Many people say that they do not want to provide first aid to someone in need because they believe that only those trained in first aid can help others. While it is recommended that everyone receive first aid training, if a person’s life is in danger any assistance is better than none. As long as the assistance is offered voluntarily and the first aider is not trying to wilfully hurt the other person Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act is designed to protect the first aider. Even the use of an Automated External Defibrillator is now covered under Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act. So someone with no previous training could take a unit of the wall and use it and they are protected by the law. In fact this simple act has saved many lives.
So what should you do? Ideally find a recognized first aid course and get yourself trained but even if an incident should happen before you get trained go ahead and help. You can save a life.
As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.
