It was recorded that more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year. So, in this day and age, having a first aid officer around is important – especially in the workplace. This role involves providing initial medical assistance and care to individuals in emergencies. And, if you want to take on this profession, let’s delve deeper into these responsibilities and roles. Role And Responsibilities Of A First Aid Officer
1. Stabilizing the injured person’s condition
This is one of the primary roles of a first aid officer. The critical step involves taking immediate actions to prevent the injury or illness from worsening before professional medical help arrives. As a first aid officer, you must immobilize the affected area to prevent further damage in suspected fractures or spinal injuries. This may include splints, slings, or other suitable materials to support and stabilize the injured body part.
If there is severe bleeding, you must control it quickly. This often involves applying pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or cloth and elevating the injured limb, if applicable.
2. Providing basic medical assistance
You must apply appropriate first aid techniques depending on the nature of the injury or illness. This can include bandaging wounds, using an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergic reactions, or assisting with administering prescribed medications if necessary. If there are any hazards, you address them or move the person to a safer location. You approach the person cautiously and assess their condition. Check for responsiveness by tapping them gently and asking if they are okay.
3. Managing incident
The role of a first aider is important in ensuring the safety of patients until professional help arrives and takes over. In larger incidents or scenarios involving multiple injured individuals, you need to:
- Delegate responsibilities to others. This can include calling emergency services, providing crowd control, or assisting with first aid.
- Keep the situation under control by staying calm and organized.
- Make decisions based on the priority of care and the resources available.
4. Preventing infection
Infection prevention helps maintain a safe and sanitary environment for the first aid officer and the injured or ill individuals.
For this, you must:
- Wear disposable gloves when providing first aid, especially when dealing with open wounds or bodily fluids. Use disposable barriers, like disposable sheets, to maintain cleanliness.
- Ensure all first aid supplies, including bandages, dressings, and instruments, are clean and sterile before use.
- Clean wounds and injuries with sterile saline solution or clean running water.
- Apply antiseptic solutions or ointments if available and appropriate.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth while providing first aid to prevent the transfer of potentially harmful microorganisms.
- Provide tissues and a designated waste receptacle.
5. Providing comfort and reassurance
Comfort and reassurance address emotional and psychological needs. A compassionate and caring approach as a first aid officer can significantly affect how the injured or ill person copes with the situation. Let them know that you are there to help and provide care. Show empathy and compassion. Take a moment to ask the individual’s name and address them by their name. Encourage the injured or ill person to express their concerns or feelings.
Actively listen without interrupting and validate their emotions. Sometimes, being heard can provide comfort. If you need to perform any medical procedures, such as wound dressing or splinting, explain them beforehand. Let the person know what you are doing and why it’s necessary. If friends or family members are present, involve them if the injured person consents. Having familiar faces nearby can be reassuring. As a professional first aid officer, you must also preserve the person’s privacy and dignity. For instance, use barriers like blankets or screens if needed. Ask for their consent before performing any care.
6. Arranging for appropriate help
As a responsible first aid officer, your last step will be dialing the emergency number or the appropriate local number for your region. Communicate the nature of the incident, the location, and the number of individuals involved. When you call emergency services, stay on the line and provide any requested information. When emergency services arrive, provide them with all relevant information about the incident and the condition of the injured or ill person.
Inform them of any actions you have taken and changes in the person’s condition. Do not leave the scene unless instructed to do so by emergency responders.
How To Be A First Aid Officer
To be a first aid officer, you only need a high school diploma or an equivalent, and you’re all set to apply. You must enroll in a first aid course from a registered training course. The course will help you build the required skills and learn your roles and responsibilities with face-to-face practical classes. Once you pass all assessments after the course, you become a licensed first aid officer for 3 years!
Conclusion
You can succeed as a first aid officer with dedication, proper training, and commitment to others’ well-being. So, don’t wait any longer; sign in for a program and make a vital difference in emergencies right now!
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