When to Put Your First Aid, CPR Skills to Use

When sudden illness or injury occurs, almost anyone can provide basic first aid before emergency medical help arrives. However, training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or automated external defibrillator (AED) use will help you understand the most important steps to take first. After all, your actions during the first few minutes of an emergency can be critical and may make the difference between life and death.

Once you’ve received training in first aid basics, CPR procedures or AED use, how do you know when to step in and help?

Do you have to help?

The choice is yours. In any medical emergency, it’s up to you to decide if you will stop and help; there is no law that compels you to act if you are simply a bystander. If providing first aid, CPR, or other first response measures is part of your job description and you’re currently “on the clock,” however, then you are required to provide help.

What are your risks in helping?

Good Samaritan laws protect people who provide first aid, CPR or other emergency medical care from litigation in case the person receiving assistance suffers further injury or dies. These laws, which vary by state, are meant to encourage healthcare providers or first responders to provide help outside the course of their jobs without fear of future litigation.

Generally, when someone is unconscious or confused and can’t respond, a Good Samaritan (i.e., a bystander) can help on the grounds of implied consent. However, if the injured person is conscious and can respond, you should first ask his or her permission to help (e.g. “My name is Joe Smith and I am trained in first aid. May I help you?”). If the person agrees, you may begin administering first aid. However, if he or she refuses, simply call for emergency assistance and wait with the person until help arrives.

Are you prepared?

To ensure that you’re ready and able to jump in if a medical crisis occurs, certification in first aid and/or CPR is an important first step. Health Ed Solutions offers first aid certification online, CPR and AED online and bloodborne pathogens training courses for healthcare professionals and the general public.

The information included in this article is based on the 2020 guidelines for CPR, first aid and advanced cardiovascular care. Read more about the 2020 first aid guidelines.