Chapter 1 Background Information Why Is First Aid

Chapter 1 Background Information

Why Is First Aid Important? • At some point in your life, you will have to make the decision to help in an emergency. • It is better to know first aid and not need it, than to need first aid and not know it. • First aiders do not diagnose, but they can suspect what the problem is and then give first aid.

Who Needs First Aid? • Value to self • First aiders can give proper immediate care to their own injuries and sudden illnesses. • Value to others • First aiders are more likely to give proper assistance to family members. • Value in remote areas • Some victims need immediate assistance before EMS can arrive. • First aiders can help

What Is First Aid? • • First = immediate Aid = care Deals with injuries or sudden illness DOES NOT replace the need for medical care • Properly applied, it may mean the difference between life and death.

First Aid Supplies

First Aid and the Law • Legal and ethical issues concern all first aiders. • Minimize the risk of a law suit by: • Obtaining consent. • Following training guidelines. • Explaining any first aid you are about to give. • Staying with the victim until care is turned over to another first aider or EMS.

Consent • First aider must have the victim’s permission before giving first aid. • Expressed consent • Implied consent • Children and mentally incompetent adults

Refusing Help • Seldom happens, but it can happen. • Inform victim of his or her medical condition, what you propose to do, and why help is needed. • If victim still refuses, call EMS and wait.

Abandonment • Leaving a victim after starting to give help without ensuring continued care at the same level or higher. • Do not leave a victim who needs continuing first aid.

Negligence • Negligence involves: • Having a duty to act. • Breaching that duty. • Causing injury and damages. • Exceeding your level of training.

Duty to Act • When employment requires it. • When on duty. • When a preexisting responsibility exists.

Confidentiality • First aiders might learn confidential information. • Use extreme caution about revealing information that you learn while providing care.

Good Samaritan Laws • Encourage people to assist others in distress by granting them immunity against lawsuits. • Applies when rescuer is: • Acting during an emergency • Acting in good faith • Acting without payment • Not guilty of misconduct or negligence