First aid can save a life. The employer must ensure that first aid is provided and must designate people who organise it and call the ambulance service (§ 102(6) and § 103(1) of the Labour Code). But any of us may be the first on the scene. This lesson summarises the basics. The course does not replace a practical first aid course.
The duty to help
The Criminal Code (§ 150) punishes anyone who fails to help a person in danger of death or showing signs of a serious health disorder, although they could have done so without danger to themselves or another person. You do not have to risk your life. But you must at least call for help.
Emergency calls
- 155: medical emergency service,
- 150: fire brigade,
- 158: police,
- 112: the single European emergency number. It connects you with the service you need.
During the call, say where you are, what happened, how many people are injured and what condition they are in. Hang up only when the dispatcher allows you to. The dispatcher will advise you what to do.
Basic procedure
- Make sure it is safe. First yourself, then the surroundings and the injured person. In the case of electric shock, switch off the current first.
- Check for consciousness. Speak to the person and gently shake them by the shoulders.
- Call for help (155 or 112) and ask for an automated external defibrillator (AED) if there is one in the building.
- Check breathing. Tilt the head back, lift the chin and watch the chest for no more than 10 seconds.
Resuscitating an adult
If the person does not respond and is not breathing normally, start resuscitation:
- Kneel beside them and place the heels of your hands on the centre of the chest.
- Press the chest down to a depth of 5 to 6 cm, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Alternate 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths. If you cannot give mouth-to-mouth breaths or do not want to, at least continue with compressions.
- Do not stop until the ambulance arrives, the injured person wakes up or someone else takes over.
- Switch on the AED as soon as it is available and follow the voice instructions. The device itself decides whether a shock is needed.
Ribs may crack during compressions. That does not matter. The main thing is to save a life.
Bleeding
- Stop heavy bleeding with direct pressure on the wound. Use a clean cloth or a bandage.
- If blood soaks through, do not remove the original dressing. Add another layer.
- Raise the bleeding limb, if possible.
- A tourniquet is a last resort for life-threatening bleeding from a limb.
Burns
- Cool the affected area under cold (not icy) running water for at least 10 minutes, preferably up to 20 minutes.
- Do not use ice, ointment or oil.
- Do not pull off clothing that is stuck to the skin.
- Burns over a large area, on the face, or caused by chemicals need a doctor.
Choking on a foreign object
If a person is choking but coughing, let them cough. If they cannot speak, breathe or cough: give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then 5 abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich manoeuvre). Alternate them until the object comes out or the person stops responding. Then call 155 and start resuscitation.
Chemicals and the eyes
Rinse the affected eye for a long time and with plenty of clean water. If it is a chemical, take its safety data sheet or the packaging with you. Remove contaminated clothing.
An unconscious person who is breathing
Place them in the recovery position, tilt the head slightly back and watch their breathing. Call 155.
What not to do
- Do not give food or drink to a seriously injured person.
- Do not move a person with a suspected spinal injury unless they are in danger.
- Do not leave the injured person alone.
Summary
- Safety, consciousness, call 155 or 112, breathing.
- Resuscitation: 5 to 6 cm, 100 to 120 per minute, 30:2, AED as soon as possible.
- Bleeding: direct pressure. Burn: cool under running water for at least 10 minutes.
- Helping is a legal duty, as long as you do not endanger yourself.