Renewed calls for UAE residents to get trained in initial First Aid provision

There is a renewed call for bystanders in the UAE who have had CPR training to perform First Aid & CPR in the event that a victim falls ill in a public venue, or if they stop breathing, or have no pulse, until an ambulance arrives. Emergency medicine experts encourage UAE residents to educate themselves in CPR and first aid protocol by attending the numerous First Aid and CPR training courses offered to the public.

Latest updates in First & CPR technique will be explored at the 1st Emergency Medicine Exhibition & Congress from 2-4 June 2014 organized by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.  More than 40 speakers from hospital emergency departments across the UAE will offer their expertise in order to enhance First Aid & CPR training in the country.

According to Dr Salman AbdulAziz, Consultant, Internal Medicine & Critical Care, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, UAE, “I believe that awareness of CPR importance and emergency skills among the UAE public is generally of a good standard. I strongly encourage UAE residents to take the initiative and get trained and perform initial first aid provision, because there is a golden fraction of time that is very critical for an injured person, or someone who has had a heart attack and stopped breathing for instance, that can save their lives.”

The experts suggest that the first steps that a bystander should take before the arrival of the ambulance is to assess whether the victim needs to be removed from a dangerous location. Having made sure the victim is in no immediate danger they must then seek help from the authorities, and apply effective and proper first aid if they are trained to do so. They must refrain from panicking, remain calm and ensure that medical intervention can be easily and efficiently implemented.

“Basic emergency care can often make a difference when someone suddenly becomes sick or injured,” says Ronald Blough, EMT-Paramedic, MS Emergency Services Management; Faculty, Paramedic Program, Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai, UAE.  “Research demonstrates that First Aid provided in the workplace, school, a public setting, and in the home can often be the difference between life and death for those who require emergency care.  In the UAE, over the past few years, more First Aid and CPR courses are being offered to the public, through schools, universities, private training companies, and sports clubs.  This has greatly improved the public’s awareness with regards to assisting those in need. Parents with children are increasingly aware of the importance of knowing First Aid and CPR.”

In the event of an emergency, information about the ill person and his or her past medical history, medications, allergies, and what exactly happened is very beneficial to the ambulance staff.  Bystanders must remain calm.  Food or water should not be given except in circumstances such as known dehydration, heat exhaustion, or low blood sugar.  If a traumatic injury has occurred, it is best to not move the person unless a dangerous situation exists.

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