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