Rescuing a Situation: A Teen's First Aid Experience and Lessons Learned

When you are first aid qualified, you take control of the situation until professional qualified personnel arrive, such as paramedics or doctors. This is a fundamental principle in emergency response, and it was a lesson I, a 14-year-old with a standard first aid certification, came to understand the hard way. On a particularly challenging day at school, I found myself in a position that tested these very principles. Here's the story.

A Call to Action

At the tender age of 14, I had already earned my standard first aid certification. This was no small feat, especially considering that I was also involved in Saint John Ambulance, where I held leadership roles such as Grand Prior Cadet Leader and Aero Medical Coordinator for Surrey, England. My training equipped me with the confidence to take the lead in emergency situations. However, one incident stands out, and it taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of leadership in first aid.

One day at school, there was a legitimate emergency that required immediate medical attention. Acting on my first aid training, I took charge and began providing assistance. However, a teacher arrived and, without properly assessing the situation, began providing treatment that was, to my professional opinion, incorrect. Despite my attempts to intervene, I was unable to stop her and felt a deep regret when the patient turned out to be fine.

The Hierarchy of Training

When faced with a medical emergency, the hierarchy of training is crucial. Patient treatment responsibility and authority devolve to the highest trained provider involved with the patient care. This means that if you have a higher certification, you take the lead, and if you have a lower certification, you follow the instructions of those with higher training. This is a fundamental principle in first aid and emergency response.

There are several levels in this hierarchy:

No trainingFirst Aid/CPREmergency Medical Responder (EMR) - Not a universally recognized certificationCombat Life Saver - Military certification equivalent to old EMT-I with extended scope of practiceEMT (Emergency Medical Technician)ParamedicLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Nurse Practitioner (NP)Physician Assistant (PA)Physician (MD or DO)

Based on this hierarchy, if you have a higher certification than the person you are working with, you take charge of the patient's care. It is a serious offense, known as patient abandonment, to hand a patient off to someone with a lower level of training.

Personal Experience and Lessons Learned

During my basic training with the Royal Air Force, I was asked to instruct a group on CPR because my training made me the best candidate for the task. This experience reinforced my understanding of the importance of having the highest level of certification and knowledge in emergency situations. I have also stopped many teachers and public from doing the wrong thing during emergencies, often by simply stating, "Teacher, you have a problem with my first aid."

In my situation at school, the teacher's actions were misguided. It is important to remember that if you have a higher level of certification, you should take charge and clarify that the patient is under your responsibility. It is your duty to notify the teacher that you have the higher certification and that the patient is your responsibility until a higher trained medical provider arrives.

Conclusion

It is very normal for a teenager to recognize that they have more knowledge and experience in certain areas than most adults. This is a sign of maturity and the start of a career in emergency response and healthcare. However, it is crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications of taking charge in such situations.

Remember, in a medical emergency, the highest trained provider takes the lead. If you find yourself in a similar situation, communicate clearly and assertively. Highlight your qualifications and responsibilities. This approach not only ensures the best possible care for the patient but also maintains your own professional integrity.