Learning first aid and CPR is a great way to be prepared to respond confidently, should the need ever arise. | PHOTO: RAWPIXEL.COM/ADOBE STOCK
Safety Training for the Whole Family
Live and Learn: Beyond being simply interesting and educational, taking classes that teach you skills such as CPR and first aid, cyber protection, babyproofing or babysitting can help the whole family stay safe — and perhaps even save a life.
By Chris Theriault
When it comes to safety at home, preparation is key. Whether your goal is to be ready for a medical emergency around the house or to educate yourself on cyber threats online, one of the best ways to sharpen your safety skills is by taking a class.
From babysitting courses for youth to fraud prevention for seniors, there are options out there for everyone — and thanks to today’s technology, they’ve never been more accessible.
Select a box to jump to that section.
CPR and first aid
Babyproofing
Babysitting
Cyberbullying
Cybersecurity
CPR and first aid
CPR and first aid courses are perfect for getting everyone in your house equipped with the skills needed in an emergency. St. John Ambulance offers nationally recognized Emergency and Basic First Aid and CPR training classes in Ontario. How long does it take to learn CPR? Emergency First Aid with CPR is a one-day class. You’ll learn chest compressions, rescue breathing and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for cardiac response. You’ll also learn how to dress a wound and assist with choking and burns.
For more in-depth training, Standard/Intermediate First Aid with CPR teaches about spinal injuries, shock, burns, concussions, seizures, allergic reactions and more. This class takes two days.
CPR training must be done in person, but you can choose to take the first aid portion in class or in a blended format, where part is done at home virtually, and the rest at your local St. John Ambulance office.
The in-person CPR training is a crucial element of the class; it gives you hands-on experience practicing your technique. | PHOTO: RAWPIXEL.COM/ADOBE STOCK
Babyproofing
For a new or expectant parent, or even a grandparent planning to babysit, there is help for creating a safer environment for babies and toddlers — consider a class on how to babyproof your home. Safe Beginnings First Aid offers a babyproofing class that explains what to look for as you work your way through each room of the house. Identifying potential issues such as cords, furniture, chemicals, choking hazards and hot surfaces, they help you understand changes that will enhance safety. Safe Beginnings First Aid offers convenient online classes and personal one-on-one virtual instruction.
Babyproofing classes turn home safety into second nature for a new or expectant parent. | PHOTO: MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES/iSTOCK
Babysitting
If your tween or teen wants to boost their safety IQ and become the standout neighbourhood babysitter, a babysitting certification course is the perfect step. It will equip them with basic care and first aid knowledge, giving them a foundation for the demands of the job. Topics such as child development, decision-making and how to act responsibly in someone else’s home are all covered.
The Canadian Red Cross hosts both virtual and in-person babysitting courses throughout Ontario. Students can take babysitting classes online through certified Red Cross partner Save-A-Life First Aid & CPR.
A babysitting course gives young sitters credentials to show potential parent-clients that they are qualified to do the job. | PHOTO: FATCAMERA/iSTOCK
Cyberbullying
While the internet has benefits, it also needs to be managed safely, with clear guidelines and open conversations to protect family members from issues such as cyberbullying and other online threats. This is where a class for family members can come in handy. Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten or target someone. The Canada Safety Council has resources for children and parents, including an online cyberbullying course. You’ll find information on virtual privacy and tools for setting some clear house rules around devices and online behaviour.
Taking a safety class is a great way for family to spend time together while gaining important experience and insights. | PHOTO: KLEBERPICUI/ADOBE STOCK
Cybersecurity
cyberconIQ is an excellent resource for learning about online scams and threats. There’s information for everyone from tweens to seniors — and best of all, it also happens to be a free CAA Member benefit, which means it’s part of your membership. cyberconIQ’s modules, which can be done at your own pace, take less than an hour in total to complete. They will help you learn key internet safety tips and identify the factors that might make you vulnerable online. The free myQ questionnaire will help you understand your personal risk style, and the modules dive into important internet safety topics such as avoiding cyber threats, creating better passwords and safeguarding your personal data.
Click here to find out more about cybersecurity.
Register for cyberconIQ to discover strategies that will help to protect you and your family online. | PHOTO: PROSTOCK-STUDIO/ADOBE STOCK
Consider taking classes that will enhance your safety knowledge and encourage other members of your household to learn these important skills. Keep in mind, too, that skills fade when not used, so practice what you’ve learned; review the materials and even look for updated methods. When combined with your new safety skills and knowledge, your loved ones will be ready and equipped to react quickly and confidently should the need arise. CAA
Click here to download a family learning plan.