There are numerous first aid courses available for both the general public and specialized professionals. First aid training courses focus on teaching individuals how to respond to several emergency situations in ways that can alleviate the patient's condition. Read below to find out eight facts about a first aid course that you may not know, but you should.

1. The first recorded data detailing someone delivering first aid dates from the 11th Century, when religious knights, more specifically the Knights Hospitaller, provided care to pilgrims or people who sustained injuries during battles.

2. The foundations of the Red Cross, today's largest non-governmental, non-for-profit first aid organizations, were established in 1963 at Geneva. The organization was initially called the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded. The American Red Cross was founded during the Civil War; more specifically, on the 21st of May, 1881, in Washington, D.C.

3. The first ever first aid class was held in a school in the district of Woolwich, London, UK. The curriculum for that course was developed by a military surgeon, Major Peter Shepherd, who also was the instructor for that course, alongside a colleague doctor. From that moment on, numerous national and international organizations started offering first aid courses to the general public or to certain types of professionals.

4. First aid courses are typically taught together with a CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) training course. They are often grouped together because both courses deal with maneuvers performed in emergency situations and they share some basic principles. Of course, you can choose to take each course separately, but taking them together will save you time and money.

5. People who undergo first aid courses and are involved in rescue activities, are under the protection of the Good Samaritan Laws. This basically means that if you try to help an injured person, you are not subject to any lawsuits, as long as you did not act in an invasive or neglectful manner towards the victim.

6. Most first aid courses, apart from theoretical presentations, also organize activities and games that can help the participants to more easily retain the information. These activities include first aid flash cards, role playing, and the use of manikins to simulate various medical situations.

7. The international symbol for first aid is a white cross on a green background. Some organizations may use different symbols, such as the star of life, the Maltese Cross, or a red cross.

8. In the United States, there is no legislation that regulates the content of a first aid course or that offers standards for the classification of various levels of courses. However, it is recommended that the curriculum for first aid courses follows Red Cross and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.

These are some interesting and fun facts you should know about first aid courses. It is always good to know some history and background information before you enroll in this type of course, so make sure you research a bit before attending your first class

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