Johanniter urge citizens to refresh first aid skills

On the occasion of International First Aid Day on September 12, the Johanniter organization is highlighting the urgent need for citizens to refresh their emergency medical skills. A survey conducted by forsa for the Johanniter indicates that while 96 percent of 1,002 respondents consider adequate first aid training important, more than one-third have only completed a single course that has not been updated, in some cases for over 20 years.

To combat the fear of making mistakes during emergencies, trainers emphasize that ‘only those who do nothing are doing something wrong.’ The organization is also working to debunk common myths regarding emergency procedures. Key clarifications include:

• Victims may need to be moved to a firm surface for resuscitation if the current location is unsuitable. • Helmets should be removed from unconscious individuals to check breathing and prevent suffocation. • Defibrillators are designed to only deliver a shock if it is medically necessary, making accidental injury via shock highly unlikely. • Providing first aid, even if it results in minor injuries like broken ribs during resuscitation, does not lead to criminal liability.