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What is First Aid

What is the First Aid ?
First Aid is the emergency care given to an injured or suddenly ill person using readily available materials, while awaiting the arrival of professional medical assistance.

What Are the Objectives of First Aid

As a First Aider, you have three main objectives :

• Preserving life
• Preventing injuries or sudden illness from becoming worse and
• Promoting recovery

What Are the Responsibilities of a First Aider ?

As a First Aider, you are undertaking to provide any assistance that can be given safely, and to remain on the scene until the casualty is handed over to professional medical assistance or the proper authorities.

It is important to remember that an injured person has the right to accept or refuse your help :

• If you offer your assistance and the casualty does not object, or gives you permission to initiate First Aid, you have their consent.
  
  
• It is assumed that an unconscious adult would consent to your help if possible, therefore it is assumed that you have their implied consent to administer First Aid.
  
  
• Should a person refuse your aid, stay with them and keep a close eye on their condition until medical assistance arrives. If they become unconsciou or their condition worsens to the stage where their life may be in danger - apply First Aid!

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