Being a qualified first aider is a big responsibility and one that is essential to any workplace setting. First aiders can save lives and offer immediate medical care in emergency situations and becoming a first aider is a great way to develop your skills and become a more valuable asset to your company.
In a medical emergency, the main responsibilities of a first aider include:
- being able to assess the situation,
- knowing how to protect yourself and others from harm, and
- treating the casualty or multiple casualties until further help arrives.
1. A first aider should assess the situation
The role of a first aider is often about assessing the emergency situation and deciding what medical treatment is needed. In some situations, this will mean preventing further harm, while other situations may require appropriate first aid treatment to be administered by the first aider to preserve life or promote recovery.
2. A first aider must protect themselves and others to potentially save lives
A trained first aider must ensure continuing safety for themselves and others around an emergency situation before emergency treatment is given. This may mean moving obstructions around an injured person or clearing the area of hazards before giving emergency first aid. A first aider may need to protect themselves while giving emergency first aid, particularly if the patient’s condition is unstable or dangerous. A first aider should not put themselves in danger to provide first aid care.
3. First aiders offer first aid and ensure further medical help is sought
A workplace first aider is not expected to provide full medical treatment but to offer emergency first aid until the emergency services arrive. The aim of a first aider is to preserve life and prevent further harm, which may involve putting a patient in the recovery position, administering first aid to life threatening injuries or using an automated external defibrillator to begin cpr (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in case of cardiac arrest.
As a first aider, it is essential to ensure that the emergency services have been contacted, and you should ask those around you to call a medical professional and other emergency services while you are with the injured person. If you can provide emergency first aid to prevent deterioration and assess the patient’s condition to pass on information to medical professionals, this will help to preserve life.
First Aid Courses for First Aiders
First aid training is not just about learning to use a first aid kit but it is empowering to be able to offer immediate help. The responsibilities of a first aider include wound care, such as stopping bleeding, learning how to perform cpr and learning the correct way to treat an injury such as a fractured limb. Identifying the medical need and offering appropriate medical help is all part of first aider training and our first aid training will give you the practical skills and knowledge you need to give effective life support, assess where further medical help is needed and treat injuries or illness appropriately.
While training as a first aider, you will become familiar with a first aid kit, learn about first aid kit essentials and learn how to perform first aid procedures to promote recovery. First aid procedures will range from caring for an unconscious casualty to helping to prevent infection and wound care. Even simple first aid procedures such as elevation keeping a limb above the heart can be an essential part of first aid care and can prevent deterioration and preserve life.
Become a first aider with 3 Day first aid training
Every workplace first aider will be trained in first aid arrangements and emergency first aid, enabling them to promote recovery and offer life saving medical care. Our first aid courses in Cork are designed to make first aid training fun and accessible to all so that becoming a first aider is not a stressful process. Contact us to arrange your 3 day first aid training today and ensure your first aid provision is up to date.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to seek proper training from a certified first aid professional before attempting any first aid techniques or procedures. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and to ensure your actions align with your specific circumstances.
