In the chaotic moments of an emergency, every second counts. While paramedics are trained to respond swiftly and efficiently, there are simple steps individuals can take to facilitate their efforts and potentially save lives.
In recent viral videos, Nikki Jurcutz, a former paramedic and CEO of Tiny Hearts Education, as well as Sean Simmonds, Emergency & Preparedness Manager of Montgomery County Hospital, shared invaluable insights on how to prepare for and assist first aid medical responders during an emergency. By following their advice, you can play a crucial role in ensuring a successful outcome.
First, Nikki emphasised the importance of being prepared for their arrival. She advised people to unlock their doors, turn on outside lights, and have someone ready to greet them. These simple actions can significantly expedite the paramedics‘ response time and help them focus on providing immediate assistance.
Sean Simmonds echoed the importance of securing pets. Pets can sometimes become aggressive towards strangers, including paramedics, so it’s crucial to keep them safe and contained.
Other important things to remember
Nikki also stressed the importance of trusting one’s instincts, especially when it comes to a child’s health. Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes that may indicate a need for medical attention. As Nikki put it, „You know your child best, if you are worried, we are worried.“
Finally, she encouraged people not to hesitate to ring for help. Paramedics would always rather come and then just leave than be too late. They are not concerned about the state of your home. Their primary focus is on saving lives.
In the face of an emergency, the actions of individuals can significantly impact the outcome. By following the simple tips you can actively contribute to a more efficient and effective response from paramedics. From unlocking doors and turning on lights to securing pets and trusting your instincts, these steps can make a world of difference.
A recent study underlines the potential benefits of consistent aspirin use in lowering the risk of colon cancer, particularly among people who lead unhealthy lifestyles. This study emphasises aspirin’s function as a preventive measure for colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
Colorectal cancer is estimated to kill over 52,500 people in the United States alone by 2023, with more than 153,000 additional cases being diagnosed. Over the last decade, the disease’s incidence has more than doubled among those under the age of 55.
Research details
The researchers examined data from nearly 107,000 participants in the Nurses‘ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, focusing on their lifestyles and aspirin use. The study discovered that people who consistently took aspirin had an 18% lower risk of acquiring colorectal cancer than those who did not. Those with the most unhealthy behaviours, such as a higher BMI, smoking, and a poor diet, saw the most advantages. Regular aspirin use was found to reduce cancer risk by approximately 40% in these high-risk patients.
Caution and recommendations
The study, published in JAMA Oncology, reveals that whilst aspirin may help reduce the risk for patients with numerous risk factors, its advantages should be balanced against potential negative effects. Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, and the recent change in recommendations by the US Preventive Services Task Force, which reversed its 2016 advice due to bleeding concerns, complicates its use.
Lead author Dr Daniel Sikavi and other specialists underline the need for additional research to confirm these findings and determine the best dosage and duration of aspirin use for cancer prevention. They also recommend that the study be reproduced with more diverse populations to confirm that the results are broadly relevant.
Expert opinions
Dr Christina Annunziata of the American Cancer Society points out that, whilst the study shows a considerable advantage for people at high risk, it is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake are all important for cancer prevention.
The study makes a convincing case for using aspirin as a preventive treatment for people with high-risk factors, but it also emphasises the value of tailored medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments.
Stress often lurks unseen behind various health issues, yet its profound effects on the body are frequently overlooked.
Physiological and psychological are the two main categories of stress. Physiological stress involves physical challenges like extreme temperatures or blood loss, while psychological stress primarily impacts mental function, including job loss, assault, or bereavement. Both forms of stress can result in a biological response that triggers various physical symptoms.
Kate Beckinsale, an acclaimed English actress, shows the severe physical effects of psychological stress. Her grief over her stepfather’s death caused intense pain, leading to a diagnosis of peptic ulceration and hospitalisation for six weeks. While emotional trauma is often discussed, less attention is given to the effects stress can have on the body.
vomit copious amounts of blood
Kate Beckinsale
Stress and specific health conditions
Is it possible that profound emotional distress could lead to such conditions as vomiting blood? Research suggests that stress may be a contributing factor in numerous health problems. Beckinsale’s experience is not unique; stress has been linked to various medical conditions.
Peptic ulcers, for example, are mainly caused by the bacterium H pylori. Though H pylori infection is the primary cause, research indicates that stress shouldn’t be overlooked as a potential contributor.
Historically, Dr Burrill Crohn noted the occurrence of „stress ulcers“ in patients undergoing severe psychological trauma. Subsequent observational studies have demonstrated an association between stress, anxiety, and depression with peptic ulcers.
Negative life experiences, like divorce or widowhood, have also been linked to the development of peptic ulcers.
Beyond the gut
However, stress doesn’t solely affect the gastrointestinal system. It affects various bodily functions and can lead to a range of disorders, including cardiovascular diseases and immune system disruptions. These conditions illustrate the broad and potentially harmful reach of stress, making it a universal concern in medical research.
Understanding stress and its myriad effects on health is vital for both medical professionals and the general public. By recognizing stress as a substantial health risk and investing in comprehensive research and effective management strategies, we can better address this issue and improve overall health outcomes.
Rose Fuentebaja, a dedicated nurse from Stratford-upon-Avon, tragically lost her life in June 2017 due to an undiagnosed irregular heartbeat. She was hospitalised at Warwick Hospital for a week before suffering cardiac arrest and passing away. Initially, doctors thought the cause was neurological, but later investigations found they missed signs of an irregular heartbeat.
Following legal action, South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and West Midlands Ambulance Service admitted faults in her care, settling for £1 million with her widower.
Mrs Fuentebaja had emigrated from the Philippines to the UK with her husband. She was passionate about helping others and saved numerous lives as a nurse. Mr Fuentebaja stated, „She was so committed to saving others, but when it came to her own health, she did not receive the help she needed. This tragic turn of events left me in deep depression for quite some time.“
Failures in diagnosis and care
The legal proceedings revealed that West Midlands Ambulance Service breached its duty of care when paramedics failed to recognise potential cardiac issues indicated by an electrocardiogram (ECG). They also admitted they should have advised Mrs Fuentebaja to seek immediate hospitalisation that day.
In her first ECG test, healthcare professionals identified disturbances in her heartbeat. However, these findings were dismissed as anxiety-related, and she was not sent to hospital. South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust admitted to breaching its duty by neglecting to refer Mrs. Fuentebaja to cardiology and by omitting continuous heart monitoring. This oversight might have led to an earlier, accurate diagnosis and potentially lifesaving treatment.
Legal case details and reactions
Elizabeth Maliakal from Hudgell Solicitors highlighted Mrs. Fuentebaja’s death as tragic and preventable, stressing that timely treatment could have saved her. She criticised missed opportunities by both health providers.
West Midlands Ambulance Service admitted fault for overlooking cardiac issues despite clear test results and symptoms, leading to reforms to prevent future occurrences. South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust offered condolences and noted organisational changes post a thorough 2017 incident investigation.
The heartbreaking case of Rose Fuentebaja underscores the critical need for vigilant medical care and prompt diagnosis. The settlement serves as a reminder of the profound impact of medical negligence on families and the ongoing efforts needed to improve patient safety across healthcare systems.
In a dramatic incident on Long Island, New York, an 83-year-old man suffered a sudden heart attack while using an ATM machine, leaving him unconscious and in dire need of immediate medical assistance.
Fortunately, nearby nurses were alerted and sprang into action, performing life-saving CPR and using an AED to revive the man before EMS arrived. The nurses‘ quick thinking and skillful execution of CPR proved instrumental in stabilizing him.
Discovery of underlying heart issues
Despite having no prior heart conditions, doctors later discovered three partially blocked arteries and severe valve blockage, underscoring the suddenness and severity of the cardiac event. Daniel Greco, the survivor, expressed disbelief over the incident, having received a clean bill of health from his doctors shortly before the heart attack.
Gratitude and recovery
Greco, reflecting on the incident, expressed immense gratitude for the quick response that saved his life. Returning to the site in Melville where he collapsed, he recalled very little of the event but remains thankful for the swift and decisive actions that ensured his survival. Following successful heart surgery and ongoing medical care, Greco’s recovery is progressing positively, supported by the efficient medical intervention initiated by the nurses.
Impact and lessons learned
This incident highlights the critical importance of CPR training and swift action in emergencies, emphasizing the potential to save lives through preparedness and immediate intervention. The collaboration between bystanders, medical professionals, and advanced medical technology like AEDs played a crucial role in Greco’s survival, underscoring the value of community readiness and emergency response preparedness.
As Greco and his family look forward to celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary, they remain deeply appreciative of the nurses and medical staff whose quick actions ensured that he could return to his loved ones. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the life-saving impact of timely CPR and the importance of being prepared to respond effectively to medical emergencies in any community setting.
In many countries, first aid courses are mandatory in order to obtain a driver’s license, or employers must train a certain number of employees as first aiders (company paramedics). However, these courses can also be attended independently at any time – this is also strongly recommended in order to be able to react correctly in an emergency situation. Likewise, it is recommended to refresh the knowledge again and again so that the first aider can make the right decisions with a high level of self-confidence.
Germany
Life-saving immediate measures
n this course, only life-saving immediate measures (LSM) from first aid were taught. The course lasted 4 lessons of 90 minutes each. Since April 1, 2015, the new first aid course (see below) has replaced the previous LSM training. After completing the LSM course, the participant should be able to act as an immediate / first aider at an accident site. In Germany, presentation of the certificate of attendance was a prerequisite for obtaining driver’s license classes AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, L and T. Older LSM certificates were still valid for obtaining a driver’s license until October 21, 2017; since then, only first aid courses have been accepted. Attendance was also required for obtaining a private pilot’s license (PPL).
A legal obligation to repeat the course is not provided by the Driver’s License Ordinance (FeV § 19 FEV). The Road Traffic Act (§ 2 Para. 2 No. 6 StVG) stipulates that applicants for a driving license must be able to provide first aid. According to general recommendations, the knowledge should be refreshed every 2 to max. 3 years.
First aid course
In this course, the measures for the first aid of vital threatened persons are to be taught. The knowledge that can be acquired here is helpful and even life-saving in many emergencies that can occur in the private and professional environment. To a large extent, this involves respiratory and circulatory emergencies. The treatment of injuries, burns, shock and poisoning is also taught. The duration comprises 9 teaching units of 45 minutes each (before April 1, 2015: 8 teaching units of 90 minutes each).
The course is compulsory in Germany for all driver’s license classes, for the acquisition of the passenger transport license, the youth leader card and for admission to the physics examination. The employers‘ liability insurance associations require repetition every two years, with the repetition training for company first aiders comprising 9 teaching units of 45 minutes each (before April 1, 2015: 4 teaching units of 90 minutes each).
The training in a first aid course imparts, among other things, the following knowledge:
Behavior at the emergency scene
First link of the rescue chain: securing, self-protection, emergency call, immediate measures
Second link of the rescue chain: first aid/other measures in case of:
Shock as a life-threatening condition
Wounds and wound care, hemostasis
Poisoning (e.g., with alcohol, medications, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, pesticides, chemicals, or drugs)
seizure (epilepsy) and stroke (cerebral infarction)
thermal injuries (burns, frostbite and hypothermia)
chemical burns
insect bites (especially in the mouth and throat)
violent impact on the head (head injury), concussion
choking (swallowing of foreign bodies)
Abdominal injuries, acute abdominal illnesses with nausea and diarrhea or vomiting
Cardiovascular disorders (cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke and arrhythmia)
Bone and joint injuries
Mental care of the casualty/patient
Third link in the rescue chain: rescue service
Fourth link in the rescue chain: hospital
Since 2005, the rescue chain has been specified in four links. The previous separation between the „immediate measures“ and the „emergency call“ has been abolished; the emergency call is made as far as possible in parallel with the other immediate measures.
There is no final examination of the acquired knowledge and the learned practical skills. Only the participation is certified. References to the possibly mental care of traumatized first responders after e.g. serious accidents are not given
Special first aid courses
Meanwhile, many aid organizations and other approved providers offer customized training courses, for example for members of special risk groups:
First aid in children’s emergencies (for parents, grandparents, educators and other supervisors of children up to approx. 10 years)
First aid in sports accidents (for sports teachers, exercise instructors, trainers)
First aid for seniors
First aid for the disabled
First aid for cardiovascular patients
First aid in outdoor areas, including specific courses for first aid in alpine areas
First aid for seafarers (extended courses that include, for example, placing infusions)
First aid courses delivered online and introduced during the COVID 19 pandemic
On the other hand, there are courses that are tailored to specific groups of first responders:
First aid for medical students
First aid for road traffic
First aid for company first aiders
First aid for private and domestic use
First aid for children, adolescents, mentally or physically handicapped persons
First aid for soldiers of the German Armed Forces
First aid for professional trainers of sports associations
Some of these courses are also held in cooperation with schools, kindergartens or facilities for the disabled.
New to the program are the courses „Life-saving immediate measures with self-protection content“ and also „First aid with self-protection content“, which correspond in content to a course in life-saving immediate measures or first aid and have been supplemented with topics from civil and population protection. These courses are only financed 100% by the federal government if the very narrow requirements are met (note: funding is limited). The requirements include a very narrow age range of participants (14 to 16 years) and a maximum of 15 participants per course.
Company first aider
In every company in Germany, a sufficient number of trained company first aiders must be „available“ according to § 10 ArbSchG and specified in § 26 of DGUV Regulation 1. These company first aiders must, as mentioned above, undergo training comprising 9 training units. A suitable refresher course of 9 units must be attended every two years at the latest. Depending on the type of company, between 5 and 10 % first aiders are given as a guideline. A first aider is required for as few as two employees. The use of the first aid kit must be documented in the first aid manual.
Paramedic courses
Paramedic courses are sometimes offered as general training or serve as training for civil protection (disaster control/civil defense).
For some occupational groups (personal and property protection, for all weapon carriers, for service dog handlers), paramedic training is mandatory. The paramedic training requires a basic training in first aid (usually with at least 9 teaching units). In addition, the employers‘ liability insurance associations stipulate that, depending on the size of the company, an appropriate number of first aiders must be present (from two members of staff). Only licensed physicians and dentists are considered first aiders without any special training. From a certain company size, training as a company paramedic is mandatory (from 1500 staff members present, on construction sites from 100). This training takes considerably longer than a normal first aid course (first aid = 9 teaching units. versus company paramedic training = (at least) 95 teaching units, whereby the latter builds on a first aid course) and also includes the basics of medical assistance. The training is divided into a basic and an advanced course (paramedic, paramedic, paramedic assistant as well as the training to become a nurse and a medical sergeant in the German Armed Forces are recognized as basic training). At least every three years, the company paramedic training must be refreshed by a 16-hour continuing education course. Training and continuing education may only be conducted by so-called authorized bodies. Equivalent to the company paramedics are the so-called remedial assistants according to the mountain ordinances. (Source: Accident Prevention Regulation – DGUV Regulation 1, Principles of Prevention, BGV A1 and Employer’s Liability Insurance Association Principles, BGG 949, published by the German Federation of Institutions for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention, as of January 1, 2004)
Advanced courses
Courses or vocational training that go far beyond imparting first aid knowledge for first aiders include, for example, courses for on-site helpers (D only), rescue assistants (D only), paramedics (D, Ö) and emergency paramedics (D, Ö). In 2014, the professional training for emergency paramedic replaced that of the paramedic, who could further qualify to this through further training. Information on these training courses can be found under the corresponding keywords. The paramedic and emergency paramedic is a vocational training in Germany. In Austria, this applies to training as a paramedic as well as an emergency paramedic.
Austria
Scope
The curriculum for the first aid course in Austria has the following structure:
Why should you give first aid?
First aid equipment
Basics of first aid:
Rescue chain: securing, providing first aid and making an emergency call (in parallel), rescue service, further care
Tasks of the first aider
Danger zones, securing, recognizing, requesting special forces
Emergency call: possibilities, which questions are asked, emergency numbers and other important telephone numbers
Helmet removal, pull away, rescue (formerly „salvage“) with the hash handle
Emergency check
turn over (from prone position to supine position), pull away, get someone onto a blanket
Acute emergencies – recognize each and initial measures
Heart attack
Stroke
Seizure
Diabetes
Asthma attack
Collapse
sunstroke
Ingestion
Poisoning
Allergic reaction
Severe bleeding (pressure bandage, finger pressure)
Wounds
Bandages
Head bandage, hand bandage, knee bandage with triangular cloth
Nosebleed
Animal bite
Foreign body in the wound
Burn
Chemical burn
Bone and joint injuries
Arm injury (arm sling)
Leg injury
Sprain
Duration and types
The following types of first aid courses are usually offered:
16 hours basic course – required for driver’s license D (bus)
4 hours refresher course
8 hours refresher course
Children’s emergency courses (4 to 16 hours)
6 hours driver’s license course (immediate measures at the scene of an accident) – is required for driver’s license B
Instruction for defibrillators and various special courses
Company first aider
According to the Workplace Ordinance (AStV), company first aiders must be trained in companies (§ 40 AStV).
In offices or workplaces with a comparable accident risk:
1 first aider for up to 29 regularly employed workers at the same time
2 first aiders for 30 to 49 employees regularly employed at the same time
one additional first aider for every 20 additional employees regularly employed at the same time.
in all other workplaces:
1 first aider for up to 19 regularly employed workers at the same time
2 first aiders for 20 to 29 employees regularly employed at the same time
one additional first aider for every 10 additional employees regularly employed at the same time.
for construction sites:
1 first aider for up to 19 workers employed by an employer on a construction site.
2 first aiders for 20 to 29 regularly employed workers
one additional first aider for every 10 additional workers regularly employed by an employer on a construction site
First responders must have at least 16 hours of training (eight hours in companies with fewer than five employees). An eight-hour refresher must be completed every four years, or alternatively a four-hour refresher every two years.
Switzerland
Providers and offers
In Switzerland, several Swiss Red Cross organizations, namely the Sameriter Schweiz, the Swiss Life Saving Society (SLRG) and the Swiss Military Medical Association offer first aid courses on a non-commercial basis. The second major provider, the Swiss Medical Corps – an association of doctors, paramedics and trainers – mostly works with commercial partners (mainly driving instructors, Migros Club School, TCS).
The Inter Association for Rescue (IVR) certifies and standardizes a large part of the training courses. As an example, an overview of the courses offered by the Samaritan Association:
Course
Content
Target group
Duration of the course (in hours)
Validity period of the ID card (in years)
Prerequisite
Emergency helper course
According to Art. 10 VZV: securing the accident site, alerting, preservation of vital bodily functions, positioning of the injured person, ventilation, severe bleeding, basics of cardiac massage.
Learner drivers (categories A, A1, B and B1) must have a valid ID card
10
6
none
First aider IVR 1
General first aid in everyday situations (traffic, household, workplace, leisure) and correct alerting. The first aider can implement instructions from the emergency call center according to the situation. Participants will also receive certificates for the emergency responder course and BLS-AED-SRC.
general
14
2(respectively 6 and 3)
none
First aider IVR 2
Formerly known as the „Samaritan Course.“ Deepens and expands first responder IVR 1, including: Assessing, providing initial care, and observing accidental bodily injury and acute illness until professional help arrives; assessing whether and what professional help needs to be called for; level-appropriate classification of hazardous situations.
z. e.g. youth group leaders, sports coaches, part-time company paramedics
14
2
IVR 1 or emergency responder + BLS-AED-SRC
First aider IVR 3
Link to professional rescue. Differentiated situation assessment, best possible care of the patient based on available resources. Assists emergency physician and paramedic.
z. e.g. part-time or full-time company paramedics
42
1
IVR 2
BLS-AED-SRC
Ventilation, cardiac massage and use of a defibrillator according to the guidelines of the Swiss Resuscitation Council.
in general, but especially relatives of heart patients, police officers, firefighters, fitness instructors
4
3
none
Emergencies in young children
Hazard recognition, patient assessment, ingestion of objects, resuscitation.
Parents, childcare workers
4
unlimited
none
First aid part of the CZV course
According to annex CZV, number 3.5: situation assessment, avoidance of secondary accidents, alerting, rescue and first aid, behavior/evacuation in case of fire, procedure in case of violence, preparation of accident reports.
Compulsory for persons who professionally drive vehicles in categories C, C1, D or D1.
2 X 8
5
none (de facto emergency helper course, due to previous learning license category B)
If repeat courses are attended within the period of validity, the validity is extended. There is no obligation to repeat courses, but employers (in the case of company paramedics), sports associations or youth organizations, for example, insist that first aiders have a valid card in each case.
Specialized first aid courses are offered by:
SLRG: Accidents during bathing, swimming and water sports
Swiss Alpine Club: Emergencies in mountain sports
History
The Military First Aid Association of Berne was founded in 1880 to provide first aid services at major civilian events (e.g. gymnastics and shooting festivals). In 1885, also in Bern, the first Samaritan Association was founded, and in 1888 the Swiss Samaritan Federation. Since 1965, Samaritan associations have offered emergency courses to the public, and since 1977, attendance at an emergency course has been compulsory for learner drivers. The Samaritan Association introduced resuscitation courses in 1993.
Operational Health
In Switzerland, there is no more precise legal regulation of industrial hygiene; the law stipulates that, depending on the operational hazards, location and size of the operation, the „necessary means“ must be available and that, if necessary, trained industrial paramedics and first-aid rooms must be available. For judicial practice (e.g. liability issues), the guidelines of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and those of the various industry associations are binding.
