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WHAT IS FIRST AID?

First aid is the initial care of the injured or sick. It is the care administered by a concerned person as soon as possible after an accident or illness. It is this prompt care and attention prior to the arrival of the ambulance, that sometimes means the difference between life and death, or between a full or partial recovery.

First aid has limitations, as not everybody is a paramedic or doctor, but it is an essential and vital element of the total medical system.  FIRST AID SAVES LIVES! ...ask any person who works in the emergency medical field.

IMMEDIATE ACTION

As in most endeavours, the principle to be adopted in first aid is immediate action. Bystanders or relatives not knowing what to do, or being too timid to try, have unwittingly contributed to unnecessary deaths and chronic injuries. If a person is sick or injured, then they need help — and they need it immediately.

It is important that any action taken by the first aid provider is commenced as quickly as possible.  Quick action is necessary to preserve life and limb. A casualty who is not breathing effectively, or is bleeding copiously, requires immediate intervention.  If quick effective first aid is provided, then the casualty's has a much better chance of a good recovery. 

It should be remembered though that any action undertaken is to be deliberate, and panic by the first aid provider and bystanders will not be beneficial to the casualty. Try to remain calm and think your actions through.  A calm and controlled first aider will give everyone confidence that the event is being handled efficiently and effectively.

WILL I HARM THE CASUALTY?

It is unlikely that the casualty being treated by a trained first aid provider will come to any additional harm, provided that the care and treatment is rendered in accordance with the provider's level of training. Many horror stories abound of well meaning first aiders causing irreversible injuries to their casualties, but these are usually just that — stories!  If first aid is administered quickly, effectively, and with due care, then the casualty will not suffer any additional harm.

The Malaysian legal system recognises that everyone has a 'duty of care' towards others.  Courts take a benevolent view towards first aid providers. Provided that any care and treatment was undertaken for the good of the casualty, that no deliberate harm was caused, and that the incident was handled as if by 'a reasonable person', then the first aid provider should have no fear of litigation.

HOW DO I GET HELP?

To get expert medical assistance, call an ambulance on '999' (emergency number for Malaysia) as early as possible.  If you are attending a casualty, get a bystander to telephone for help.  If you are on your own then you may have to leave the casualty momentarily to make a call. It's common sense, the decision is yours!

'MEDIC ALERT'

Some individuals suffer from certain medical conditions that may cause them to present with serious signs and symptoms at any time. As a form of assistance and notification, these people may wear a form of medical identification, usually a special bracelet, or less commonly, a necklace. These devices are commonly referred to as 'Medic Alert' bracelets, but other types are available, such as 'Vial of Life' and 'SOS Talisman'.

They are imprinted with the person's identity, the relevant medical condition, and other details which may include allergies, drugs required, or specialised medical contact. Medical conditions that may be notified vary from specific heart diseases, to diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, and serious allergies.