There is no better calling than to serve your fellow man.
Very cool Longcast. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure you still look back at times and rerun the day in your mind. It must give you pride knowing you helped someone. The course you took sounds like the ones I have been to.
I wish ex-NYS Senator Phil Boyle was still doing his first aid seminars. Although I'm very comfortable with first aid, I still like to see new techniques and brush up on the old ones at seminars. No, a tourniquet will not solve every trauma and no one said it would but by taking a real first aid class you might be able to help someone in a bad situation before help arrives. One of the classes I took was at the Lindenhurst Fire Department. It was lectured and demonstrated by their EMT's. It was a solid four hours, well thought out and we all had a really good time. Did we become EMT's? No, but we walked out knowing more about first aid than what we knew when we walked in. For me, I learned another technique for deep wound punctures. I hope I never have to use it but I will never forget how to do it when the need arises.
We waste so much tax money on bullshit that doesn't solve the problem. Another rescue boat is not necessary.
I, like everyone on here, respect the EMT's and all first responders. I respect the job they do and the hours they put in staying ready to help us. With their training and experience, I would never compare them with someone who went to a seminar on first aid. Give me an EMT any day. But what happens during that very short period of time between an accident and stabilizing the injured with first aid when no EMT is around can save a life.
We need more general public training courses in first aid laid out by people who know how to make it an enjoyable experience. Offer an incentive. Look what Longcast did. He had a choice, first aid course or a term paper? I'm with Longcast, screw the paper. I don't know how long ago this happened but I'm sure if happens again, Longcast would be ready and happy to help.