First aid & fire

First aid and fire are short, practical courses where you learn to act correctly when an accident happens or something catches fire. You will be able to give life-saving first aid, use a heart starter, and extinguish a small fire before it grows large. These are courses many workplaces require, but above all it is knowledge that can make the difference between life and death – both at work and in everyday life.

§What do you do on the course?

The teaching is very hands-on. You practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a dummy practice using an automated external defibrillator (AED) apply bandages and learn to assess an accident situation and call for help. On the fire side you try using fire extinguishing equipment like powder extinguisher and fire blanket on a controlled practice fire and you learn to respond correctly if the alarm goes. So you alternate between short presentations and practical exercises where you repeat the actions until they sink in.

• 01You learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a defibrillator so you can act in case of cardiac arrest.
• 02You practice elementary firefighting: how to extinguish a small fire safely with the right equipment.
• 03You become confident in assessing an emergency, establishing an overview, and calling 112 correctly.
• 04You get functional qualifications and certificates that many industries require of their employees.
• 05You train it with your body and hands so you can react calmly when it really matters.

§How do you get started?

The courses are offered as AMU courses, which typically last from a single day to a few days, depending on level and content. You don't need any specific education beforehand — the courses are widely aimed at people in the labour market and those who need to meet a requirement at their workplace. Many sign up through their employer, but you can also apply directly to an educational institution offering AMU. It's a good idea to check what level or certificate your specific industry requires before choosing a course.

§Way forward

First aid and fire are rarely an end in themselves, but a competence built on top of a trade. In areas such as construction, transport, industry, education, and health, it is an advantage – and sometimes a requirement – to have the right certificates. You can take more and more specialized courses on top of the basic ones, and combine them with a skilled trade education where safety and preparedness are emphasized. That way you become the one colleagues trust when something goes wrong.

“Most people never hope they have to use it — but those standing by when a heart stops are glad someone took the course.”