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A first aid officer’s role and responsibilities

First aid is defined as quick medical attention given to an injured or ill person. First aid is a simple skill that may have a huge impact, from providing basic care and reassurance to saving lives. First aid includes a wide range of services, from simple wound care to CPR and defibrillation.

A first aid officer is required in all businesses and organizations, both public and private. Although the number of first responders required varies according to an organization’s membership or employees,

  • Putting an unconscious victim in the recovery posture;

  • Management of Incidents and Casualty Safety;

  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed (CPR);

  • Application of automated external defibrillators (AED);

  • Using pressure and elevation to stop the bleeding;

  • Keeping a broken limb still.

A first aider’s responsibilities

It is critical to follow the actions and standards based on the responsibilities of a first aider as the person responsible for taking actions to keep everyone involved safe. Seven of them are listed below:

Assess the problem as soon as possible

A smart first responder should obtain a complete picture and understanding of what occurred by carefully assessing the situation in a timely manner. This includes identifying whether or not someone is in immediate danger, the source of the emergency, and the number of casualties.

Remain cool, reassuring, and in command

In an emergency, a first aid officer’s calm, compassionate reaction is required. This instills trust and respect in the casualty and those around him. Staying cool is also essential for efficiently providing aid to the casualty and getting information from the casualty.

Keep yourself and any casualties safe from harm’s way

This also applies to onlookers in the vicinity of the emergency situation. Never put yourself in danger. Otherwise, if you are hurt, you will be unable to help others. Only relocate the casualty if leaving them would result in more injury.

If you are unable to secure the scene, dial 000 for emergency assistance.

Infection prevention

Avoid cross-contamination as much as possible between yourself and the casualty.Wear disposable gloves or quickly wash your hands after interacting with the casualty. To avoid contamination, avoid coughing or sneezing while doing first aid.

Evaluate the casualty

Determine the nature of the injury or sickness affecting a casualty as best you can. Provide prompt treatment, prioritizing casualties with the most serious (life-threatening) conditions.

Give first aid care

You must offer all necessary care to the casualty until the EMS or emergency medical personnel arrive. This may include performing CPR for airway obstruction and using an AED to treat shock and other heart-related problems.

A good first aider’s qualities

  • Outstanding communication abilities.

  • Calmness and the ability to operate under duress

  • Initiative and leadership

  • A participant on a team

  • Positivity and selflessness

  • and, perhaps most importantly, properly trained.

To become a fully qualified first aid officer, you must finish the first-aid certificate and acquire a first aid certification from an authorized training provider.