Part 15: First Aid

Abstract

The quality of the evidence was categorized based on the study methodologies and the 5 core GRADE domains of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, and other considerations (including publication bias). Where possible, consensus-based treatment recommendations were created. To create this 2015 First Aid Guidelines Update, the AHA and the American Red Cross formed a joint writing group, with careful attention to avoiding conflicts of interest, to assess-ing the ILCOR treatment recommendations, and to writing AHA and American Red Cross treatment recommendations by using the AHA Class of Recommendation and Level of Evidence (LOE) system. The recommendations made in the 2015 Guidelines Update are informed by the ILCOR recom-mendations and GRADE classification, in the context of the delivery of medical care in North America. Throughout the online version of this document, live links are provided so the reader can connect directly to the systematic review on the ILCOR website, the Scientific Evidence Evaluation and Review System (SEERS) site. These links are indicated by a superscript combination of letters and numbers (eg, FA 517). We encourage readers to review the evidence and appendixes, such as the GRADE tables. For further information, please see " Part 2: Evidence Evaluation and Management of Conflicts of Interest. " A paucity of research in the field of first aid is present, although certain topics have received recent attention (eg, tourniquets for traumatic amputations, hemostatic dressings, identification of stroke symptoms). Without research into first aid interventions, all recommendations must be derived indirectly from hospital-based, animal, or, at best, emergency medical services (EMS) studies. Definition of First Aid We define first aid as helping behaviors and initial care pro-vided for an acute illness or injury. The goals of a first aid pro-vider include preserving life, alleviating suffering, preventing further illness or injury, and promoting recovery. First aid can be initiated by anyone in any situation and includes self-care. First aid assessments and interventions should be medically sound and based on scientific evidence or, in the absence of such evidence, on expert consensus. First aid competencies include, at any level of training, • Recognizing, assessing, and prioritizing the need for