Critical First Aid: Legalities, Roles, and Action Steps

Basic First Aid Principles

Legal Aspects of First Aid

Understanding the legal framework is crucial when providing first aid. "Good Samaritan" laws protect individuals who offer assistance in an emergency, provided certain conditions are met.

Good Samaritan Laws

You are protected from liability as long as:

• You are reasonably careful.
• You act in "good faith" (not for a reward).
• You do not provide care beyond your skill level.

If you decide to help an ill or injured person, you must not leave them until someone with equal or more emergency training takes over.

Consent for First Aid

A responsible adult must agree to receive first aid care. Obtaining consent is a fundamental step before providing assistance.

Expressed Consent

Expressed Consent means the victim gives his or her explicit permission to receive care. To obtain consent, first identify yourself and your level of training.

Implied Consent

Implied Consent means that permission to perform first aid care on an unresponsive victim is assumed. This also applies in situations where the victim is unable to give consent due to their condition.

Caring for Children

Consent must be gained from a parent or legal guardian. If a parent or legal guardian is not available, care is based on implied consent.

Caring for Older Persons

Consent must be gained from a parent or legal guardian. If a parent or legal guardian is not available, care is based on implied consent.

Essential First Aid Principles

Always use common sense and adhere to your training:

• Never attempt skills that exceed your training.
• Do not move a victim unless their life is in danger.
• Call for an ambulance immediately if the situation warrants it.

Emergency Action Steps

Roles of a First Aid Provider

The basic role of a first aid provider is to recognize a medical emergency and make a decision to help. Your personal safety is your highest initial priority, followed by the safety of the victim.

Responsibilities of the First Aid Provider

• Maintain composure.
• Maintain personal health and safety.
• Maintain a caring attitude.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• Without putting yourself in danger, make the victim's needs your main concern.
• Do not further harm.

Universal First Aid Procedures

Assess the Scene

Before approaching a victim, always assess the scene for safety:

1. If it is not safe, or at any time becomes unsafe, GET OUT!
2. Observe Universal Precautions. (Use Personal Protective Equipment, e.g., gloves).
3. If the victim is awake and talking, identify yourself and ask if it's okay to help.
4. If the victim appears weak, seriously ill or injured, or is unresponsive, proceed with caution.

Alert Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Call 911 (or your local emergency number) or activate your Emergency Action Plan as soon as possible.

Attend to the Victim (ABC)

Once the scene is safe and EMS has been alerted, attend to the victim following the ABCs of first aid:

A - Open Airway

If the victim is unresponsive, tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway.

B - Check Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for breathing for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds.

C - Circulation

1. Look for and control severe bleeding with direct pressure.
2. Monitor skin color and temperature.
3. Help maintain normal body temperature.
4. If it's available and you are properly trained, give emergency oxygen.

Provide First Aid Treatment

Based on your assessment, provide appropriate first aid:

1. Suspected Spinal Injury: Place your hands on both sides of the victim's head to stabilize it.
2. Suspected Limb Injury: Place your hands above and below the injury to stabilize it.
3. Consider performing a physical assessment to identify other injuries or conditions.