Why People Feel Nervous Before First Aid Training (And What to Expect)

Survey Results From 9,000 First Aid Students

In a recent survey conducted by Emergency First Aid we asked @9000 past students how they felt prior to starting their first aid course, and the results were a resounding ‘nervous’.

• 38% stated that they were nervous before doing a first aid course
• 33.85% didn’t know what to expect
• 16.6% stated that they were scared to do a course; they didn’t want to be singled out or embarrassed

What Part of First Aid Training Makes People Nervous?

According to survey results, most people weren’t too bothered by the online program or workbook, it was  however the practical day  that had them all worried.

Why Students Feel Nervous About the Practical Component

Interested to know why people were so nervous about the practical component of their training, we delved a little bit further into the responses and found the  2 most common reasons for feeling nervous to be;

• bad  training experiences in the past, and
• pressure to perform in front of the trainer and others.

How We Support Nervous Students During Training

Armed with this insight, we improved how our trainers approach the classroom experience. Our trainers are now trained to be:

• Empathetic to student anxiety
• Supportive and encouraging throughout practical sessions
• Focused on creating a calm and relaxed learning environment

Follow-Up Survey Results (6 Months Later)

Six months after the initial survey, we asked students again how they felt before starting their first aid course. The results were extremely positive:

• 99.41% of students would recommend our courses to others
• 99.70% of students left confident in their ability to provide first aid

What You Can Expect on Your First Aid Course

Our goal is to ensure every student feels comfortable and supported from start to finish. We understand that learning first aid can feel intimidating, especially at the beginning.

Yes, you will need to physically demonstrate CPR competency on a manikin. However, you will not be singled out. You will be one of several participants completing the activity together in a supportive environment.

You will always be treated with respect, professionalism, and understanding.

Need Support or Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about your ability to perform CPR or complete the course, please don’t hesitate to contact Emergency First Aid on 1300 301 193.