Individuals who have at least primary school education and are over 18 years old can obtain a first aid certificate from institutions approved by the Ministry of Health and authorized to provide first aid training. Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı, Head of the First and Emergency Aid Program, stated that first aid training prevents life-threatening situations through correct and rapid intervention in emergencies. “First aid training covers topics such as basic life support, airway obstruction, bleeding, fractures, dislocations, sprains, altered consciousness, drowning, and patient transport techniques,” she said.
Recently, a TV presenter's difficult moments when a nut became lodged in his windpipe during a live broadcast were captured on camera, and the correct and rapid intervention of his guest brought him back to life.
This incident once again demonstrated the importance of correct and rapid intervention in potential sudden situations, showing how first aid can save lives.
Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı, Head of the First and Emergency Aid Program at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vocational School of Health Services, provided information about the importance of first aid training.
Life-saving interventions performed with available tools and equipment
Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı defined first aid as life-saving interventions performed by trained individuals present at the scene of an accident or any life-threatening situation, using available tools and equipment without searching for medical supplies, until medical personnel arrive.
Applying first aid saves lives
Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı noted that we need first aid knowledge in many areas of our daily lives, “We may encounter accidents and injuries for various reasons at home, work, on the street, or while shopping. In such moments, health personnel may not always be present at the scene. In such situations, applying first aid is crucial as it is life-saving, prevents disabilities, and shortens the recovery process. First aid training aims to eliminate life-threatening danger through correct and rapid intervention in emergencies, ensure the continuation of vital functions, prevent the worsening of the condition, and facilitate recovery.”
Basic life support is provided through first aid training
Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı, Head of the First and Emergency Aid Program, explained what is aimed with first aid training:
“First aid training teaches subjects such as basic life support, airway obstruction, bleeding, injury, burns, heatstroke, frostbite, fractures, dislocations, sprains, altered consciousness, poisoning, animal bites, foreign bodies in the eye, ear and nose, drowning, and patient transport techniques, thereby developing the knowledge and skills of first responders.”
Effective first aid intervention has positive contributions to human health
Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı, Head of the First and Emergency Aid Program, also emphasized the importance of training individuals with knowledge and skills in first aid and increasing awareness in this field, noting that effective first aid intervention would thus have positive contributions to human health in issues such as accidents, injuries, natural disasters, and public health in general.
Who can receive training?
Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı stated that individuals who have at least primary school education and are over 18 years old can obtain a first aid certificate from institutions approved by the Ministry of Health and authorized to provide first aid training, “These institutions provide 16 hours of theoretical and practical training. After the training is completed, theoretical and practical exams are conducted with the supervision of officials appointed by the Ministry of Health. Those who succeed are entitled to receive a First Aid certificate,” she said.
Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı also commented on staying calm in emergencies, saying, “While composure is a character trait, it can be developed through acquired knowledge, experience, and practice.”