Jonah Patel
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to a person with a medical emergency. It is often administered by someone with basic medical or first response training and can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes or scratches, treating minor burns, applying bandages and dressings, and using non-prescription medicine. First aid can be life-saving, but it can also be negligent, resulting in a casualty's injuries becoming worse or causing new injuries. In these cases, the first aider could be held liable for the casualties' injuries, and the casualty may be able to make a first aid negligence claim.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with a medical emergency, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical services arrive. |
| Who can administer it | First aid is generally performed by someone with basic medical or first response training. |
| When it is administered | First aid is administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred. |
| Types | Mental health first aid, psychological first aid, conflict first aid |
| Examples | Cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. |
| Negligence | First aid negligence is when the trained first aider administering first aid does so in a way that does not meet the appropriate standard of care. For example, giving CPR to a person who is unconscious but is still breathing, rather than putting them in the recovery position. |
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What You'll Learn
First aid negligence
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to a person with a medical emergency. It is generally performed by someone with basic medical or first response training, and is often a one-time, short-term treatment that requires little technology or training to administer. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. It can also involve giving immediate relief from symptoms, for example applying a cool compress to a minor burn, or it can preserve a person's life until they can get medical treatment.
In the UK, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 states that certain workplaces must have appropriate facilities and personnel available to provide employees with attention immediately if they are taken ill or injured at work. A first aider has certain responsibilities in the workplace and must carry them out as safely as possible.
Mental health first aid is an extension of the concept of first aid to cover mental health, while psychological first aid is used as early treatment for people who are at risk of developing PTSD. Conflict first aid, focused on preservation and recovery of an individual's social or relationship well-being, is being piloted in Canada.
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First aid at work
First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. In some instances, first aid may be to give the person immediate relief from their symptoms, for example applying a cool compress to a minor burn. In other circumstances, first aid can preserve the person’s life, until they can get medical treatment.
A first aider has certain responsibilities in the workplace and must carry them out as safely as possible. If a first aider performs a negligent action or inaction while attempting to administer first aid, which results in the casualty’s injuries becoming worse, or injures the casualties in other ways, the first aider could be held liable for the casualties' injuries. Therefore, the casualty may be able to make a first aid negligence claim. First aid negligence is when the trained first aider administering first aid does so in a way that does not meet the appropriate standard of care. For example, a first aider giving CPR to a person who is unconscious but is still breathing, rather than putting them in the recovery position.
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Mental health first aid
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to a person with a medical emergency. It is generally performed by someone with basic medical or first response training. First aid can be given to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical services arrive.
Examples of mental health first aid could include providing a listening ear and emotional support to someone experiencing a panic attack, helping someone who is feeling suicidal to develop a safety plan, or guiding someone with an eating disorder to access appropriate treatment. Mental health first aid can also involve providing support to someone experiencing a psychotic episode, such as helping them to feel safe and comfortable, and connecting them with mental health services.
It is important to note that mental health first aid should always be provided in a way that meets the appropriate standard of care. Negligent actions or inactions by a mental health first aider that result in the person's condition worsening could lead to liability for the first aider.
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Psychological first aid
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to a person with a medical emergency. It is generally performed by someone with basic medical or first response training. First aid can be given to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical services arrive. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer.
Like other forms of first aid, psychological first aid is not a substitute for professional medical treatment. However, it can be a vital first step in helping someone to manage their mental health and get the support they need. It is important that anyone providing psychological first aid has appropriate training and support themselves, to ensure that they are able to provide effective care and do not cause any harm.
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Conflict first aid
First aid refers to the first and immediate assistance given to a person with a medical emergency. It is often administered by someone with basic medical or first response training and can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches, treating minor burns, applying bandages and dressings, using non-prescription medicine, draining blisters, removing debris from the eyes, massage, and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. First aid can also include giving the person immediate relief from their symptoms, for example, applying a cool compress to a minor burn. In some cases, first aid can preserve a person's life until they can receive further medical treatment.
The goal of conflict first aid is to promote social and relationship health and prevent further deterioration or negative consequences. It may involve active listening, empathy, and practical strategies to help individuals navigate challenging situations and improve their relationships. Conflict first aid providers may need specialised training to effectively support individuals in these unique situations.
As with any form of first aid, it is important to recognise the limitations and know when to refer individuals to additional support or professional services. Conflict first aid providers should be aware of the scope of their practice and collaborate with other professionals when necessary to ensure the best possible care for those seeking assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to a person with a medical emergency, with the aim of preserving life, preventing the condition from worsening, or promoting recovery until medical services arrive.
First aid often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer. It can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating minor burns; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress.
First aid is generally performed by someone with basic medical or first response training.
First aid negligence is when a trained first aider administers first aid in a way that does not meet the appropriate standard of care. For example, giving CPR to a person who is unconscious but is still breathing, rather than putting them in the recovery position.
If a first aider performs a negligent action or inaction that results in the casualty's injuries becoming worse, or injures the casualty in other ways, the first aider could be held liable for the casualty's injuries. Therefore, the casualty may be able to make a first aid negligence claim.
