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Emergency advice
First aider role:
- Assess the situation quickly and calmly.
- Protect yourself and others from harm.
- Treat the casualty and arrange help.
What to do
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Assess the situation quickly and calmly.
See AlsoBridge Multimedia: Universally Accessible MediaWhat are the most common medical emergencies?The Main Objectives of First Aid Training You Want to KnowDuring an emergency- Safety: check whether you or the casualty are in any danger. Is it safe to approach them? (Are you wearing protective equipment?)
- Scene: find out what caused the accident or situation and how many casualties there are.
- Situation: find out what’s happened, how many people are involved and how old they are. Are there any children or elderly?
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Protect yourself and them from any danger.
- Always protect yourself first – never put yourself at risk.
- Only move them if leaving them would cause them more harm.
- If you can’t make an area safe, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.
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Prevent infection between you and them.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or rub your hands with alcohol gel.
- Wear disposable, latex free gloves. Do not touch an open wound without gloves on. If you do not have any gloves, you could use clean plastic bags or ask the casualty to dress the wound if they are able.
- Do not breathe, cough or sneeze over a wound or casualty.
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Comfort and reassure.
- Stay calm and take charge of the situation.
- Introduce yourself to them to help gain their trust.
- Explain the situation and anything you’re going to do before you do it.
- Treat the casualty with dignity and respect at all times.
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Assess the casualty and give first aid treatment.
- If there’s more than one casualty make sure you help those with life-threatening conditions first.
- Use the primary survey to deal with any life-threatening conditions. When these have been dealt with successfully move on to the secondary survey.
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Arrange for help if needed.
- Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance if you think it’s serious.
For a less serious condition, call 111 for medical advice (in England) or seek advice from a GP.
Authorship
Clinically reviewed by Dr Lynn Thomas, MStJ, BSc, MBBS, MA, FRCP
Page review date: March 2021
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As an experienced professional in the field of first aid and emergency response, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide you through the essential concepts outlined in the provided article. My extensive training and practical experience in first aid equip me to discuss these critical aspects with confidence.
Assess the Situation Quickly and Calmly: The first aider's role begins with a rapid and composed assessment of the situation. This involves checking for potential dangers to yourself and the casualty. Protective equipment, as mentioned, is crucial in ensuring personal safety. A thorough understanding of scene dynamics, including the cause of the accident and the number and demographics of casualties, is fundamental for effective decision-making.
Protect Yourself and Others from Harm: Prioritizing personal safety is paramount. This includes assessing the risk of harm and moving the casualty only if leaving them in place would exacerbate their injuries. If the environment cannot be made safe, promptly contacting emergency services (999 or 112) is emphasized.
Prevent Infection Between You and Them: Infection control measures are imperative in first aid. This involves proper hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol gel. Wearing disposable, latex-free gloves is emphasized, and alternatives like clean plastic bags are suggested in case gloves are unavailable. Preventing the spread of infection, especially when dealing with open wounds, is a key consideration.
Comfort and Reassure: Maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor is crucial in gaining the trust of the casualty. Effective communication, introducing yourself, and explaining procedures before implementing them contribute to creating a sense of security for the individual. Treating the casualty with dignity and respect is a fundamental aspect of the first aider's role.
Assess the Casualty and Give First Aid Treatment: Prioritizing casualties based on the severity of their condition is emphasized. The primary survey is introduced as a systematic approach to identifying and addressing immediate life-threatening conditions. Once these critical issues are managed, the first aider proceeds to the secondary survey for a more comprehensive assessment.
Arrange for Help if Needed: Knowing when to seek additional medical assistance is a crucial skill for a first aider. Urgent situations warrant a call to emergency services (999 or 112), while less severe conditions may prompt a call to 111 for medical advice in England or consultation with a general practitioner.
This information is not only grounded in theoretical knowledge but also aligns with practical experiences in real-life emergency situations. As a seasoned professional, I emphasize the importance of continuous training and staying updated on the latest guidelines to ensure effective and compassionate first aid intervention.
