This post was sponsored by St. John.

I never gave much attention to learning CPR or really knowing any type of FIRST AID. I lived in a space of false reassurance that “someone else” would always be there to help… That was until I became a mom. Suddenly I was completely responsible for the life my husband and I brought into this world. A life more important than our own and one we would fiercely protect with everything we had. I quickly learned a few basics but nothing major. To be honest I was still very naive about how quickly something could go wrong. Then the unthinkable happened… I’ll never forget the day Lia went completely limp and lifeless in my arms. She had stopped breathing due to RSV complications. Thankfully I was already in the hospital parking lot (never underestimate a mother’s instinct) but I hated not knowing how I could help her. The doctors and nurses that rushed to my side are all angels and Lia showed her fighting spirit that day. Thereafter I attended a CPR course hosted at the hospital and now I know the importance of CPR and FIRST AID.

One course really isn’t enough. These should be completed regularly to keep the information and skills learnt, fresh in your mind. It’s however not always easy setting out an entire day or weekend to attend a course and before you know it another year has passed. That’s where St. John is here to assist with their online CPR and Level 1 FIRST AID course.

More about St. John

Active in South Africa for more than 130 years, the Order of St John (NPC), is here for good. The way St John does good is by improving the health, safety and quality of life for all South Africans. St John offers first aid training, eye care, ambulance services, medical supplies and facilitates community initiatives nationwide. They also wrote the first-ever book about First Aid training and introduced their international gold standard FIRST AID e-learning course on the 16th of October 2020.

The innovative 18-hour FIRST AID blended learning course combines the theoretical component of FIRST AID Level 1, with a classroom-based practical hosted at St John Training Centres across South Africa (CLICK HERE to find a Training Centre near you). On completion of the theory, the learner will have the opportunity to book an appointment at one of the St John Training Centres for the practical assessment.

The importance of First Aid knowledge when you are a parent/guardian/caregiver

As our girls grow up they spend more time with other kids. Their friends. Playdates, birthday parties and fun outings are the norm. Accidents do however happen and while in our care, these children are our responsibility. I would not be able to live with myself in anything were to happen to any one of them, especially now that I know how easy it is to prevent and minimize loss if the correct steps are taking. That’s why all parents should take the time to complete a basic FIRST AID course.

More benefits to knowing FIRST AID

Why we liked this course:

• The course is well organised and very easy to follow and work through. Divided into 9 sections, each with its own sub-section. Everything is broken down in manageable loads with enough repetition and even recap summaries and quick quizzes that ensure you understand what you’ve been taught.

• We can “attend” the course anytime that suits us best and from the comfort of our own home. All the information is online and can be accessed through your unique login details. On completion of the theory, we now have the opportunity to book an appointment at one of the St John Training Centres for the practical assessment.
• There’s no rush. We completed each section at our own pace, going back and forth as need be. Even when I completely forgot something, I could simply “click back”.

• The course includes loads of detailed, practical videos to assist. Especially for the more “hands-on” knowledge such as CPR. These can be watched repeatedly and show exactly what you should be doing.

• This course covers all the bases. From extreme emergencies like car accidents, puncture wounds, medical emergencies etc, but also important day-to-day traumas we are bound to face. Things such as insect bites, burns, fractures, how to correctly sterilise a wound and stop bleeding, diabetes and when to worry about a fever. The information is categorised according to best practice for adults (puberty and beyond), kids (over a year to the age of puberty) and infants (under 1year of age). It also mentions special care for the elderly and pregnant women.

How to get in touch

Find an entire selection of St. John’s CPR and FIRST AID courses on their website, www.stjohn.org.za From beginner to advanced as well as AHA Accredited. All on the “TRAINING” page. They also have an online shop that sells general and specific FIRST AID kits for kids, cars, home, office and even burn victims.

Giveaway closed – CONGRATULATIONS Nici Romy (Instagram)

NOW, we are paying it forward with a wonderful giveaway!

WIN the following…

• Access to the St. John First Aid e-learning course (theory and practical)
• a St John First Aid essentials kit and
• the St John First Aid textbook.

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE: R1560

How to enter

There are TWO ways to enter, you can complete one of these steps OR all of them to gain more entries:

1. Leave a comment HERE telling us why you think FIRST AID knowledge is important.
2. Visit our Instagram account. Leave a comment under this post and tag someone you think would like this competition too.

* This giveaway closes on the 18th of December 2020.

GOOD LUCK!

COMPETITION RULES: 

1. Only entries via Instagram and comments left below will be considered.
2. Instagram is in no way responsible or associated with this giveaway.
3. Competition is only open to South African residents residing in South Africa. 
4. The winner must be 18+ years old.
5. This competition closes on the 18th of December 2020.
6.  The winner is picked at random and announced after the 19th of December 2020. 
7. This prize is not exchangeable or refundable.
8. Please enter valid email and contact info. If we can not get hold of you within 48 hours a new winner will be picked.
9. St. John will be in touch and take responsibility for delivering the prize to the winner.

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