1.1 Introduction
First aid is the immediate assistance given to a person suffering from a sudden illness, injury, or accident, with the aim of preserving life, preventing further harm, and promoting recovery before professional medical treatment is available (World Health Organization, 2020). It is a crucial component of emergency care, as it is often the first line of response in situations where timely medical intervention is not immediately accessible. Effective first aid treatment is reducing the severity of injuries, preventing complications, and in many cases, saving lives.
Emergencies are unpredictable events that require quick thinking and prompt action. Accidents at home, on the road, or in workplaces, as well as sudden illnesses such as heart attacks or seizures, are posing significant threats to public health worldwide. In these situations, the knowledge and application of first aid is determining the difference between life and death (American Red Cross, 2019). Unfortunately, many individuals lack the necessary skills or confidence to administer first aid, which is resulting in preventable fatalities and prolonged recovery periods.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The practice of first aid has a long and evolving history, rooted in the need to provide immediate care to the injured or ill before professional medical attention is available. According to the World Health Organization (2020), the formalization of first aid began in the late 19th century, largely influenced by the development of organized ambulance services and the establishment of humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross. American Red Cross (2019) reported that the first structured first aid training programs for civilians were initiated by the St John Ambulance Association in the United Kingdom in 1877, emphasizing basic techniques such as bandaging, splinting, and treating minor wounds (American Red Cross, 2019).
First aid is widely recognized as the immediate care provided to an individual experiencing a sudden illness, injury, or accident, aimed at preserving life, preventing further harm, and promoting recovery until professional medical help is available. According to the World Health Organization (2020), first aid is an essential aspect of emergency care that is significantly reducing mortality and improving recovery outcomes when applied correctly (WHO, 2020).
In many emergency situations, timely intervention is critical. Reported that accidents and sudden health crises, such as heart attacks, strokes, and severe injuries, are major contributors to preventable deaths, particularly in regions where access to professional medical care is limited (American Red Cross, 2019). St John Ambulance (2021) asserted that communities with structured first aid training programs experience better survival rates and reduced severity of injuries during emergencies. Despite the proven benefits, studies contend that insufficient awareness and lack of training in first aid are undermining its potential impact. Many individuals are either unwilling or unsure about how to respond effectively in emergency situations, which is leading to avoidable complications and fatalities (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2018). Furthermore, it is stated that integrating first aid education into schools, workplaces, and public spaces is essential for enhancing community preparedness and resilience in emergencies (St John Ambulance, 2021).
The World Health Organization affirmed that first aid interventions not only save lives but also reduce the burden on healthcare systems by minimizing injury severity and improving recovery outcomes (World Health Organization, 2020). The ability to administer first aid effectively is becoming increasingly critical as urbanization, road traffic accidents, and workplace hazards are rising globally. This study is set against the backdrop of examining the impact of first aid treatment in emergency cases.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that emergencies, whether arising from accidents, sudden illnesses, or natural disasters, are often unpredictable and can result in serious injuries or fatalities if not managed promptly. First aid is essential in these situations as it is the immediate care given to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery before professional medical help is available (World Health Organization, 2020).
Furthermore, many communities, especially in developing regions, lack adequate knowledge and practice of first aid, which is leading to preventable complications and deaths. People often hesitate or are unsure about how to respond to emergency situations, which is increasing the severity of injuries and prolonging recovery periods (American Red Cross, 2019). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the impact of first aid treatment in emergency cases.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of first aid treatment in emergency cases and assess the effectiveness of existing first aid practices within communities.
The specific objectives of the study are:
- To evaluate the accessibility and availability of first aid resources in emergency situations.
- To examine the level of awareness and knowledge of first aid among community members.
- To determine the effectiveness of first aid interventions in improving patient outcomes.
- To identify challenges hindering proper first aid administration in communities.
- To propose strategies for improving first aid awareness, training, and practice.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following questions:
- What is the level of awareness and knowledge of first aid among community members?
- How accessible and available are first aid resources during emergencies?
- How effective are first aid interventions in improving outcomes for victims?
- What challenges hinder the proper administration of first aid in communities?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve first aid awareness, training, and practice?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant relationship between the provision of first aid treatment and the outcome of emergency cases.
- H02: The provision of first aid treatment has a significant positive impact on the outcome of emergency cases.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will guide policymakers in developing public health strategies that will enhance emergency preparedness. Also, health practitioners will benefit from recommendations that will improve patient outcomes.
Furthermore, community members will acquire knowledge and skills that will empower them to provide life-saving first aid. In addition, educational institutions will be motivated to integrate first aid training into student programs.
Lastly, organizations and workplaces will be encouraged to maintain accessible first aid resources and trained personnel.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the impact of first aid treatment in emergency cases within Lagos State, Nigeria. It will examine the knowledge, accessibility, and effectiveness of first aid practices in hospitals, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
The study will primarily target residents, health practitioners, and community volunteers involved in emergency response activities.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
First Aid:
First aid is the immediate care provided to a person suffering from a sudden illness or injury, aimed at preserving life, preventing further harm, and promoting recovery before professional medical help is available (World Health Organization, 2020).
Emergency Cases:
Emergency cases are situations requiring immediate attention to prevent serious health consequences, including accidents, sudden illnesses, or life-threatening injuries (American Red Cross, 2019).
Knowledge of First Aid:
This refers to the awareness, understanding, and ability to apply basic first aid procedures in emergency situations (St John Ambulance, 2021).
Emergency Preparedness:
Emergency preparedness is the state of being ready to respond effectively to emergencies, including the availability of trained personnel, resources, and protocols to provide timely first aid (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2018).
Community Intervention:
Community intervention is the involvement of individuals and organizations in providing immediate support, including first aid, to victims of accidents or sudden illnesses (World Health Organization, 2020).
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