You asked, we answered
Can I be held responsible if something bad happens to the person I'm helping? The law states that a person offering aid must do so in a reasonable and prudent manner within that person's level of skill. Once a person has begun care, the law states that care must continue until other help of an equal or greater skill level is obtained or until the rescuer has reached a level of exhaustion that makes continuing impossible. A lay rescuer will be within the bounds of the law if the care offered is reasonable and prudent given the situation.
What if I don't remember what to do? This is a common fear of newly trained people. MEDIC FIRST AID is effective because the seeing, hearing, doing method of training increases the retention of skills. As you read the real-life experiences described in the Good Samaritan section of this Web site, you will see that these skills come back when faced with a situation that you've practiced in class.
How can I be sure I'm prepared? In addition to having the MEDIC FIRST AID pocket manual handy, ensuring that you have the appropriate barrier products will help you prepare for an emergency.
What do I need for an emergency first aid kit? The following items represent a typical emergency first aid kit that would complement the training a student receives in a MEDIC FIRST AID Basic training course. This emergency kit is designed for managing a life-threatening event and should be kept intact and ready to use. You should have a second kit that could be used on a day-to-day basis for minor injuries and wounds.
- Disposable latex gloves (consider the need for latex-free)
- Disposable barrier for rescue breathing (mask or shield)
- Sterile dressings (5" x 9")
- Roller bandage (3")
- First aid shears (heavy-duty, angled scissors)
- Adhesive tape (1")
- Small bag or box to store and protect items from damage
You may also find the following items useful. These items have expiration dates and should be checked on a regular basis.
- Sterile eye wash kit or sterile saline
- Instant cold packs
- Waterless hand cleaner
What do I need for everyday first aid to manage minor injuries and wounds? These items represent a typical first-aid kit that can help manage minor wounds and injuries that often occur in everyday life. Be sure to check this kit on a regular basis to replenish used items.
- Disposable latex-gloves (consider the need for latex-free)
- Sterile dressings (4" x 4")
- Roller bandage (3")
- First aid shears (heavy-duty, angled scissors)
- Adhesive tape
- Ace Bandage
- Adhesive bandages (small, large, extra-large, knuckle, fingertip)
- Tweezers
- Convenient storage container to store and protect items from damage
You may also find the following items useful. These items have expiration dates and should be checked on a regular basis.
- Antiseptic wound wipes
- Topical pain-relief spray or ointment
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent wound infection
- Anti-inflammatory pain relief medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Burn cream or gel for minor burns
- Hydrocortisone ointment for skin inflammation
- Sterile eye wash kit or sterile saline
- Instant cold packs
- Waterless hand cleaner
How often should I update my skills? Retraining requirements vary from company to company, but we recommend retraining every two years, if not more frequently.
Would other courses just repeat what I've learned or are other skills taught? Other available courses focus on different populations and the particular needs of those populations, such as Pediatric and Advanced First Aid. Please see the Training Programs page for more information.
