Thinking about it, I’m not entirely sure what to do if things go wrong. Imagine being high up in the mountains and getting injured, making it impossible to walk further, or being bitten by a snake and needing urgent transport to a hospital for antivenom.
To make matters worse, how can I help if a fellow hiker sustains a serious injury? All these scenarios run through my mind as I consider what could go wrong and what actions to take.
That being said, I decided to enroll in a basic level 1 first aid training. With some basic first-aid skills, I can help myself and others. You never know, so I’d rather be prepared than sorry.
The SDB Health, Safety & Environmental Practitioners provided the training. The Centurion Hiking Club made all the arrangements.
Before we get to how it all played out, let’s look at what SDB has to offer.
About SDB Health & Safety
SDB Health, Safety & Environmental Practitioners (SDB OHS), located in Centurion, Pretoria, provides comprehensive occupational health and safety services and training.
SDB OHS, also known as SDB Health, Safety, and Environmental Practitioners, assists businesses in adhering to safety regulations, conducting legal compliance audits, and providing professional support to their clients.
Products and Services
SDB OHS offers a range of consulting services and training courses:
Consulting Services: This involves conducting legal compliance, health and safety audits, implementing programs to minimize production disruptions, and providing professional backup services, including a 24-hour helpline and standby support for incidents.
OHS Training Courses: They offer accredited courses led by certified trainers to support professionals and guarantee safety and compliance. Some of the courses included include:
– Emergency Coordinator
– Basic Fire Fighting
– Basic Evacuation
– First Aid in the workplace
– Hygiene for food handlers and food safety
– Personal hygiene in the workplace
– HIV/Aids awareness
– Health and Safety Legislation and Management
– Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)
– Incident Investigation
– Good Housekeeping Practices
– Health and Safety Induction Training
First Aid Level 1, 2, 3 Training
SDB OHS offers First Aid Level 1, 2, and 3 training, which is essential for emergency readiness in diverse settings, including outdoor activities such as hiking. Although not explicitly labeled as “for hikers,” these comprehensive first aid certificates are highly applicable for anyone entering situations that may require an immediate medical response.
First Aid Level 1: This course usually lasts 2 days and teaches candidates how to assess an emergency, contact emergency services, and perform basic life-saving skills while waiting for professional help.
First Aid Level 2: This course usually lasts 3 days and trains learners to deliver primary emergency care for occupational hazards or other health emergencies.
First Aid Level 3: This course usually lasts four days and trains first responders to handle emergencies at an advanced level until additional professional emergency personnel arrive.
Now, let me share how the training actually went.
My Training Experience
Our group consisted of 8 students, including 5 regular hikers, who were ready for First Aid Level 1 training. We were seated in a room resembling a boardroom, with air conditioning on, which was appreciated on the cold morning. Coffee and muffins were also available. The classroom arrangement was quite pleasant.
Our teacher, Warren, entered, introduced himself, explained the schedule, and distributed training manuals. We each introduced ourselves, and the session began at 09:00.
The training primarily involved quickly reviewing the training manual and listening to Warren share his insights. Although the training is a two-day event, we had limited time and completed it in one day.
In between, we had the opportunity to ask questions, and there was also a practical section where we could administer CPR on a dummy and practice applying bandages for different scenarios.
We discussed how to treat hypothermia, heatstroke, dehydration, insect bites, and what to do when someone falls and is in a bad condition.
My fellow students were positive, especially during the practical exercises. There were lots of laughs as we worked through the exercises.
The highlight for me was the practical exercises. I think you learn best by doing rather than memorizing manuals.
The downside was that we had 4 hours to absorb a 52-page manual with a lot of facts and scenarios and write an exam about it. I thought Warren was making a joke when he mentioned it at the beginning of the training.
I thought wrong…😔 I should have taken better notes.
At the time of writing this, I don’t even know if I passed. I was assured that I could retake the exam if I did not make it.
First Aid Training Q&A
What does first aid training cost?
This depends on the company giving the training. We were charged R450 per person, and I think this was good value for money.
They also offer after-training support, where you can reach out to them with further questions or if you want to upgrade to levels 2 or 3, as they can assist with that as well.
What do you need to pass the first aid exam?
The pass rate is 80%
How long is the first aid certificate valid?
First aid level 1, 2, and 3 training certificates are generally valid for three years.
What is the minimum and maximum group size they train?
For group sizes, please contact them directly. See the link provided below. They can even come to your company to deliver the training.
Final Verdict
My overall experience of the training was positive. If I had to rate them, I would give them a 4/5.
I learned a lot, especially with the CPR part and how to apply those bandages. The theory part needs some rehashing…😁
I can’t think of anything I disliked about the training.
However, I circled the building twice before I found them. So, remember it’s Unit 29, and you will write an exam afterward. Pay attention.
That’s it from me on the Hikers’ First Aid Workshop Review. This should give you a better idea of where to go for first aid training and how it typically proceeds.
Some Helpful Links
