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For those who wish to pick up some training in first aid, but are unable to find the time to take formal instruction, there is the alternative of learning online. Most online training involves reading training materials on the web, followed by taking a practical examination at a real-world training facility, and costs about as much as traditional training. This is a very valid possibility for those looking for a slightly more convenient alternative to the classroom setting, but who still want hands-on practice and formal certification.

If you are just looking for something to brush up on basic skills, and aren't as interested in getting certified, or if you simply cannot afford to pay for a commercial program, there are a number of solid free opportunities for you online.

One interesting site worth noting to start with is FirstAidWeb (http://www.firstaidweb.com). This is a hybrid site which offers free online training and which, upon completion of their course, will provide you with the opportunity to buy certificates for between $24.95 and $79.95. One thing to note about this course is that it is approved by the National Health and Safety Foundation. If you are seeking certification for an external requirement, you should check to make sure that this will meet your needs, or if you need to get a course from another provider.

If you're not interested in FirstAidWeb's approach, or simply do not like their free content, there are a number of other options available to you. With some research, I was able to find two free, structured courses, which will take you through a first aid training program in a traditional instructional format. The first of these is an online copy of the Navy's operational medicine first aid course (http://www.brooksidepress.org /Products/OperationalMedicine/ DATA/operationalmed/Manuals/St andard1stAid/toc.htm). It starts with basic life support and takes you all the way through chemical injuries, poisoning, and other advanced information. As an alternative, about.com offers a free email course (http://firstaid.about.com/c/e c/9.htm) which delivers weekly lessons to your mailbox.

For those looking for a less structured approach, a good choice is to simply spend some time self-educating by reading any of the wonderful sites which don't provide a "training course" but which still have a wealth of free information online.

About.com has a comprehensive first aid section, including an A-Z listing of first aid information for many common ailments (http://firstaid.about.com/od/ firstaidbasics/qt/07_handbook. htm).

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