Online First Aid Training vs. Practical In-Person Training, which is best?
Article written by BH training solutions founder – Ben Holroyd – June 2024
First aid training is invaluable knowledge that empowers individuals to respond effectively and decisively in emergency situations, potentially saving lives. With the advent of technology, the traditional in-person training model has evolved to include online alternatives. While both methods aim to equip learners with essential skills, there are distinct differences between online first aid training and practical, in-person training and the idea of this article is to discuss the potential pros and cons of each so you can potentially decide for yourself which training options will be the best option for you or your organisation.
1. Interactivity and Hands-On Practice:
In-person training excels in providing hands-on practice and interactive learning experiences which has proven learning benefits. Participants engage in scenarios that simulate real-life emergencies, allowing them to apply techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. This hands-on approach fosters the experience of making decisions under the physical and phycological effects of stress (fight & flight) and enhances confidence in performing first aid procedures in a real life setting as in a real life situation it is inevitable that a person will naturally experience adrenaline release and will experience the effects of an elevated heart rate.
Conversely, online first aid training often lacks physical interaction and practical exercises. While some platforms may offer virtual simulations, they cannot fully replicate the tactile feedback and dynamic nature of in-person scenarios with the added benefit of working under simulated stressors. Without hands-on practice, learners may struggle to translate theoretical knowledge into action when faced with actual emergencies, as the brain as ‘never been there before’ so when real panic, fear, stress hits, the brain has to try to work out a pathway about how to navigate what’s happening, and this can cause that ‘freeze’ response or cause extended hesitation. When time is of the essence every second counts, first aiders need to be moving to action not frozen to the spot because they have never experienced anything remotely close to natural effects of stress. Potentially watching videos online or following a click through course on a screen may not get your heart rate elevated or make one actually feel how they would feel for real.
2. Instructor Guidance and Feedback:
In a traditional classroom / outdoor / workplace setting, participants benefit from direct guidance and feedback from knowledgeable and experienced instructors. Instructors can assess individual performance, provide corrections, and address any misconceptions in real-time and provide ‘coachable’ moments. This personalised guidance enhances understanding and ensures the proper execution of first aid techniques.
Online courses, on the other hand, rely on pre-recorded videos, written instructions, and quizzes to deliver content. While these resources offer flexibility and convenience as they can be completed anywhere, anytime, and can allow higher numbers of individuals to be ‘trained’ at any one time, they lack the immediacy of instructor feedback. Learners may feel isolated and unsupported, especially when grappling with complex concepts or techniques. Students may also guess at any questions, or many courses offer the function to repeat tests multiple times until the student achieves a pre-determined pass mark.
3. Engagement and Motivation:
In-person, face to face training promotes a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The social aspect of training encourages engagement and motivation, as learners interact with peers and share experiences. Additionally, the accountability of attending scheduled classes motivates individuals to prioritise their learning and complete the course. Having to perform if front of peers and instructors also helps create another form of simulated stress, but again this is a positive by-product as in a real-life situation other people will more often than not be present and could potentially be succumbing to effects of panic and stress too. In the modern connected age we are also finding more and more during medical emergencies the general public will be more likely to produce their phones to film and record rather than offer effective assistance, so again re-creating this in training simulations is always advisable.
Online training, although convenient, can be isolating and impersonal. Without face-to-face interaction, learners may struggle to stay engaged and motivated, leading to decreased retention and completion rates. The absence of external accountability may also result in procrastination or disengagement from the course material. Remember the saying ‘death by power point’ this comes to mind.
4. Online Adaptability and Accessibility:
Online first aid training offers unparalleled adaptability and accessibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and convenience. With 24/7 access to course materials, individuals can tailor their learning experience to fit their schedule and learning style. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for busy professionals, students, or those living in remote areas without access to traditional training centres. Current UK guidance for all regulated first aid courses state that a student to trainer ratio of 1:12 should be adopted. For larger organisations requiring larger number of staff to be trained in a short time frame this ratio can be potentially problematic so may opt for an online / virtual training option to satisfy their individual requirements, however this could potentially be unable to be accredited and only an certificate of attendance might be achieved for each learner, again this could be absolutely fine for your needs. Just check your risk assessments / insurances as they may stipulate training needs to hold a nationally recognised accreditation.
In-person training, while immersive, may be constrained by logistical factors such as location, scheduling conflicts, and limited class availability. Additionally, some individuals may face barriers to participation, such as transportation issues or physical disabilities, or even language barriers which can hinder their ability to attend in-person sessions.
Conclusion:
Both online first aid training and practical, in-person face to face training offer unique advantages and challenges. While in-person training excels in hands-on practice, instructor guidance, and social engagement, online training provides flexibility, accessibility, and self-paced learning at potentially higher volumes. Ultimately, the choice between the two methods depends on individual preferences, learning objectives, and logistical considerations. Some workplace risk assessments combined with insurance requirements will state first aid training does need to be accredited and regulated so this may dictate the type of training you have to choose from. Some providers now can offer a ‘half and half’ approach where some of the course could be completed pre-classroom by completing e-books or completing a set of videos for example and then will be required to attended a shorter classroom based practical session. Always speak to the provider about what they offer and then ultimately it down to you to decide which option is right for you and also which will be the right fir for your staff.
Regardless of the approach, the importance of acquiring first aid skills cannot be overstated, as they empower individuals to respond effectively in emergency situations, potentially saving lives. Do not treat first aid training as a tick box exercise. Currently less than 1/12 people will make it out of hospital alive past 30 days after suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. This makes for shocking reading however with crucial and decisive by-stander action this could change the odds of survival to upwards of 70%.
At BH training solutions we only offer at present fully practical, hands on and face to face training. This is not to say this is the best option for you. But if you have any other questions, concerns or other problems please get in touch. We can arrange training at your workplace or venue to help with convivence to your staff and to keep costs down, alternatively we can offer our training venue which is based in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Contact the team today and if we are not the right fit for you or your organisation we will try and help point you in the right direction.