LO4.3: Responsibilities of a first aider

Get help

Keeping yourself and the area safe

Assess for danger

Prevent further harm

Stay with the individual until help arrives

Maintain respect and dignity

Look around and check the area around the casualty for any risks or signs of danger. Example dangers could be any moving traffic nearby, boiling water, electrical current, chemicals.

If it is a car accident, turn off the ignition to reduce the risk of a spark causing a fire.

Ask bystanders to warn approaching traffic (standing in a safe place), put out a warning triangle and call an ambulance.

This could be as simple as moving a sharp knife or a fallen chair out of the way or switching off a cooker or a plug socket.

Quickly remove any hazards, without putting yourself in danger.

Administer appropriate emergency aid for the injury, e.g. for a burn immerse the burned area in cold water, clean and dress a superficial graze. Attempt only what you know can be done safely.

The key signs that need to be checked are:

Is their airway open?

Do they have a pulse?

Are they conscious?

Send "spectators" away.

Cover body parts to maintain dignity.

Request the appropriate level of help, e.g. call 999 for a medical emergency, or call a doctor, parents or relatives.

Provide reassurance.

Say help is on the way.

Don't speak too quickly.

May eye contact.

Use a calm and confident voice.

Get down to their level.