Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

1 Introduction to First Aid

Minors (Children under 18) can give consent or implied consent in the absence of a parent or guardian. In the case of a minor, if a parent or guardian is available, consent must be obtained from them before you proceed with any first aid. Actions are measures that other people with similar training would do in the same situation. Only do what you know you can do and do not attempt to give aid beyond your level of training. Give first aid carefully so you do not cause undue pain or make an injury or situation worse. Responsibility – When you give first aid you must use common sense. Don’t do actions against a person’s interests. Negligence is doing something knowingly against the patient’s interest. A good rule is to provide first aid in a manner that you would want done for you by a person with similar training.

Consent – The law states that a person has the right to refuse help and not be touched by others. First Aiders must respect this right. Identify yourself and your level of training and get permission before providing aid to a person. Ask if you can help. If the answer is yes, then you have obtained consent and have permission to help. If there is no response or the person doesn’t answer you, then you have obtained implied consent to continue. Implied consent is most often obtained when a seriously injured or ill person is unable to ask or to communicate he need for help. Consent – Special Considerations Cultures and religions may prohibit you from giving aid to a person. If a person is unable to respond to your offer of first aid and you are informed by a spouse or close relative not to provide first aid to an unconscious person, there may be a good reason. Consider activating 911.

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