I’m qualified in First Aid at Work, which trains me up to treat a wide range of problems that require first aid. The problem is, I’m not yet qualified to do first aid with St John’s Ambulance on duty (I had an induction…). But, with this qualification (and correct me if I’m wrong, which I may be), I’ve been told that I can only practise first aid in a working environment in which I am employed. This makes sense, but could lead to a number of lawsuits if not attended to carefully.
But this is where it frustrates me. I was walking home with a friend this evening and from across a bridge is my name being yelled over. It’s a friend of mine, and her friend has been knocked unconscious by another bloke. Now, as a friend would do, I naturally attempted to help out – other people had got to the scene before I had and attempted first aid – mostly by reassuring her and suggesting what needs to be done. Now, if this were to be a complete stranger and had done first aid but got something wrong, even if I were to follow the training I got given, I could be sued by the casualty.
I personally don’t think a first aider on the scene should be sued or punished in any way or form for attempting to help and save lives even if they were only qualified indoors. The treatment with most cases do not differ that much with it being in a working environment or not, so if we were to help out as being the first on the scene… let us!
