Various organisations and individuals provide training in first aid, CPR/AED and Emergency First Response in the Cayman Islands. Here we list a complete guide.
First Aid, CPR and AED courses abound in the Cayman Islands, just be aware that the names of the courses vary according to the accrediting body and syllabus, however, for the the most part the course content is very similar and aims to arm participants with the knowledge and skills to be able to respond to a medical emergency.
The main difference to note is that CPR/AED courses focus on dealing with life-threatening conditions – typically a non-breathing patient – and therefore covers clearing airways, rescue breathing, choking, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
First Aid and Emergency First Responder courses go a little further and also train participants in basic first aid: dealing with responsive patients and providing emergency treatment for non-life threatening conditions such as fractures, bleeding, stings, shock and more.
For the lay person, there is little difference between the courses by the various accrediting bodies, but for some professions, particularly healthcare professionals and teachers, a specific certification is required, such as the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support for Health Care Professionals, which is a little more advanced than a CPR course.
Certifications are valid for two years after which one must do a refresher. The lower age limit varies, but participants must be able to demonstrate CPR and choking prevention skills. Check with each provider as some will teach kids as young as 9, others prefer them to be at least 15.
CAYSAFETY offers a wide range of health and safety training programmes and consultation services to meet every requirement. In collaboration with the National Safety Council (USA) , CAYSAFETY offers First Aid, CPR, Basic Life Support and Pediatric First Aid Training Programmes that are internationally certified and developed using best practice. Training is facilitated by an instructor with 30 years field based experience as an Emergency Responder and over 17 years teaching in clinical and community settings, Training can be facilitated in private residences, in the work place or at an alternative venue. Contact CAYSAFETY to plan your First Aid and CPR training. Email cayssfety@gmail.com, Tel. (345) 925 3579 or visit www.caysafetytrainingandconsulting.com.
The Cayman Islands Red Cross offers the American Red Cross (ARC) syllabus and certification in the following courses: Infant/Child/Adult First Aid, CPR and AED; Lifeguarding and Basic Water Rescue. All certifications are valid for two years. Contact the First Aid Training Manager on Tel: (345) 925 0715, email: firstaid@redcross.org.ky or visit www.redcross.org.ky for further information about training opportunities, course prices and dates.
Fitness Connection teaches American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) CPR/AED courses. For more information, call (345) 949 8485 or email: fitness@fitness.ky.
CPR Respiratory Cayman/Melissa Shaw is a certified instructor for both the American Heart Association and the American Safety & Health Institute. She offers the following courses: ASHI Advanced Cardiac Life Support, ASHI Basic Life Support, ASHI Pediatric Advanced Life Support, ASHI Basic and Advanced First Aid, ASHI Child/Babysitting Safety and Pediatrics. For more information or to schedule one of these CPR courses please email: melissashawky@gmail.com or call (345) 926 0219.
Mike Nelson of Cayman Sea Elements offers the full Emergency First Responder (EFR) certification course either at Clever Fish, schools, offices, churches or at home. The certification is valid for two years. The course covers practical and theoretical adult, child and infant CPR, AED and First Aid including administering EPI pens. A Water Safety course for caregivers and parents is also offered. For more information Tel: (345) 936 8687 or email: caymansea@gmail.com.
LifeLine is a non-profit organisation focused primarily on creating and maintaining a national AED (Automated External Defibrillator) database that, with Government's support, will permit 911 operators to identify the closest AED in the case of a cardiac emergency and also automatically contact first responders linked to a particular AED. For further information on how you can contribute to LifeLine’s work in improving the cardiac arrest survival rates in our community, please visit their website www.lifeline.ky.
Many dive operators also offer the EFR course as this is a PADI training requirement for more advanced dive certifications.