b'ChapterConsent should normally be obtained before providing first aid to a patient. However, if a person is unconscious or non-responsive, it is deemed that the patient has given consent.If the patient is under 18 years of age, then you should seek parent guardian consent. If that is not possible render first aid to the patient.First aiders must keep a written record of any incident where they have provided assistance, specifically in the workplace. Records should include a description of the incident, injury, illness along with any assistance given. Good SamaritanA First Aider need not fear litigation if coming to the aid of a fellow human in need. No Good Samaritan has been successfully sued in Australia. A Good Samaritan is defined in legislation as a person acting without expecting financial or other reward for providing assistance.NegligenceA case of negligence would be established if:The first aider owed a duty of care to the injured person; andThe standard of care required by that duty was breached; andFurther injury was sustained; and There was some cause-and-effect relationship between the breach and the injuries sustained.All of the above factors must be proven to establish negligenceIf further injury occurs when moving a patient from an immediate danger/hazard in an attempt to save their life or prevent further injury.A first aider will have met their duty of care by undertaking a reasonable and prudent act in good faith for the welfare of the patient.In the event of an emergency, it is reasonable to expect that a first aider with basic training would:Assess the priorities of the incident and call for help.Keep the patient stable and comfortable until professional help arrives.Follow first aid guidelines.Not misrepresent themselves or take undue risks.To date, in Australia there has been no successful litigation against a First Aider. Current legislation covers a situation in which a First Aider does their best in an emergency, regardless of the outcome.An unconscious, non breathing patient needs your help because death is imminent. Therefore any first aid assistance cannot possibly make the patients condition any worse.Do not be afraidYou could save a life8 Occupational Health and Safety'