headache. What training is needed to achieve sufficient first aid readiness, and what would be the best delivery method for our group? Can first aid really be learned online? You will find answers to these questions in this article.

Mastering first aid skills is vital

Mastering first aid skills is important for everyone, regardless of their job role, as an emergency can occur at any time in an unexpected place, and the right kind of first aid can save lives. We often associate situations requiring first aid with accidents, but a medical emergency can happen to anyone even in a safe place, and in such cases, it can be crucial that the only person present is able and brave enough to act.

Koulutustukku offers a wide range of first aid training developed by the Finnish Red Cross first aid training programmes, suitable for individuals, companies, and communities. In this guide, we review the various SPR training options and delivery formats so you can choose the training that best suits you or your organisation.

Several options for first aid training

In Koulutustukku’s selection, you will find all certified first aid courses from the Finnish Red Cross first aid training programmes. Different course types are designed to meet the needs of various target groups.

SPR Emergency First Aid Course 4h®

The SPR Emergency First Aid Course 4h® is excellent for learning or refreshing the most important life-saving knowledge and first aid skills.
The aim of the training is to increase the courage to help in life-threatening situations.
The course also includes first aid topics for the electrical industry in accordance with the SFS 6002 electrical safety standard.
The SPR Emergency First Aid Course 4h® also serves as a first aid refresher course, which can extend the validity of the SPR First Aid Course EA 1® or SPR First Aid Course EA 2® qualification by three years once.
Duration: 4 hours.
The certificate is valid for three years.

SPR Emergency First Aid Course 8h®

The SPR Emergency First Aid Course 8h® is suitable for learning life-saving emergency first aid knowledge and skills and ensuring first aid competence in low-accident-risk environments.
The course is well-suited for individuals with no prior first aid training.
The training also works excellently as a first aid refresher course for those with more experience, as the course can extend the validity of the SPR First Aid Course EA 1® or SPR First Aid Course EA 2® certificate by three years once.
Duration: 8 hours.
The certificate is valid for three years

SPR First Aid Course EA 1®

SPR First Aid Course EA 1® is the most popular and well-known first aid course, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills for acting in various first aid situations.
The course covers a wide range of first aid topics and exercises. Participants practice CPR, the use of a defibrillator, and first aid for medical emergencies, wounds, and other injuries.
The course is suitable for individuals who need versatile first aid skills in environments with an apparent risk of accidents.
Duration: 16 hours.
The certificate is valid for three years.

SPR First Aid Course EA 2®

An advanced first aid course that deepens the skills learned in the EA 1 course.
SPR First Aid Course EA 2® is an effective, functional, and practical advanced first aid course that includes numerous exercises and tasks requiring reflection.
Aimed at individuals who want to learn more about acting in demanding conditions or who work in industries with a high risk of accidents and want to strengthen their first aid expertise.
Duration: 8 hours.
The certificate is valid for three years.

Choose the most suitable delivery method for yourself or your group from several options

We offer first aid training in several different delivery formats so that everyone can find the most suitable way for themselves or their group to learn first aid skills.

In-person training

We organise in-person training on-site in several cities across Finland. We implement company- or group-specific training according to the client’s wishes throughout Finland or even abroad. In in-person training, participants get to practice first aid skills in practice under the guidance of an instructor. This is an excellent option for those who want personal guidance and feedback.

Webinar, i.e., remote training

A webinar is an effective delivery method when first aid training is desired for a group, but it is difficult for participants to travel to the same location for in-person training. A webinar provides the benefits of instructor-led training, meaning participants have the opportunity to discuss with the instructor and ask clarifying questions about matters on their minds. A webinar is a cost-effective option, as training conducted over the network saves participants’ travel and accommodation costs.

Online training

Online training offers a flexible way to learn first aid skills at your own pace. You can complete the course anywhere and anytime, as long as you have an internet connection. Online training includes interactive tasks and videos that help you learn first aid skills in practice. Online training is a great option when the risk level of your working environment is low or if you want to refresh what you have previously learned. Online training is a quick and easy way to ensure that the entire staff has the basic skills to help in life-threatening situations. Training completed frequently enough maintains the courage to help.

Blended learning

Blended learning combines the best aspects of online training and in-person training. Participants can complete part of the course online and then participate in in-person training where the learned skills are practiced in practice. This is a good option for those who want flexibility but also instructor-led practical training using first aid training equipment.

Can first aid be learned online?

The effectiveness and impact of online training compared to in-person training depend on many factors, such as the learner’s learning style, the content of the training, and the delivery method. Below are some key perspectives:

Benefits of online training:

Efficiency

Online training utilises several different interactive learning methods, which help to internalise the learned material more effectively. Interactive and student-oriented online learning can be more effective than traditional teacher-led in-person instruction. SPR first aid online training includes comprehensive practical exercises, ensuring that expertise does not remain at a theoretical level.

Flexibility

Online training offers the opportunity to learn regardless of time and place. This flexibility can improve learning outcomes because learners can complete the training at their own pace, emphasizing and reviewing parts that feel challenging and returning to the training materials at any time.

Accessibility

Online training is accessible from anywhere in the world. In addition to an internet connection, all that is needed for studying is a computer or a smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet. This makes it easy and affordable to arrange first aid training even for a dispersed work team. Easy accessibility also means that it is convenient to offer first aid training to the entire staff, and it is no longer necessary to select only some employees for first aid training. This ensures that help is available even when working, for example, in pairs at remote work sites.

Cost-effectiveness

Online training scales easily to different needs without high costs. Participants do not need to travel to the training location, and not everyone needs to participate in the training at the same time. This way, there are no interruptions to production due to a training day.

Benefits of in-person training:

Personal guidance

In in-person training, participants receive personal guidance and feedback from the instructor, which can improve learning outcomes.

Guided practical training

In in-person training, there is an opportunity to practice first aid skills in practice. This can increase readiness to help and the courage to act in a real situation.

Interaction

In in-person training, there is an opportunity for interaction with other participants. Interaction can help with learning and internalising things.

How to choose the right first aid training from the options?

When choosing first aid training, you should consider your own and the group’s needs and goals. Here are some tips for choosing the right course:

Goal: Think about why you want to complete a first aid course. Is the goal to learn basic first aid skills, refresh what you have previously learned, or deepen existing skills?
Schedule: How much time do you want to spend on training and when can you best set aside time? Choose a course that fits your schedule or complete the course flexibly at your own pace as a self-study online training.
Learning style: Do you learn best in a group, practicing together and discussing with the instructor, or independently online? Choose a delivery format that suits your learning style.
Required qualification: Do you need an official qualification, for example, for a workplace? Ensure that the course you choose provides the required qualification. There are many types of first aid training on the market, not all of which may meet the requirements of your employer or the client company. Koulutustukku’s first aid training courses are SPR-certified, so they meet all requirements. Also, check whether a basic emergency first aid course is sufficient for your role or if a more comprehensive two-day training is required.

We hope this guide helps you choose the right first aid training for yourself or your organisation. Remember that first aid skills are valuable skills that can save lives both at work and in your free time.

See all our first aid training here!

Guide to Choosing First Aid Training