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Overview
It is a frightening feeling to be faced with a person struggling
for life and not know how to help them. The goal of first
aid training is to help avoid that situation. Correctly applied
first aid can save lives. It can also reduce pain and healing
time. First Aid training focuses on the damaging effects of
injuries and is a good time to remember the importance of
safety. Lastly, first aid training often helps to create a
feeling of mutual protection and respect among co-workers
and community members.
Legal
aspects of providing first aid:
Good Samaritan Principle and Laws:
This legal principle is based on the
biblical story. It prevents a rescuer who has voluntarily
helped a stranger in need from being sued for ‘wrongdoing’.
In most of North America you have no legal obligation to help
a person in need. However, since governments want to encourage
people to help others, they pass Good Samaritan laws (or apply
the principle to common laws). You are generally protected
from liability as long as:
You are reasonably careful.
You act in good faith ( not for 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-unless of course, it becomes
dangerous for you to stay.
Consent
Consent means permission. A responsive adult must agree to
receive first aid care. “Expressed Consent'' means the
victim gives his or her permission to receive care. To get
consent, first identify yourself. Then tell the victim your
level of training and ask if it's OK to help. “Implied
Consent'' means that permission to perform first aid care
On an unresponsive victim is assumed. This is based on the
idea that a reasonable person would give their permission
to receive lifesaving first aid if they ware able.
When Caring for Children
Consent must be gained from a parent or legal guardian. When
life-threatening situations exist and the parent or legal
guardian is not available, first aid care should be given
based on implied consent.
When caring for older persons
An elderly person suffering from a disturbance in normal mental
functioning, like Alzheimer’s disease, may not understand
you request for consent. Consent must be gained from a family
member of legal guardian. When life-threatening situations
exist and a family member or legal guardian is not available
for consent, first aid care should be given on implied consent.
Prevention
There is no evidence there has ever been a single successful
lawsuit in the United States against a person providing first
aid in good faith. Still it is necessary to use common sense.
Never attempt skills that exceed your training. Don’t
move a victim unless their live is in danger. Call for an
ambulance immediately, even if you decide not to give first
aid. Always ask a responsive victim for permission before
giving care. Once you have started first aid, don’t
stop until qualified help arrives.
Emotional Aspects of Providing FirstAid
Both the first aid provider and the
victim may suffer emotional distress during and/or following
a traumatic incident. The seriousness or horror of the incident
will be a factor in determining the amount of emotional distress.
It may be worse in human-made events; for example, a terrorist
attack or mass shooting. Providing first aid care for a seriously
injured or ill child is generally more emotionally difficult
than caring for an adult. Symptoms of a traumatic stress reaction
include a pounding heartbeat and fast breathing which may
begin during or within minutes of the traumatic event. Feelings
of guilt for not having done more, worrying about the safety
of loved ones, nightmares and thinking about the event repeatedly
may follow the incident. Stress reactions are a normal, human
response to a traumatic event and are usually temporary. With
the help of family and friends, most people gradually feel
better as time goes by. lf you feel you need extra help coping
after a traumatic event, call your doctor or ask friends if
they can recommend a mental-health professional. The organization
you work for may have an Employee Assistance Program available
to assist you.
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