You probably learned first aid as part of your high school curriculum or in college, but have you kept up with your certification? If not, it’s time to renew that first aid certification. Canada has strict standards for first aid providers, and if you don’t have your certification in hand, you may be asked to retake the course before you can register with the government. If you have a job that requires first aid training, you may have to retake your certification from scratch anyway since the course standards may have changed since you last took the course. So, why bother with the renewal if you have to pay for it again? Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea to go through the renewal process even if it’s not required right away:
Keep up with current best practices
First aid training is not a one-and-done type of course. It’s an ongoing learning experience that should be an ongoing part of your life. If you haven’t kept up with your training in the last few years, you may not be aware of the latest developments and practices in the world of first aid. What was considered the norm 10 years ago may not even be mentioned these days. Continuing education is important for a number of reasons. First aid professionals need to keep current on the latest research and practices in their field, so they can provide the best care possible to their patients. Continuing education is also important for maintaining licensure, which is why renewal is required. Additionally, keeping up with current best practices ensures that you are prepared to assist anyone at any time.
Stay compliant with government regulations
First aid training is not a free-for-all. Each course has its own set of standards that must be met in order to receive a certification. If you don’t have your certification in hand, you may not be in compliance with government regulations. If you’re working as a first aid provider, you may be asked to provide proof of certification in order to register with the government. If your certification is not in hand, you can retake your course and provide the documentation to the government when you apply for certification.
Learn what’s changed
Even if you’re keeping up with your certification, it’s worth taking the time to go through the renewal process. Not only will you be able to keep your certification current, but you may also discover what changes have been made to the course. This allows you to learn what’s changed so you can adjust your learning techniques accordingly. This is especially important for new first aid course providers who need to learn how to best accommodate the needs of their students.
Become a better first aid provider
First aid training is a lifelong journey. You don’t stop learning once you receive your certification. You should continue to expand your knowledge and skills throughout your career as a first aid provider. It’s easy to get stuck in a routine of doing the same thing day after day, which can lead to burnout. It’s important to stay on top of new research, changes in the industry, and new methods of providing care in order to avoid falling behind and becoming ineffective. Staying up to date with the latest research, attending workshops and conferences, and reading up on industry developments will not only help you maintain your certification, but it will also help you become a better first aid provider. This is especially important for first aid instructors who want to stay on top of their game and provide the best instruction possible.
You’ll be prepared for any situation
While it’s unlikely that you’ll ever run into a situation where you need to revive a patient from the 1950s, it’s good to be prepared for any scenario. One of the best ways to do that is to maintain your certification. You may not be required to retake your certification immediately after it expires, but you’ll definitely want to do so before you start working as a first aid provider. If you don’t have your certification in hand, you may be asked to retake the course before you can register with the government. This is especially important if you’re working as a first aid instructor. While you don’t need to retake your certification in order to become certified, you do need to be prepared for the certification process.
By keeping your certification current, you’re demonstrating your commitment to the profession
As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This is especially true when it comes to first aid. The best way to prevent yourself from needing first aid services is to become proficient in first aid and learn how to handle various medical situations. However, if an emergency situation does arise, you’ll want to be prepared. This means keeping your certification current. This will ensure that you’re familiar with the latest practices in the industry and can help the people around you should the need arise.
Taking the time to renew your certification is worth it
Even if you don’t have to retake your certification for the government, it’s still worth going through the renewal process. Not only will you be able to keep your certification current, but you may also discover what changes have been made to the course. This allows you to learn what’s changed so you can adjust your learning techniques accordingly. This is especially important for new first aid course providers who need to learn how to best accommodate the needs of their students. The cost of the renewal process may seem like a lot, but it’s worth it to keep up with your certification and stay on top of your game.
Take your renewal seriously
Even if you don’t have to retake the course for the government, it’s still a good idea to go through the renewal process to make sure that you’re compliant with the course standards. This will help you stay on top of your game so you can provide the best possible care to your patients.
Bottom line
The renewal process may not be something you look forward to, but it’s worth it for a number of reasons. Not only will you be able to keep your certification current, but you may also discover what changes have been made to the course. This allows you to learn what’s changed so you can adjust your learning techniques accordingly. To make sure you’re prepared for the renewal process, make sure you have a checklist of everything you need to do.