First Aid Basics

First Aid and the Law

• Obtain consent before giving first aid: A person has the right to refuse first aid. Before acting at the scene of an emergency, identify yourself and tell the victim that you know first aid. Then ask for permission to help.
  • Expressed consent: If the victim gives permission, you may begin first aid.
  • Implied consent: If the victim is unconscious or unresponsive and the situation is life-threatening, you may assume that if the person were able to respond, he or she would likely have accepted help. You may then begin first aid.
• Don’t abandon the victim: Once you’ve begun first aid, don’t stop until medical assistance arrives or until you’re so exhausted that you can’t continue giving care.
• Give first aid according to your training: Follow the practices that you’ve been taught. Don’t try to perform first aid procedures beyond your skill level.

Duty to Act

• It’s your job: If you’re trained to perform first aid as a part of your job, then you must provide first aid in an emergency while you’re on duty. Nurses, doctors, policemen, firefighters, and lifeguards all must provide first aid when on duty.
• You’re responsible for the victim: If you’re in a position of responsibility for other people, such as a teacher or a Boy Scout leader, you must provide care for those in your charge if they’re injured or ill.

First Aid Courses

• What’s covered: Courses provide extensive training about what to do in a variety of emergency situations.
• Who offers courses: Your local chapter of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association (AHA) offer first aid and CPR courses. Many fire departments and medical centers do as well.
• Length and cost: First aid and CPR courses vary in length and cost. Contact your local Red Cross or AHA chapter for further information.
• Certification: You’ll have to pass a test in both first aid and CPR to get certified. To remain certified, you’ll need to update your knowledge and skills periodically.