Who Can Provide First Aid? Qualified Responders & When to Call 911

Definition

First aid = immediate, temporary care until professional medical help arrives.

Qualified Providers (Training Levels)

Category	Examples	Typical Training
Healthcare Professionals	MD, DO, RN, PA, NP, Paramedic	Extensive clinical education
Certified First Responders	EMT, Firefighter, Police Officer	State-certified courses (40–150+ hrs)
Workplace/Community Responders	Lifeguard, Athletic Trainer, Teacher, Coach	First Aid/CPR/AED certification (Red Cross, AHA)
Lay Responders	Parents, Caregivers, Bystanders	Basic First Aid/CPR course (4–8 hrs)

Scope by Training Level

• Basic: Bleeding control, CPR/AED, choking, splinting, burns, shock positioning
• Advanced: Airway adjuncts, medications (epinephrine, albuterol), monitoring, IV access

When to CALL 911 INSTEAD of/Before First Aid

• Unresponsive, not breathing normally, no pulse
• Severe bleeding uncontrolled by pressure
• Suspected stroke, heart attack, anaphylaxis
• Seizure >5 min or recurrent
• Major trauma (fall >20 ft, MVC, penetrating injury)
• Altered mental status of unknown cause

Key Principle

Act within your training. Doing nothing is worse than imperfect help—but know your limits. Good Samaritan laws protect reasonable assistance.