Two members of an investigative bureau recently became certified first aid responders. However, their training raised serious concerns due to its expedited and questionable nature. Parents would undoubtedly hesitate to trust them with their children.
Questionable First Aid Certification Process
The first aid course offered by Médi-Soins in Montreal allows individuals to obtain certification without formal appointments or prior registration. Participants simply walk in to the office of Toufic Eid. This quick certification process does not require attendees to remove their coats, as the training lasts significantly less than the mandated eight hours.
Certification Details
During a recent session, Eid’s partner, Emma Eid Mktichian, welcomed participants. She asked for identification but did not follow through on verifying it. Participants, including journalists, paid a fee of $35 each in cash. Regardless of their previous training, no evidence was requested to confirm their past experience.
During the session, Mktichian quickly addressed severe allergy management and showcased an EpiPen. Her instructions on the device were limited, emphasizing the importance of recognizing an expired EpiPen without going into further detail.
Misconceptions in Training
Confusion arose when Mktichian incorrectly stated that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is no longer practiced during CPR. She suggested that participants should focus solely on chest compressions. This undermines established first aid protocols.
Additionally, the time spent on training was disproportionately short. The training included:
- Using an EpiPen: 27 seconds
- Responding to seizures: 21 seconds
- Understanding CPR: 63 seconds
What Comprehensive Training Should Include
A complete first aid course typically spans 6 to 8 hours. It should cover essential skills that this quick session omitted:
- CPR techniques and use of a defibrillator
- Clearing airway obstructions
- Responding to respiratory emergencies such as asthma and anaphylaxis
- Managing sudden medical emergencies like convulsions
- Treating burns and other injuries
- Understanding allergies and poisonings
Poorly executed training poses a risk. Basic life-saving skills require proper instruction and practice. The inadequacies of this certification process raise alarm about the safety of vulnerable individuals in emergencies.
If you have any information related to this story, please contact us at El-Balad or call directly at 1-800-63SCOOP.
