ACLS Certification - Official Site | Powered by CPR.com
ACLS Certification - Official Site Contact Us | 1-800-448-0734 | Log in |

First Things First

Get CPR/AED/First Aid Certified Today

First Things First

When it is determined that someone needs help, it is essential to act quickly.  However, there are a few rules that should be followed:

  1. Ensure that the scene is safe for both the responder and the patient.
  2. If the patient is awake, the responder should state their name and that they are willing to help.
  3. The patient’s permission should be obtained before helping them if they are able to grant permission. If they cannot, it is assumed they would want help because it is an emergency situation. This is known as “implied consent.”
  4. If the patient is seriously ill or injured, the responder should activate the emergency response system.

Survey the Scene – Responder’s Safety is a Priority

In any situation, first responders must ensure the scene is safe for both the patient and the rescuer. The last thing that the rescuer wants to do is to become a patient. An injured rescuer cannot help a patient. 

When arriving at the emergency scene, responders should look for the following: 

  • Smoke and flames
  • Oncoming traffic
  • Toxic chemicals and chemical fumes
  • Standing water
  • Explosion risk
  • Live electrical wires
  • Unstable building foundations
  • Aggressive animals or people

After the responder rules out potential harm in the area when attending to a patient, they can safely approach the person to give first aid, removing the patient from any potential source of harm.

Rescuers remove patients from potential sources of harm.

Rescuers remove patients from potential sources of harm

Observe Standard Precautions

Rescuers should always protect themselves before attempting to rescue a person in need of medical assistance. The first responder must be aware of possible exposure to infectious organisms. When these infectious organisms are present in a person’s blood, they are known as bloodborne pathogens.

These pathogens can be transmitted to another person through open wounds and mucous membranes from needle sticks or other sharp objects and human bites. Common hazardous bloodborne pathogens include HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses. The practice of universal precautions states the first responder must assume that ALL PEOPLE MAY CARRY BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS.

Rescuers assume all patients have bloodborne pathogens.

Rescuers assume all patients have bloodborne pathogens.


Related Video: How to Protect Yourself from Bloodborne pathogens


Standard precautions are protocols that the responder must follow to protect themselves from harmful exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Our Bloodborne pathogens course gives more information and detail on this topic. 

The first aid responder should use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves when treating a patient. When gloves are not available, the responder can improvise, using a plastic bag to cover their hands. 

Other techniques included in the standard precautions protocol are as follows:

  1. Hands should be washed with soap and water before and after giving first aid. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.

Related Video: Importance of Hand Hygiene


  1. After surveying the scene for immediate dangers, responders should focus on avoiding potential objects that can cut the skin. 
  2. Any open wounds the responder has should be covered with bandages to prevent the entry of potential bloodborne pathogens.
  3. A pocket mask or barrier should be used by responders for protection if rescue breathing is required.
  4. Some form of eye protection should be worn; eye protection can be as simple as a pair of glasses.
  5. To prevent the spread of pathogens through the mucous membranes, responders should not touch their eyes, nose, and mouth while providing first aid.
  6. After completing first aid interventions, responders should remove their gloves promptly to prevent contamination from the gloves.

Related Video: Understanding Medical Gloves Procedure