RESPONDING WITH FIRST AID IN A RISKY WORLD

I have never liked the idea of giving first aid. I get squeamish at the sight of blood, identify with a victim’s pain, and really don’t like the idea of sharing germs. (And no, I am NOT a “germophobe”. No OCD here!) I am just older and what my generation might call a “private” type of person. “Say it, don’t spray it!”, and “Do you serve towels with your showers?” are pet sentences you might hear from me if a conversation gets too close and “expressive”, so-to-speak.

So given the above, It’s no surprise that it takes me a moment of hesitation before I begin first aid. ActualIy, for a lot of people and for a lot of different reasons, I think there is a conscious decision that must be made to step up and administer help in any situation demanding a first aid response. This is especially true in breathing and/or bleeding situations where possible contact with a stranger’s blood, bodily fluids, or face/breath create risk and discomfort. Even though it’s a matter of minutes between life-or-death when CPR is required and an AED should be used, there is a moment in which one must ask and answer for themselves questions such as: “Do I really want to do this?” “Am I really needed?” “Do I know how to do this?”

In light of the need for speed and skill in rendering first aid for “messy” emergencies, the lay person is likely to feel less effective and less qualified than an experienced professional. A bystander with only basic training and little or no experience rendering first aid will obviously be at a disadvantage when responding to an emergency.

Well it seems I’ve pretty well argued my way out of rendering first aid no matter what is happening in front of me! Problem is, I still have a deeply held conviction that I should help those in need in any way I can, whatever the circumstances.

How, then, can I get myself back in the game when it comes to first aid readiness?

Here are some ideas:

Build your confidence in performing first aid; keep your training up-to-date with Red Cross refresher courses and consider broader, more thorough study and training in courses offered at community colleges or local universities. Pay special attention to procedures for blood and other body fluids, COVID protection, effective CPR, AED use, etc.
Practice “situational awareness”; learn to be conscious of your surroundings, staying relaxed but still alert. This will make you more ready and able to respond should your help be needed.
Spend some time thinking or even journaling about the various issues involved in being a first responder. Try to make some decisions now regarding any personal concerns that would hinder you from responding well. This will build your confidence to act appropriately when the time comes.

Don’t let personal limits or second thoughts take you out of the game when it’s time to step up! You can learn to respond with haste, but without being hasty!

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