Whilst providing support, you may be met with situations in which you manage injuries, or have to support the individual in seeking medical-attention. It can be really hard to know what to do in these situations, and often, the most important thing is ensuring their safety, as well as your own.
“I was also like are you being safe when you are doing it, because that’s also something that people aren’t aware of…”
Whilst any first aid measures should be carried out by a medically-trained professional, many of our audience explained that they had often had to manage injuries and had felt uncertain about what to do in these situations.
The following steps have been put together to help guide anyone who may be in this situation. As detailed below, if you are concerned about the injuries, or feel that there may be a risk to the individuals life, you should seek emergency medical attention.
STEP 1
SENSITIVITY & SAFETY
Recognise and validate the individuals stress & the situation – de-escalate (listen, talk calmly &respect personal space)
SH can be very distressing for you and the individual; if either you or the individual feel overwhelmed or inconsolable then you need to escalate to emergency service
In the first instance, remove danger (e.g. weapons), or anything in the individuals environment that may cause further risk or distress
STEP 2
MANAGING PHYSICAL INJURY (ABCD)
Airway – If conscious & talking then airway is ok.
Breathing – If unconscious/extremely drowsy, encourage recovery position (i.e. turn them on their side) and check vitals pulse (using wrist or neck) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/first-aid/recovery-position/
Circulation/Bleeding – wounds & bleeding points; apply pressure, dress with bandages if needed, application of antiseptic
Drowsy – stay present & engage (e.g. talk, play music etc) , note if snoring (sign that not maintaining airway)
STEP 3
ASSESSING RISK & ACCESSING SUPPORT
If you are worried about the individuals injuries, or their mental well-being, encourage them to seek urgent medical attention (Local A&E,GP)
If you are based at the University, you may have onsite first aiders or allocated professionals who can help you
If you feel that they do not require immediate support:
Ensure that you provide a safe space
Encourage to seek support – list of resources
Disclaimer: These steps have been put together with medical professionals in order to highlight some of the main steps within psychological first aid. This is not an exhaustive or definite list of actions to be taken. First aid should be carried out by medically-trained professionals and are not expected to be completed by any non-trained individuals. These have been put together as a few steps for those individuals who may be in difficult situations and find these steps helpful to follow. There is no obligation to follow any of this guidance and we have simply put this together following the request of our participants to provide a basic level of guidance. You may only need to use certain steps based on the situation. Please also ensure to check allergies before applying any medical or first aid products.