The internet has changed the way we learn, search for partners and even find entertainment. However, among all the useful things you can find online there are a number of scams that everyone needs to be aware of. Over the past three years the number of websites offering a first aid course online have more than doubled. Many of these websites are said to have already issued hundreds of certifications to people who have attended the course online. Unfortunately, this is nothing more than fabrication in the majority of cases.
Why are these scams?
First aid is a practical skill that requires hands on instruction by an instructor that is certified in your country, plus in some countries they need to have a license. This person is often always a medical graduate. It is only after a few hours of practical instruction that an instructor can quiz and then issue a certificate for attending a first aid course. But this is something that cannot be done online.
First aid courses online mainly ask people to sign up, then pay a small fee, after which they watch a series of videos teaching various types of CPR. Once a person feels ready to take a test, they need to answer a number of multiple choice questions. Scoring around 80% will earn them the certificate. Unless, you just want to hang something on your wall, this certificate is meaningless and will not help you in an emergency situation.
How to find a good first aid course?
The only good first aid courses can be attended physically, this means having to visit a real institute or learn from a real instructor. However, there are many offline scams too, with a number of instructors not actually being certified. So, you should make sure that you check the instructor's certification and if possible run their registration number through a database of people who have a license to offer first aid courses.
Once their certification has been confirmed then search online for references and reviews pertaining to the instructor. If the instructor has taught before you should be able to find something about them online. Only sign up for a first aid course even offline once you are sure that the instructor is certified, has experience and others have had a good learning experience.
Attend a sample class
The last thing you'll want to check prior to signing up to even a real world first aid course is to take a sample class. Many businesses that offer first aid courses will have a sample session that people can attend to gauge exactly how good the instructor is. Only signup once you like the teaching style and you think there is something you can learn here.
It is also important that you negotiate the rates especially if you are going to hire the instructor to pay your business a visit to teach all your employees. Generally, these instructors will charge by the hour.