What are the limits of advanced first aid?

• Main Authors: Mariusz Chomoncik, Jacek Nitecki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scientific and Research Centre for Fire Protection - National Research Institute 2018-07-01
• Series: Bezpieczeństwo i Technika Pożarnicza
• Subjects: emergency; first aid; advanced first aid
• Online Access: http://bitp.cnbop.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BiTP-Vol.-50-Issue-2-2018-pp.-132%E2%80%93140-doi-10.12845bitp.50.2.2018.10.pdf

Aim: The applicable rules related to providing assistance to the injured person led the authors to a conclusion that indicated a need to extend the range of rescue operations performed by rescuers who have completed a course in advanced first aid (Polish: kwalifikowana pierwsza pomoc, KPP). This is crucial because there is a growing number of situations in which help is provided by people who do not have proper medical education. In authors’ opinion there is a need to set situation in order. Introduction: Having analysed the current literature, legal acts, and procedures, the authors have noticed inconsistencies in these documents. In some cases, a wider range of aid provided by laymen – the so-called ‘first aid’ – is allowed, rather than the help provided by trained rescuers.Results: The 2015 CPR Guidelines was the first document to feature a section on first aid. The issues presented in that section had been based on scientific research, so the proposed procedure is very reliable. Research in this area is not easy and may be subject to some errors; however, the information resulting from this research cannot remain outside the area of KPP. In the area of first aid, recommendations were offered on the use of haemostatic dressings, and the administration of aspirin, adrenaline and other medicines. In the area of advanced first aid, there are no procedures for such actions. Such first aid recommendations were proposed over a decade ago, but it was only recently that they have appeared in official guidelines devoted primarily to resuscitation at various levels of qualification. Resuscitation guidelines are increasingly seen to discuss the treatment of victims at risk of cardiac arrest in so-called ‘special situations’ (injuries, poisoning, drowning and many others). How to prevent such situations and how to perform a proper first aid procedure? For example, in the case of anaphylactic shock, a first aid rescuer may make a broader use of the currently available resources than in the procedure applicable to KPP rescuers. Nowadays, the need to inject a medicine (possessed by the patient) is not so obvious for the majority of rescuers.Practical meaning: Changes in the programmes of KPP courses are necessary. Nowadays, rescuers at this level of training work in many institutions associated with rescue services such as fire brigades, Volunteer Ambulance Service, Polish Army, Police and other institutions based on medical vol-unteering. This situation requires a change in the relevant legal acts and rescue procedures regarding the KPP and the scope of the equipment owned, which will be the next step in improving the skills and effectiveness of KPP rescuers.