When undertaking your primary assessment, responsive / conscious patients should be reassured and made comfortable. They should be treated with respect, carefully assessed, and managed according to their signs and symptoms. Remain calm and supportive as you talk them through how you intend to help and care for them while respecting their dignity.
Be sure to obtain their consent to provide (and document) first aid within the limits of your training. For patients under the age of 18, you need to obtain their parent or guardian’s consent, where possible. A patient is entitled to exercise their right not to be treated. If you are concerned about their ability to make this informed decision (e.g., head injury, under the influence of drugs or alcohol), discuss with your patrol captain, and consider contacting Emergency Services (Ambulance and/or Police) to assess further.
You can ask the patient simple questions and about how they feel to help reduce any anxiety. Continue to monitor their response. Encourage them to relay the details of the incident or their illness if bystanders are unable to provide you with this information for assessment.
Note:
- A patient, or their parent or guardian, may withdraw their consent for treatment at any time after you commence providing first aid or basic emergency care
- Refer to the SLSA General Code of Conduct (in SLSA Policy 6.05-Member Protection) for guidance on how to treat both members and conscious patients with respect.
