Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an Emergency?
A: Any situation which poses immediate threat to life, health, property is an Emergency. So normally there can 3 types of emergencies, i.e. medical, police, fire.

Q: What number I should dial in an emergency?
A: Till recently there used to be 3 numbers, e. g . 100 for police, 101 for fire and 102 for medical emergencies. But there is a single no. 108, that can be dialed in case of medical, police or fire emergencies in few of the states in India including Uttarakhand. And 100, 101, 102 are also working.

Q: What is First Aid?
A: First Aid is immediate help given to a victim of injury or sudden illness by a bystander till appropriate medical help arrives.

Q: Why I should learn First Responder Program (First Aid)?
A: Alert and vigilant citizen, with attitude and training in responding to the emergency is need of the hour. More than a social reason personally learning First Aid will train you to save a life of someone, may be very near and dear to you.

Q: What is I.C.E. No.?
A: I.C.E. is In Case of Emergency number. This is phone no. of close relatives. All of us should mark I.C.E. no. on our mobile phone, so that in case of an emergency a first responder can call the immediate relatives.

Q: What is E.M.S. System?
A: EMS system is Emergency Medical Services System.

Q: What is chain of survival of E.M.S. System?
A: There are 4 links in a chain of EMS system.
1-First Responder.
2- An EMT/ Paramedic.
3- A trained emergency room Physician.
4- Good Advanced Care.

Q: Who is a First Responder?
A: An individual, who responds first or activates the EMS System during an emergency, is First Responder. Ideally he is a trained First Aider. A first responder is the first link in the chain of survival of EMS System.

Q: What is C.P.R?
A: C.P.R. or Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation means proving artificial breathing and chest compressions to an unconscious person who is neither breathing nor his pulse is palpable.

Q: What is an A.E.D.?
A: A Defibrillator is a machine used by doctors to give shock to heart in various conditions. Automated External Defibrillator is a simple machine designed to give shock to heart, can be used by lay persons as the computer in the machine decides when to shock the victim.

Q: What to do in case of a case of multiple trauma, road side accidents, head injuries, and suspected spinal injuries?
A: Don’t move the casualty unnecessarily. Learn to use cervical collars, and spine board, or at least
Immobilize the neck.

Q: Can I be sued for giving First Aid?
A: No. Good Samaritan laws protect a first aider for legal liabilities.( Good Samaritan refers to the famous parable told by Jesus in the New Testament ( Luke10:33-35). But ensure that your action
don’t increase the risk to the victim.

Q: Can I be legally bound to give First Aid?
A: Legally the answer is no, but morally we all have that passion in us to save life. Because of lack training most of the time we are not aware what to do or get scared of legal implications.
Think what happens if the victim is a close relative of ours.

Q: What is consent? Is it obligatory to take consent from the victim?
A: Basically consent means permission to treat. Before you start First Aid treatment, ask for consent from victim.
Assume the consent if:
1- Victim is unresponsive.
2- Unresponsive.
3- Victim is under the age of 18 years (consider parent/ guardian consent).

Q: What conditions a First Responder should treat?
A: Treat only those conditions that affect immediate health.

Q: Is a First Aider a medical person?
A: Remember you are not a doctor or paramedic. Being a responsible citizen you are trying to help other human being who is suffering.

Q: What are the principles of providing First Aid?
A: 1- Preserve Life.
2- Promote recovery.
3- Prevent worsening of casualty’s condition.

Q: What are responsibilities of a First Responder?
A: 1- To take care of your own SAFETY is a primary responsibility.
2- “Stay Calm”.
3- Seek “ HELP!”
4- Reassure the CASUALTY.
5- Provide First Aid.
6- Keep proper records.
7- Activate EMS System.
8- To cause no harm or further damage to the victim.

Q: What are limitations of providing First Aid?
A: Limitations are hardly any, but few to enumerate;
1- Unwillingness to help (social apathy).
2- Feeling of helplessness, not knowing how to react and what to do.
3- Fear of police and court.

Q: How can I avoid getting infectious diseases while proving First Aid?
A: “Body Substance Isolation” is the answer. It means avoid coming in contact with various body substances of patient, e.g. blood, breath, urine, vomits etc. Mind you as a first responder should avoid to pass any infection to the casualty too.
Do’s:
1- Wash your hands properly (learn proper technique).
2- Use gloves and masks,( head gears, aprons, etc).
3- Use barrier devices while providing artificial ventilation.
4- Keep yourself properly vaccinated for common illnesses.

Q: What are responsibilities of a driver in case of accident?
A: As per section 134 of “Motor Vehicle Act 1988” When any person is injured or any property of a third party damaged, as a result of an accident in which a motor vehicle is involved the driver of the vehicle or other person in charge of the vehicle-

1- unless it is not practicable to do so on account of mob furry or any reasons beyond his control, take all reasonable steps to secure medical attention or the injured person (by conveying him to the nearest medical practitioner or hospital and it shall be duty of every registered medical practitioner or the doctor on the duty in the hospital to attend the injured person and render medical aid or treatment without waiting for any procedural formalities), unless the injured person or his guardian, in case he is a minor, desires otherwise;

2- Give on demand by a police officer any information required by him, or, if no police officer is present, report the circumstance of the occurrence, including the circumstances, if any, for not taking reasonable steps to secure medical attention as required under clause (a) at the nearest police station as soon as possible, and in any case within 24 hours of the occurrence.