Trained first aiders are expected to respond in a wide range of emergencies. They provide basic emergency care while waiting for professional help to arrive. In order to be an effective first aider, you need to have these qualities:
- Quick thinker
First aid requires quick thinking. Regardless of the type of emergency, you have to think quickly and be ready to respond right away. In first aid, you cannot afford to lose even a few seconds. This is where the cliché: “every second counts” really does matter. It is easy to get baffled by all the confusion and high emotions during the situation. Hesitation, doubts, and uncertainty can be costly in first aid.
- Composure
When you approach an accident, it is important that you remain calm and never show panic. The victims and the people around, look at you for guidance. When you act in a calm manner, people will feel more reassured. A first aid training course gives you the skills, so that when you face the situation, you are ready to deal without any hesitation.
- Decision-maker
You should be ready to make your decisions within seconds. After you assess the entire situation and the victims, you should take an immediate decision. This is especially true if there are several victims, where you need to prioritize the victims depending on who needs treatment the most.
- Resourceful
Ideally, you need to have first aid supplies and equipment when rendering emergency care. However, there are times when you do not have the required materials. In these cases, you have to be resourceful by using whatever materials are available in the surroundings. You should not wait for the ambulance to arrive before providing first aid.
- Leadership skills
Emergency situations are frequently marked by chaos and confusion. As a first aider, you need to step up to lead and manage the crowd. Keeping the situation well organized and coordinated can greatly improve the outcome of the emergency care. Asking bystanders to help and delegating tasks to people around you can also help in the immediate emergency care of the victims.
- Sympathetic and reassuring
Victims of an accident need reassurance. In order to be reassuring, you must show sympathetic and caring attitude towards the victim, aside from frequently offering reassurance. Tell the victim that help is on the way and that you are there to take care while waiting for help. This is a crucial quality when dealing with victims of emergency, especially among young children.
- Skilled
A first aider is expected to have the basic medical skills in order to care for emergencies. During first aid training, participants are equipped with the necessary skills to respond in various emergencies. Lecture, skills demonstration, and practice ensure that the participants gain the right skills.
- Efficient
The victim is definitely facing a difficult time. You do not want to add burden by causing too much pain. By being efficient, you should be able to treat the victim without causing added pain and at the quickest time possible.
If you have all of these qualities, then you would surely be a good first aider. Attending a first aid training course can help develop these qualities.