*This article was updated in March 2021
If you conduct regular EFR® courses and have an up-to-date database of past participants, there is huge continuing education business opportunity for you in the form of the EFR Refresher. And while the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions are in place, the EFR Refresher can be taught via instructor-led online learning. So, what are you waiting for?
If you need help convincing your Emergency Responders to enroll in a refresher, here are some excellent reasons to use on your website and social channels, and to include in your communications to your database to help increase your EFR refresher signups and business turnover:
- It’s all in the name – As with other skills that we learn in life, if we’re not using them on a regular basis we go “rusty.” It’s perfectly normal to forget some details or the sequence when you’re not in the habit of practicing them frequently. You want to be able to be confident, so stay in practice.
- Confidence – When you finished your EFR training you probably felt quite confident in your abilities. As time passed, chances are your confidence has faded a bit. If that’s the case, it’s time to refresh. Being confident in your abilities both as a caregiver and as someone who can take control will make you more valuable in an emergency. With confidence comes the ability to stop, breathe, think clearly and act accordingly. Remember the cornerstone of EFR training is creating the confidence to care.
- Stay up to date – Techniques and technologies change, which means EFR materials are constantly being reviewed and updated to ensure that EFR training is at the forefront of developments. When you take your refresher course, you’ll learn what has been implemented since your initial training or your last refresher.
- Fun – The EFR Refresher course deals with serious issues but it can also be a lot of fun, and the second time around is always easier! Did you take your initial program with a group of friends or family? Why not get everyone together again for the refresher?
- Update your resume/CV – The EFR certification is internationally recognized and/or required by many workplaces so keep it up to date on your resume or CV. It’s an additional and practical qualification that many employers value highly and could make you stand out in interviews or help when negotiating that next salary raise.
- Crossing over from another training agency – If you already have a CPR or first aid certificate from another training agency, you’re also eligible to attend the Emergency First Response® Refresher course. Plus, you can get Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training at the same time as you refresh your CPR skills.
- Life-saving – The difference between being able to give immediate care and delaying giving care because you are unsure of what to do could mean the difference between a temporary or long-term disability, and by acting fast and having the confidence to care you could save a life.
At a minimum, an EFR Refresher is recommended every 24 months; however, consider offering refresher training every six months or at least annually to keep skills and confidence at an optimum level. Participants who have a current EFR manual won’t need a new one, so your refresher can be offered at a very competitive price. Course completions are registered with PADI®/EFR and a new EFR eCard is issued. Put some time aside to market and conduct the EFR Refresher and start reaping the rewards.
