How to Be an Everyday Hero
What’s that!? Is it a bird? A plane? Superman? … Nope! It’s you!
You may not have considered yourself a superhero, but when you take steps towards helping others, no matter how big or small, you can change the world! Sure, you may not have web that shoots from your wrists, or a suit of high-tech armor that stops bullets, but unlike any of the Avengers or Justice League members, you can make a difference each and every day. How, you ask? By simply increasing your knowledge, taking action, and being present, you can offer so much to those around you. Want to know how you can boost your ‘superpowers’ and save the lives of young and old? Grab your cape (or jacket) and get ready to make a huge impact – here is your ultimate guide on how to be an everyday hero with ease!
Learn First Aid
When you enroll in a first aid course, you learn hundreds of skills in a short period of time, which can truly save a life. That may sound cliché, but to save a life is a big deal! Accidents happen and sometimes our bodies decide to fail or shut down, and it is in these moments of extreme need that everyday heroes like yourself could save a life. Allowing them to return to their families and friends and live life to the fullest once more… now, that is a BIG DEAL. When you have first aid training you will gain the knowledge and ability to help in emergencies such as:
- Allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Internal bleeding
- Sun stroke
- Choking
- Cardiac arrest
- Broken bones
- Asthma attacks
- Seizures
- Mental health crises
- And much, much more!
A few short hours every three years will result in giving you the confidence to help someone in need as well as the skills to become a lifesaver!
Want to register your group to get first aid training? Book a Group First Aid Training course for your workplace, family, or team and we will come to your location to teach you everything you need to know!
Be Kind to Others
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
When we are kind to others, we change lives. It may seem like a small thing to do but the humble act of smiling at someone, sharing an umbrella, holding a door, or complimenting an outfit can bring joy and happiness (and has even been know to save lives). The act of being kind to other people affects people’s biology too. When we do these random acts of kindness, it increases serotonin levels that result in feelings of well-being and fulfillment.
Additionally, as kindness helps others, it has enormous benefits for our own health and well-being too! In an article by Psychology Today, they reported that being kind improved psychological flourishing and increased happiness, while another study found that participants had “an increase in life satisfaction and job satisfaction, and a decrease in depression.” Look for those pure moments in life to offer guidance, reassurance, a kind word, or even an empathetic ear. The impact will be bigger than you know!
Carry Key Chain CPR
You have already checked ‘first aid training’ off of your hero to-do list, but just because you know what to do, do you have the items you need to help others while protecting yourself? CPR is an emergency that puts us in close proximity and in contact with strangers, especially when giving mouth-to-mouth breaths. Although there is a compressions-only option for those who do not have a mouth guard, breaths still matter!
The small amounts of oxygen provided with these breaths could be just enough to save a life for an individual. It is for this reason that you can be prepared to be an everyday hero by having everything you need at your side, always! (Just as Thor wouldn’t go anywhere without his hammer, you shouldn’t leave without a barrier device!) The Key Chain CPR is a small and compact barrier device that fits perfectly onto your keys. Inside the small pouch you can find a face shield, check valve, and gloves – everything you need to protect yourself while also giving a patient those life-saving CPR breaths. For only $5 you can order yours on the First Edition website and stay prepared for every emergency, everywhere you go!
Want to know more on why breaths are important? Check out our blog for the answer!
Donate Blood
Did you know that with a single donation of blood (roughly 1 hour of your time), you can help up to 3 different individuals in need? Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to help others and costs nothing for you! Through your act of heroism (aka about 450 mL of your blood), you could give the blood necessary to protect another! Donating blood is important because, according to the Canadian Blood Services website, “blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care including major surgeries, medical procedures, cancer treatments and managing diseases and disorders.” Blood is a continued need, and you can help by booking an appointment and giving up a bit of your time (and blood)!
For more information on donating, head to the Canadian Blood Services website and learn more about where to donate, whether you are eligible, and how each donation makes a difference! A single hour can actually save a life… how about that being the easiest super power ever?
Need more convincing: Here are four reasons to donate blood.
Take Safety Precautions
Have you ever done something, looked back, and thought, “That probably wasn’t the best idea”
We have all had those moments of thoughtlessness (and maybe even a bit of stupidity) when it comes to doing things safely. Maybe it was being young and racing around downtown in your car, or painting the house while balanced on chairs and tables stacked on one another. Moving forward, whatever it is that we do, we should take those safety precautions not only to save ourselves but also to protect others.
The best way to take safety precautions is to ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there any hazards I need to be aware of?
- Do I know the risks involved?
- Are the risks worth the end result?
- Would this decision hurt others (either physically or emotionally)?
- What would I do in the event of an accident or emergency?
- Is there something I can do to improve my safety in this situation?
- How can I do this safely?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you are taking a step in the direction of a longer life and a safer environment!
Volunteer
There are so many wonderful organizations across the country and the world, and they all require assistance to make a bigger impact. Whether you are passionate about helping animals, are ready to build homes for those in need, or want to assist at a charity event raising money for heart disease research… whatever it is that you support, volunteering is the best way to help!
Don’t have a charity in mind? Some charities who are proving it is easy to be an everyday hero
include:
- Heartlife Foundation
- Children’s Heart Society
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- Caring Hearts
- Canadian Congenital Heart Alliance
- The Kidney Foundation of Canada
- Canadian Transplant Association
Looking for more options? Why not check out our Heartwarming Charity features for further organizations that are making a difference!
Use these methods to apply some kindness to the world around you, offer first aid knowledge to save a life, and strive to make a positive impact in the well-being of another human. When you take the time to observe those around you and lend a helping hand, you will realize that being an everyday hero is easy. It just takes a little love and a big heart!
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/dont-forget-the-basil/201806/being-kind-others-benefits-you
