Where's the AED, and do I know how to use it?
“Situational Awareness” can simply be defined as “knowing what is going on around us”. This awareness is demonstrated, for example, when a parent notices that the children’s toys are spread around the house and may cause Grandpa to trip. Or perhaps on the way to the grocery store a driver going through an intersection may notice another car coming from the crossroad that does not slow down and may well run its red light. An alert teacher keeping a keen ear can detect bullying in the school hallway by observing student posturing and listening closely to their comments. A team trainer may be at a sports event and from clear across a field or gym notice a young athlete suddenly drop to the floor, in need of immediate first aid.
In every circumstance, individuals who are not oblivious to their surroundings but who, though relaxed, are alert and prepared to act help keep us all safer. In light of the examples above, what kind of thinking indicates active “Situational Awareness” (SA)?
- Adults who stay aware of safety concerns keep watch over the goings on in their households, and in doing so prevent many avoidable mishaps. They naturally ask themselves questions such as, “Are the floors clear and clean and are there any slippery spots? Are any portable heaters being properly used? How are the cars parked? Can a driver see well when entering the street from the driveway?”
- Driving is probably the activity most common to all of us, and obviously one with possibly dire consequences for not paying attention to all that is happening in the car and on the road. “Is my car in good repair? Did I (and all passengers) buckle my seatbelt? Do I focus my thoughts on driving when I start the car, or is it all just ‘second nature’ to me? What is happening behind and on each side of me at each moment, not just what’s ahead?”
- During my teaching career, while I was not specifically trained in SA, it was made clear to me that maintaining the safety and general welfare of all students was part of my job whenever and wherever I was in their presence. I learned to ask myself, “What is going on in the corners of my classroom? Are there any hints of mischief in the conversation I hear? Is there odd noise in the hallway? What are the clusters of students in the hallways at free time actually saying and doing? At public events, do I notice any unusual behavior or noise? If so, why might it be happening?”
- The team trainer for high school sports watches over the athletes competing at a large number of events, on the field and in the gym. This person must think ahead when working on the home campus or when traveling to an away event. Pregame questions that come to mind might be “What are the needs of my players? Do I have the equipment I need for preparing ahead of the game, caring for any injuries during and after the game? Most importantly, do I have the first aid kit along, including what is needed to treat serious emergencies such as bleeding wounds, concussions, cessation of breathing, and coronary events?” Do I have the AED? Those who have had one or more experiences with SCA have become aware of the need for people among us, both lay and professional, that are trained first responders. It follows that many of these individuals have chosen to train in first aid/CPR and AED use. Specific training in Situational Awareness will hone their ability to walk through life aware of their surroundings, ready to take action to keep their surroundings safe, avert trouble, and respond quickly to emergencies that might develop around them.
Specifically, then, situational awareness is especially key to making a life-saving response to a cardiac event; it makes a first responder quicker to recognize an SCA event, and more confident in their actions as they respond. This quickness and confidence is crucial to a successful rescue since SCA is so often a random event that demands a response within minutes in order to save a victim’s life. Situational Awareness would lead the first responder in the example of the above athletic emergency to know already the answers to crucial questions such as “Where is there an AED in this building? What would I say and do, step-by-step, as I responded to an emergency? Who here in addition to myself is able to take the lead or assist in a medical emergency?
Let’s all become more aware of our surroundings as we go through our days. We’ll all be safer if we do. Whether individually, with friends, or out in our communities, we will find the quality of our lives improved. We might even get to help save a life!
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