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First Aid - Good Samaritan

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It has been my long time wish, that I want to learn the first aid. From the Quora, I found an NGO, called ALERT, which conducts Workshops on Road Safety - Emergency Responds.

Last month, I attended a workshop in the ALERT. In the public interest, I want to share the knowledge I acquired, through this channel.


What hinders the people to help the road accident victims?

First, most people fear about the police cases/courts if anything happens to the Victims and also another reason is most people don't know what to do in an Emergency situation, after all, calling an ambulance. But by the time, ambulance or police reach the accident zone, we can't help the lives. Nearly half of the road accident victims can be saved, if bystanders take a little initiative.
            On Mar 30, 2016, Supreme court has announced a law, a good Samaritan, after the PIL was submitted by the SAVELIFE Foundation(NGO). There are few steps to follow called as the Basic Life Support to help road accident victims, which will be explained below.

GOOD SAMARITAN LAW:

Nearly 13 lakh people died in the last 10 years in road accidents. In all the road accidents, only few cases we can't help them(due to cardiac arrest, people died in first 15 minutes), but in most cases, people nearby accident's victim, can help by following the guidelines of Basic Life Support and save a life. A good Samaritan is the one who actively comes front and help the victims and he was aware what to do in the Emergency situation.
There will no harassment or inquiry from any police officials and it is your choice to report in police station as a eye-witness.

For more about Good Samaritan Law, click here.
To download Samaritan Guidelines, click here

Basic Life Support Guidelines: 

For easy remembrance of steps, I acronym it as "SCAR".
S - Check Safety
C - Check Consciousness
A - Call Ambulance
R - Check Respiration

In detailed,

Step 1: See Your Safety
First see your safety, by observebthe surroundings and ensure it is safe. In the cases of electric shocks, ensure the place is safe by turning off power.

Step 2: Check Victim Responsiveness/Consciousness -
Ensure the victim is conscious by tapping on both the shoulders and shout by calling Sir/Madam.
If the victim is responded, we can conclude he is conscious and safe.
If the victim is not responded, call ambulance immediately.

Step 3: Call Ambulance
In the limited time, ask nearby standers, by calling the particular person and ask to "CALL 108". The instructions should be clear that calling the particular person and particular Emergency number.

Step 4: Check Respiration.
Ensure the victim is able to inhale and exhale properly, by checking the pulse through placing fingers on the neck.

If the victim is able to respire, place the victim in recovery position.
If the victim is not able to respire, apply CPR.


                                                                Recovery Position:



CPR:

It requires some practice for CPR.

Note: The above information is for only knowledge purpose, please take a guide of practice from any NGO.


Recap:

* Nearly 400 people dies every hour in India in Road Accidents.
* The bystanders nearby accidents could save half of the people who became victims.
* Due to the fear about court cases and police stations, no one are helping the victims and 90% lives are left to death.
* Good Samaritan law was introduced in 2016 by the Supreme court, where any one can help the victim and take to the hospital or follow the basic life support guidelines till ambulance arrives.
* There will be no case if the victim is died.
* No need to furnish your details in hospital.
* No demanding of registration fees in hospital from Samaritans.
* Samaritans can be eye witness on their will.
* No police should harass or compel the Samaritans.

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