Nobody likes emergencies but they do happen when one least expects - that’s why they are called emergencies anyways. When emergencies happen, it is imperative that prompt action is taken to control the situation and help all involved recover from the situation. In some emergencies, first aid skills are required and necessary to help control the incident. Any one and every one can help provide first aid in circumstances that require first aid. However, there is a certain reluctance to carry out first aid for various reasons. These reasons are obstacles to giving first aid also known as barriers to first aid. Don’t allow your inaction lead to loss of lives. Recognize these barriers and overcome them in order to bring help to emergency victims. Learn more a www.absolutehseco.org/first-aid-cpr-and-aed-training/

1. PRESENTED BY ABSOLUTE HSE CO. - HSE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

2. •
•

3. Many a times in emergency
situations, people are reluctant to
assist for various reasons. This
barriers to action present a huge
gap in emergency response asides
from the gap of lack of skills of
what to do in emergencies.
Presented by Absolute HSE Co. - HSE Training and Certification Institute

4. The sight of blood,
certain types of
injuries or the
gravity of the illness
can distress some
sensitive people,
hence them pulling
away.
It is quite understandable
but realizing that this
factor can be an obstacle
and not letting it be, can
help you get through and
help the victim by doing
what you can to bring
relief to the victim.
Presented
by
Absolute
HSE
Co.
-
HSE
Training
and
Certification
Institute

5. The presence of bystanders may
make the scene daunting and in
turn make first aiders reluctant to
act. Bystanders can cause
confusion at an emergency scene
and even sometimes making it
difficult to identify causalities.
• Don’t assume others will help.
• Don’t feel embarrassed. Stay
calm and act with confident.
• It is important to ask bystanders
for any information about the
casualty/situation.
• Offer to help.
• It is also important to ask
bystanders to step back to avoid
overcrowding the victim and so
that emergency personnel can
reach and treat the casualty.
Presented
by
Absolute
HSE
Co.
-
HSE
Training
and
Certification
Institute
.

6. The casualty may be a stranger,
someone much older or much
younger than you, or someone of a
different gender or tribe. Regardless
of who the casualty is, put such
concerns aside and give first aid.
Don’t take offense if the person
acts offensively because of stress,
emotions, or even intoxication.
Toss away the differences or
uncertainty and offer to help.

7. The fear of probably catching some
disease from the casualty is another
reason some hesitate to give first aid.
This risk is actually very small.
Although it possible to contract
diseases from another person, you
can greatly reduce the risk by taking
precautions such as avoiding direct
contact with body fluids and sharps
when giving first aid.

8. The fear of causing more harm than good
is usually a concern for many people when
it comes to stepping up in an emergency.
The golden rule of first aid says you
must first do no harm. At least
sending for help and reassuring your
casualty of help being in sight is
better than nothing.
However, consider enrolling for a
first aid and CPR Training in other to
have the right skills and confidence
to act in an emergency.

9. It is possible to be charged with assault or
harassment if you go beyond accepted
bounds.
Seek for consent before administering
first aid to a conscious victim. If the
victim is unconscious, you can act based
on “implied consent” but do not go
beyond accepted bounds.
Every country has the Good Samaritan
Law in place to prevent bystanders from
suffering any legal action for trying to
save someone’s life. It encourages all to
be brave to face their fear and step to
help people during an emergency.
However, the chance of getting sued
while trying to save lives is very unlikely.

10. You might have heard of imposter
syndrome. Yes, the doubt of your own
abilities can set in when attempting to
give first aid.
The solution to this is to stay up to
date on first aid and CPR training
and certification to refresh memory
and practical skills.
Having refresher courses on an
annual basis will likely improve
confidence in own ability.
Performing CPR on an actual victim can bring
more fear, which is a normal reaction.