The Crisis Research Center’s first aid training as part of its community crisis skills program is not your typical “bandage rolling” or “theoretical lecture.” It’s a practical and honest look at first aid that doesn’t focus on what to do in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, crises and perfect scenarios do not go together. That is why we concentrate on what to do when time is short, resources are scarce, and stress is high. The trainer is paramedic Andrus Lehtmets, who has a clear and straightforward teaching style that leaves no one unimpressed.

“A person does not need a perfect bandage; they need someone who is willing to act. During the training, participants learn how to think and act in situations where there is no time to Google instructions,” said Hannes Nagel, head of the Crisis Research Centre.

In a crisis, there’s no time to hesitate—you need to act

The training focuses on practical techniques, such as how to assist a traffic accident victim, what to do if someone’s heart stops, or what to do if all communication fails and help does not arrive. Every participant is expected to have hands-on experience by the end of the day, as we practice resuscitation, assisted breathing, stopping heavy bleeding, dealing with trauma, and other skills. The examples and simulations are both realistic and challenging. And, of course, myths are debunked. For example, did you know that a heart cannot be “restarted” with a punch, as depicted in American movies?