The Differences Between CPR And First Aid

The main difference between taking a first aid course and just CPR is the number of emergency topics covered within the curriculum. CPR courses cover cardiovascular emergencies, while first aid courses cover various topics, including CPR.

An emergency can happen at any time. The majority of medical emergencies are not heart attacks and cardiac arrests. I always recommend that students take CPR in conjunction with first aid. First aid covers breaks, blending, burns, medical conditions, etc. Taking a first aid course will allow you to recognize an emergency and give you the skills to keep a casualty alive while waiting for EMS to arrive.

While taking a first aid course, you will learn to splint a beak, apply a tourniquet, cool a burn, administer an Epi-Pen for a casualty with a severe allergic reaction, and many other life-saving skills not taught in a CPR-only course

What subjects are covered in a Holmes Medical Training First Aid course?

Standard First Aid Course Curriculum:

Defining First Aid and Understanding First Aid Objectives	Automated External Defibrillators (AED)-Adult, Child & Infant	Chest Injuries
Casualty Management and Assessment	Adult, Child & Infant Choking	Core Body Injuries (Pelvis, Abdomen, and Groin)
Emergency Scene Management	Strokes and TIA	Triage (Multiple Casualties)
PPE and Anti-Contamination Protocols	Severe Bleeding and Wound Care	Eye Injuries
​Shock and Fainting (Unconsciousness)	Minor Wound Care	Poisons
Responsive Casualty Management	Bites and Stings	Opioid Overdose (Naloxone Training)
Head and Spinal Injuries and Concussion Protocol	Burns	Environmental Illness, Injuries, and Procedures
Heart Attacks and Angina	Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Seizures, Asthma & Allergies)	Patient Lifting and Transport Techniques
Adult, Child & Infant CPR	Secondary Survey	Evacuation Protocols
Two Rescuer CPR	Bone and Joint Injuries

What are the different types of CPR, and what do they cover?

CPR level A with AED training means the first aider (you) have learned the skills to recognize a cardiovascular emergency and give CPR while applying an AED to an adult. Adults in first aid terms are any casualty that appears to be over the age of 8.

CPR level B with AED training means the first aider has learned to recognize a cardiovascular emergency and give CPR to adults and children while applying an AED to both age groups. Children in first aid terms appear to be a casualty between the ages of 1-8.

CPR level C with AED training means the first aider has learned to recognize a cardiovascular emergency and give CPR to adults, children, and infants while applying an AED to both age groups. Infants in first aid terms appear to be a casualty under one year.

BLS CPR Level C with AED training is a course designed for healthcare professionals where cardiovascular emergencies are recognized by a team approach. Not only will the first aider learn how to give CPR to all ages, but they will also learn how to use a BVM, Rescue breathing, and take a casualties vitals.

What courses are covered in the Holmes Medical Training CPR course?

CPR Level C with AED Course Curriculum

• Defining first aid and first aid objectives

• Casualty management and assessment

• Shock and fainting

• Adult, child & infant resuscitation (CPR Level C)

• Automated external defibrillators (AED)

• Choking for adults, children & infants

• Strokes and TIA

• Heart attacks and angina, and cardiovascular disease factors