The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross have released the 2024 Guidelines for First Aid, a comprehensive update designed to equip first aid responders with evidence-based practices for addressing mild, moderate and life-threatening emergencies. The updated guidelines are published in Circulation.
The guidelines were developed by a volunteer writing group comprising experts in nursing, emergency medicine, pediatrics, trauma, emergency medical services, wilderness medicine, education, and research. The recommendations align with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Evidence reviews and syntheses were approved by the AHA’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science Subcommittee and the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.
First aid is about recognising emergencies—whether someone is ill or injured—assessing the situation and prioritising care. These updates reflect evolving public health challenges and aim to empower both professionals and the public with lifesaving skills.
The 2024 guidelines broaden the scope of first aid practices to address an expanded range of emergency situations, building upon the foundational strategies established in 2010. While previous guidelines focused on basic topics like chest pain, stroke recognition, and bleeding control, the new version provides enhanced detail and incorporates emerging challenges, including:
- Opioid Overdose Management
- External Bleeding Control
- First Aid for Open Chest Wounds
- Administration of Oxygen and Use of Pulse Oximetry
- Spinal Motion Restriction
- Chest Pain in Adults
- Stroke Recognition in Adults and Children
- First Aid for Seizures
- Heatstroke and Hypothermia
- First Aid for Tick Bites
- Assistance with Administration of Prescribed Medications
The guidelines also include enhanced recommendations for paediatric care, reflecting the unique needs of children in emergency scenarios.
These updates align with the changing landscape of public health and introduce practical tools for bystanders to recognise emergencies and effectively use available resources.
The 2024 Guidelines for First Aid aim to improve outcomes for individuals facing emergencies, empowering responders to act swiftly and effectively.
Source: American Heart Association
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