Security guards and crowd controllers in NSW are required to hold a current CPR and first aid certificate to obtain their security operative licenses. This blog highlights five crucial skills that first aid training will add to your skill set and enhance your resume.

1. Recognising Life-Threatening Situations

As a security guard, you are trained to identify and respond to suspicious behavior and critical situations. Your first aid certification will enhance these skills by increasing your situational awareness and teaching you how to recognize the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses and injuries. This knowledge is vital, whether it’s identifying someone in the early stages of a stroke or assisting an intoxicated person whose airway is obstructed.

2. Managing Emergency Scenes

In an emergency, bystanders will typically look to a uniformed security guard to take charge. First aid training provides you with the skills and confidence to manage the scene until professional help arrives. Whether you’re managing a crowd at a licensed venue or alone with a casualty during a late-night patrol, you’ll need to:

• Assess the situation.
• Ensure the safety of yourself, bystanders, and casualties.
• Locate and evaluate the need for first aid.
• Administer first aid and CPR if necessary.
• Call emergency services.
• Inform key site personnel about the situation.
• Ensure paramedics and emergency responders have clear access to casualties.

3. Administering First Aid and CPR

As a licensed security guard in NSW, you may encounter a wide range of medical emergencies. First aid training equips you to recognize and assist individuals experiencing heart attacks, strokes, snake bites, allergic reactions, impact injuries, electric shocks, and more. The hands-on training ensures you know how to use medical PPE, apply bandages, use a defibrillator, and perform CPR effectively.

In some situations, other trained first aiders may be present. In such cases, it might be more practical for you to coordinate the site’s first aid resources while managing the scene and keeping bystanders at a safe distance.

4. Communicating with Emergency Services

First aid training also teaches you how to effectively communicate with emergency responders, including 000 operators, paramedics, and hospital staff. When calling for an ambulance, you should:

• Dial 000 and request an ambulance, and possibly fire and police services.
• Provide clear directions, including suburb, street name and number, nearest cross street, and landmarks.
• Describe the medical emergency and the number of people involved.
• Give details about casualties, including age, gender, and whether they are conscious or breathing.

The 000 operator may dispatch an ambulance while you are still providing details and may give you first aid instructions over the phone.

5. Reporting Incidents

All incidents resulting in injury or requiring first aid treatment must be recorded in an incident register. Depending on your employment arrangements, you may need to complete an incident report for the client or venue, as well as for your employer or agency. Incident report forms are legal documents that must be filled out accurately, including detailed information such as names of witnesses and casualties, dates, times, locations, and any property damage.

Protecting the confidentiality and privacy of bystanders and casualties is also essential, in line with the policies of your client, employer, or agency.

Update Your First Aid Skills

Do you need a CPR or first aid certificate? Or perhaps some refresher training? Western sydney vocational training academy (WSVTA) specializes in first aid training for security guards and crowd controllers in NSW. Browse our online course brochures and upcoming training dates to stay updated and certified.

By mastering these essential first aid skills, you’ll enhance your ability to respond effectively in emergencies, making you a more valuable asset to your team and the community.