First aid is the performance of initial care for a person injured or struck by heart attack, stroke, or other illness. The care is usually performed by layperson -- not a doctor or other healthcare professional -- and acts as a temporary measure until expert medical treatment can be provided. Basic first aid techniques can save the life of the recipient.
Safety
Personal trainers should always have basic first aid certification in case of injury or sudden illness in their clients. A client could fall, cut himself, or have a heart attack during a training session. A trainer who has received first aid training will greatly increase the chances of a good outcome in these situations. Furthermore, a trainer knowledgeable in first aid certification is likely to be more conscious of safe behavior and may prevent accidents caused by unsafe behavior.
Peace of Mind
A client who knows you have first aid certification is more likely to feel comfortable hiring you. Many lists that detail what to look for in a personal trainer include "first aid certification" as a basic requirement. Take the time to become certified and show that you care about your clients and will do what it takes to keep them safe.
Employment
Most reputable gyms require their personal trainers be certified through a valid Personal Training program like NASM, ACE, or ACSM. Both the American College of Exercise and the American College of Sports Medicine require applicants have current CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Asssociation. Gyms that accept other personal training certification also require valid CPR and first aid certification.
Insurance
Some personal trainers have personal insurance to cover them in the case of injury or accidents involving their clients. To be eligible for insurance, trainers must be up-to-date on their CPR and First Aid certification. People self-employed as personal trainers are especially vulnerable to lawsuits in the case of injury. This is because people not covered by a gym or fitness center are not covered by that organization's insurance. All self-employed personal trainers should purchase their own liability insurance.
References
- Mayo Clinic: First Aid
- American College of Sports Medicine Resources for the Personal Trainer, 2007
- Lifestyle-Fitness-Training.co.uk
- ACE: Get Certified
