Who Decides on Current First Aid Procedures: Nationally or Globally?

First aid procedures, such as CPR and DRSABCD, are critical for public safety and medical response. But who is responsible for these procedures, are they decided nationally or on a global scale? This article explores the organizations and processes involved in developing and implementing these life-saving protocols.

National vs. Global Standards

The development of first aid procedures, particularly CPR, is a complex task involving numerous organizations. While many aspects of first aid are decided at the national level, there are significant international standards that shape and influence local guidelines.

Development by International Organizations

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) plays a pivotal role in developing CPR standards. ILCOR is an international association of groups such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and Heart and Stroke Canada, among others. These organizations work together to review new medical research and develop data into new standards.

ILCOR updates these standards every five years, which is why CPR procedures and guidelines may change periodically. The process involves meticulous review and analysis of the latest research before any changes are made to the protocols. These updated guidelines are then incorporated into new educational programs by various member organizations.

International First Aid Procedures

First aid procedures are also developed by international organizations such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and St John Ambulance. These organizations follow a similar process to ILCOR, developing their procedures based on new medical research and continuously updating them to reflect the latest advancements.

Many national chapters of these organizations also modify the procedures to fit the specific needs of their individual countries or agencies. For example, while the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) is a U.S. military organization, its battlefield first aid protocols have gained widespread international acceptance.

World Health Organization and National Standards

The World Health Organization (WHO), a United Nations agency, establishes many standards related to public health and safety. While many of these standards are directed at organizations or medical professionals, some guidelines can indirectly influence first aid procedures.

National Variations and Government Involvement

Each country and many national subdivisions typically have one or more organizations responsible for deciding which procedures are 'officially' acceptable. In most cases, this responsibility falls to a government department, but it can also be a private company or a non-profit organization.

Conclusion

The development of first aid procedures is a collaborative effort between international and national organizations. While global standards provide a framework, local adaptations and government involvement ensure that these procedures are relevant and effective in specific contexts.

Further Reading

ILCOR: The Making of an IOC-Recognized International Resuscitation Liaison Committee History of the Red Cross Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC)

Note: This article covers the main points about the development and implementation of first aid procedures, especially CPR, at national and international levels. For more detailed information, refer to the sources provided.