A person collapses suddenly on the trail in front as you enjoy a quiet weekend hike. It’s an emotional moment. You dash over to them without hesitating. What next? Knowing how to perform first aid training could make all the difference in the world. There are several layers in this onion.

First aid training can cover everything from bandaging the knee of a person who has sprained it to more serious injuries. This is like having an all-purpose Swiss Army knife inside your brain. You learn all about concussions, splints, and wound care. You might remember that time Jimmy fell down from his bike. You were wide-eyed at the time and had no idea what to do. The days of being clueless and wide-eyed are over.

The CPR acronym stands for cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. This is one of the cylinders in emergency care. You may have seen it in movies – heroic chest compressions and mouth-to -mouth. CPR has nothing to do with Hollywood. The goal is to restore blood flow in the heart and brain. It is like pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete in someone’s face.

These courses are an adventure in knowledge. Instructors take you through each technique like sherpas leading you up Everest. No oxygen tanks or crampons required, just the willingness to learn. And maybe a CPR-dummy that resembles a mannequin of a 90s Department Store.

As you practice, life-like models will make it feel as if you are in an odd dream where all your decisions matter. You’re not limited to mannequins or drills. There’s hands-on practice. Realistic situations are played out that require you be on your feet. You will soon learn it isn’t just about your actions, but having the confidence to carry them out under pressure.

Funny story. My friend MacGyver revived his colleague using a pen cap during a class exercise. But you never know what you may need. First aid skills are not rigid, but can be easily adapted to a variety of situations.

This mix of theory, and practice helps you internalize all you’ve been taught. You are not simply cramming a test. Instead, you are assembling a puzzle to make you a competent first responder. These courses provide you with much more than medical skills. They give you the courage to face emergencies and the presence-of-mind necessary to do so.

What’s the answer? How many of you know “Stayin’ Alive”, a song by The Bee Gees. Yes, you will be using that song by your CPR trainer to keep a rhythm as you perform chest compressions. You’ll not listen to that song the same again. The catchy beat becomes an anthem about hope and life, transcending disco.

Do not sugarcoat anything. Learning can sometimes be difficult. Expect your fair share. That’s fine. If you’re not prepared, it’s better to stumble through a class than to be unprepared in real life.

Certificates of completion are sometimes issued for first aid, CPR and other training. It may seem that they’re just pieces paper, but in reality, they’re like badges proving your ability to handle emergencies.

Think about it: your skills may save someone who is a complete stranger, a close relative, or even a distant cousin you only speak to during the holidays. Not only will your preparedness increase, but so will the confidence you feel knowing that you now have an essential tool for life.

The training is not something that you can do once and be done with. It is important to periodically refresh your memory. Guidelines change. Techniques get updated. It’s the same as making sure your software doesn’t become outdated. You wouldn’t like to be using Windows 95, would you.

Your first aid kit may look dreadfully outdated, or even be missing some items. Perfection is not mandatory. But being ready is. You could even turn into the person that insists every employee gets trained.

First aid and CPR classes are invaluable. You are a silent defender and a holder of essential skills that can help to turn dangerous situations into ones you can survive. So, put on your boots and jump in. Maybe you’ll save a live, or at the very minimum, understand the importance of “Staying Alive.”