The main rule as a first aider is to give first aid in a safe way. Emergency scenes can be unsafe and you need to make certain your actions do not put others in jeopardy. Take the time to look for dangers and assess the risks of any measures you take.
Generally there a few risks you should be aware of when providing first aid:
- The hazard that caused the original injury. Is it still active and can it cause further harm to you or anybody else. For instance, if someone was injured by machinery – is that machine still running?
- The hazards from external factors. For instance, at the scene of a car crash, could there be an explosion?
- The hazards of the first aid procedures. For instance, if the causality is much larger than you and you have to move the person, can you do so without injuring the person or yourself?
Preventing Infection
A first aider and causality are in very close contact with each other when first aid is given. This close contact could mean that an infection could pass from one person to another. This risk of infection is a safety hazard a first aider has to be aware of.
Some people are afraid to give first aid and they think they might catch a disease from the casualty, but people are most likely to help their friends and family. The risk of a serious infection being transmitted is small. To give yourself reassurance and reduce the risk of infection, you can apply any of the following safety devices:
- Gloves – wear gloves to prevent direct hand contact between you and the casualty. Wearing gloves comes in handy when coming into contact with blood, open wounds and body fluids.
- Face masks – use a face mask to prevent disease transmission.
- Hand washing – wash your hands immediately after you have finished with casualty.
Responding to a Violent Situation
Violent situations are not uncommon. Often there are injuries and your skills as a first aider can be valuable. In any emergency scene, be on the lookout for violence. If there is violence or the potential for violence, be vigilant. Your first priority is to protect yourself – do not put yourself at risk. You are more valuable as a first aider than as a casualty. Give first aid for any injuries, and be sensitive to the causalities emotional state. Always keep onlookers away and ensure the privacy of any casualties. As a first aider, you may have information the police will find helpful; stay on the scene until the police say it is ok for you to go.
Responding to Psychological Emergencies
This occurs when a person’s state of mind makes it difficult for them to cope. Your role as a first aider is to help the casualty cope with the situation until medical help arrives. Knowing the cause of a person’s problem can help you decide on the best first aid method to use. Some psychological emergencies can be:
- Panic attacks
- Alcohol and drug-related behavior
- Mental illness
- Suicide attempt