What Are the Responsibilities of a First Aider?

First aid treatment is the help that you receive when injured or ill before professional help arrives. This help is often given by a first aider who has received the necessary training and certification to be able to perform this intervention.

It could be something as simple as a scraped knee or something a bit more serious that requires CPR. First aiders have the skills and knowledge to handle even tricky situations with ease. 

But who exactly are first aiders, and what do they do? What first aider training do you need to become one? What does it take to be a great first aider? Let’s explore these and more.

Who is a First Aider?

A first aider is a person trained to provide immediate care and assistance in an emergency before professional help arrives. Imagine you are at a picnic, and someone accidentally trips and sprains an ankle. 

A trained first aider will first calmly assess the situation, bandage up the injury, and keep bleeding under control, if any, until the paramedics get there.

It is important to remember that first aiders are not doctors. But they know just enough to make a big difference in the critical moments when help is needed most. They can be anyone, from office employees, event staff, or even members of the public who have completed a first aid course.

Many first aiders can receive any of these types of level 3 course first aid training:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
• First Aid at Work (FAW)
• Pediatric First Aid

In most workplaces, designated members of staff undergo training in first aid according to mandatory legal compliance law. The number of staff members trained depends on the first aid needs assessment of the establishment. For every 25 employees, there must be at least one first aider.   

Responsibilities of a First Aider

The responsibilities of a first aider involve more than just handing out plasters or ice packs. First aiders have the training to handle a variety of situations and assume roles that include: 

1. Assess the Situation

The first thing a first aider does in any emergency or casualty is check out what’s happening. Is the scene safe? Is anyone in danger? What caused the injury or illness? This step is important because it ensures you don’t rush into a situation that could put yourself or others at risk.

2. Protecting Oneself and Others from Danger

As a first aider, your priority is not just to help the injured. It’s also about ensuring your own safety and that of others in emergency cases.

Before diving in to assist, you must take measures to prevent further harm. This includes actions like removing hazards from the area or keeping bystanders at a safe distance. The goal is to stop the situation from escalating and prevent additional injuries or casualties. 

3. Provide Immediate First Aid Care

Once you have assessed the situation, it’s time to spring into action. This could mean cleaning and dressing a wound, performing CPR, or assisting someone having a seizure. 

You will need to apply your training swiftly and appropriately while keeping the person calm and comfortable. There are no magic wands here, just steady hands and a good heart.

4. Send for Professional Help

A key responsibility of a first aider is to recognize when the situation is beyond their skills. If the casualty is bleeding profusely, it is your responsibility to identify the situation as one that requires more than a first aid treatment.

Hence, you must contact emergency services as soon as it is evident the incident requires more than basic care. Knowing when to make that 911 call is as vital as the first aid itself.

5. Stay and Reassure the Casualty

First aiders do more than physical assistance. If the casualty is responsive, providing reassurance is an emotional support they must receive until the emergency services arrive. 

6. Document the Incident

After the situation is under control, first aiders need to document what happened and what interventions they gave, whether it’s for workplace records, insurance claims, or to hand over to medical staff. 

Keeping accurate records is vital because they can provide insight into the incident and help ensure the right follow-up care is given.

7. Ensure the First Aid Kit is Maintained

Part of the responsibilities of a first aider is ensuring the first aid kit is well-maintained. This involves regularly checking that all equipment, like the defibrillator, works well. All materials must be available at all times and should not have expired.

Qualities of a Great First Aider

So, beyond the specifications of first aid training, what key qualities make one a great first aider?

• Calm Under Pressure

A great first aider is cool as a cucumber in the face of chaos. No matter how frantic or stressful the situation, you must keep your head straight and make decisions without panic. 

• Good Communication Skills

First aiders need to be able to talk people through what’s happening. Whether that’s giving instructions, keeping the injured person calm, or providing clear information to the emergency responders. 

• Quick Thinking

There is no time for dithering when it comes to first aid. A good first aider can assess a situation and decide what to do in a matter of seconds. You should be able to take initiative and act quickly in emergency cases.

• Empathy, Compassion, and Positivity

Injured or sick people often feel scared or vulnerable. A top-notch first aider knows how to be gentle, kind, and supportive. You should reassure the person you are helping and prevent mental exhaustion on your part.

• Willingness to Learn

Being a first aider doesn’t stop after you’ve taken the course. The best first aiders are those who are keen to keep learning and practicing. They know that procedures can change, and staying up-to-date means they’ll always be ready to help when needed.

Wrapping Up

First aiders are important in emergency cases. Many people often worry that if the outcome of their intervention as first aiders is not positive, they may face legal consequences.

However, in many places like the UK, some legislations offer legal protection for social action, such as providing first aid in good faith (SARAH Act, 2015). 

If your first aid actions or interventions are not negligent, reckless, or beyond the scope of your training, you are not likely to face any legal consequences.