Asking permission and consent to help
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When you approach somebody the first time
you need to gain that person's permission
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or consent before you help them. If you're
in the workplace you may well be working with
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the person, they may know you. But you
still need to ask their permission. Imagine
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yourself. You had an accident or you're feeling
unwell and suddenly someone came up to you
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and started telling you what to do, bossing
you about, and trying to treat you. You may
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well just want to be given a little bit of
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time and a little bit of space. But you
also want to be treated with respect.
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If someone introduces themselves and asks
permission, then you'll feel at ease. What
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you need to do when you approach a patient is
introduce yourself, and ask them permission.
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Say something like "Hello, my name's
Keith. I'm a first aider. May I help you?"
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As soon as the person agrees or consents then
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you would have in the eyes of the
law permission to actually help them.
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They do not actually have to speak, they could
nod, or give other signs that they want your help,
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so long as there's a positive reaction from them.
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An example of when they couldn't
talk would be if they were choking,
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when they would nod or show
other signs of consent.
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If you ask permission and the person says no then
you can't directly help them, but you can still
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call the EMS or others to help deal with the
incident. It may well be this person doesn't
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want any fuss made about them, or they may
be embarrassed, worried, or it might be they
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have other problems that they
do not want to discuss. It may
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be even that you've caused the accident and they
may well blame you for the condition they're in.
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If someone does deny help then
you need to try and gain their
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trust. So you can still talk to them, you
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can still call the emergency services, you
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can still report the incident
if it's in a workplace
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setting. Do what you can to try and get that
person's trust and then help them, but do not
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put yourself in any danger or into any
arguments. If you're dealing with a child,
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it may well be you need to ask the
permission of the parent or guardian.
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So you may say something like:
"May I help your child?"
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Obviously if you're
dealing with an infant then this baby is not
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going to be able to talk back to you. So you
have to talk to the parent or the guardian,
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but if alone you would still help the infant or
the child as you would have their implied consent.
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The other problem could be if someone is
unconscious therefore they cannot answer you.
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If someone is unconscious you still ask for
permission, with something like: "Hello my
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name's Keith. I'm a first aider. May I help
you?" Then even though you're not going
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to answer you, in the eyes of the law you
would have what's called "assumed consent."
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How Assumed Consent or Implied Consent
works is that if you picture yourself now,
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if you were out on the street
somewhere and you collapsed,
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would you want somebody to give you first aid?
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If your heart stopped would you
want someone to give you CPR? The
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answer's probably yes. So in the eyes of the law
if you ask somebody and they don't answer then you
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would have their consent to actually help them.
The whole time you're dealing with the incident,
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always talk to the person, even if they're
unconscious just keep talking the whole time
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because the hearing is often the last thing to
go. So it may well be that they're not actually
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showing signs of movement or being obviously
conscious, but they can still hear you.
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Talking to them can be quite comforting.
For example, if you're putting someone in
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a recovery position, talk to them the
whole time and tell them exactly what
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you're doing and at every stage keep talking to
them and reassuring them, until the EMS arrive.
Obtaining Consent in First Aid Situations
Introduction and Permission
When faced with a first aid scenario, it's crucial to follow proper protocol, beginning with a courteous introduction. Always introduce yourself and request the patient's permission to offer assistance.
Consent Verification
If the patient grants consent, whether through verbal affirmation, a nod, or by extending an injured limb for examination, you are legally authorized to proceed with your assistance.
Respecting Patient's Wishes
If, however, the patient declines your aid, you must respect their decision and refrain from any form of intervention. In such cases:
- Emergency Services: If the patient refuses help, promptly contact the emergency services for professional assistance.
- Refer to Supervisors or Family: Consider involving the patient's supervisor or family members to address their concerns and provide reassurance.
- Open Communication: Engage in a compassionate conversation with the patient, focusing on comforting and calming them despite your inability to assist directly.
Unconscious Patients
Even when dealing with an unconscious casualty, the principles of consent still apply. In such instances, consent may be implied as most individuals in this condition would likely accept aid if conscious:
- Verbal Interaction: Communicate with the unconscious patient as speaking to them can offer comfort. Hearing is often one of the last senses to diminish.
Workplace Duty of Care
It's important to recognize that in the workplace, as a designated first aider, you may hold a duty of care towards employees or colleagues. In such circumstances, the injured party may be required to seek your assistance:
- Employee Seeking Help: In situations where you have a duty of care, the casualty may be compelled to approach you for assistance.
Learning Outcomes:
- FPOS level 3 component one LO2.1
- FPOS level 3 component one LO2.2
- IPOSi Unit one LO1.5
- IPOSi Unit one LO1.7
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