Pay attention to the casualty’s requests and any remarks he may make – remember the casualty may overhear remarks not intended for him.

When the appropriate treatment has been given, keep a careful watch on the casualty until he has been sent to hospital or is no longer the responsibility of the First Aider.

Do not pester the casualty by asking repeatedly how he is feeling. This is most annoying and a sign of nervousness on the part of the First Aider.

After the First Aider has carried out his treatment the casualty may be:

• sent to hospital by ambulance, or in appropriate cases, by car;
• handed over to the care of a doctor, a nurse or other responsible person;
• taken into a nearby house or shelter to await the arrival of ambulance or doctor;
• allowed to go home and told to seek medical advice, if necessary.

Do not send anyone home unaccompanied who has been unconscious, if only for a short period, or ibadly shocked.

• fire and collapsing buildings: move the casualty to
• safety;
• road accidents: instruct someone to control the traffic;
• electrocution: switch off the current; take necessary precautions against electric shock;
• gas and poisonous fumes: turn off at source, remove casualty to fresh air.

As for breathing, check that his airway is clear and that he is breathing; if not, commence artificial respiration. When the casualty is unconscious, place him in the recovery position.

Also check for serious bleeding and control it; raise the part if possible and if no fracture is suspected.

When these urgent matters have received attention, time can be taken to obtain the history of the accident, to weigh up the situation, and to decide in which order action should be taken. Establish the level of consciousness; immobilize all serious fractures and large wounds before moving the casualty, unless there is immediate danger to life from the surroundings; give appropriate treatment to the condition found.

Immediately it is decided that an ambulance is required. Call for it, stating:

• the exact place of the accident (if necessary with directions of how to get there);
• the number, and approximate age of the casualties;
• some indication of the type and seriousness of the accident, e.g. car crash, fall from building, the nature of the injury or injuries.

In all cases of suspected fracture of the spine, or heart attack, obtain medical aid, if readily available, or transport to hospital immediately. In country districts a doctor may be obtained more quickly than an ambulance.