FIRST AID AS A FORM OF SOLIDARITY: CASE STUDY OF SIMULATED ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME AT THE EARTHQUAKE IDRIJA 2011 EXERCISE

Abstract

First aid does not merely include procedures and skills for the treating of the injured and suddenly diseased. It is also a form of mutual assistance – solidarity. In the context of the Earthquake Idrija 2011 exercise, an “exercise within an exercise” was conducted, in which an imitator, who was standing among the exercise observers, simulated a patient with acute coronary syndrome. Through video recording, observation and a questionnaire, information was collected on the response of random bystanders in the first minutes of the event. Bystanders did come to the aid of the “suddenly diseased”, but only when this person had practically passed out. They did not respond to the initial signs of acute coronary syndrome. Fire-fighters, the police, the local emergency service and a member of the Red Cross first aid team arrived at the scene very quickly. Nevertheless, early recognition of an imminent cardiac arrest, immediate 112 call and, if necessary, basic life support provided by bystanders before the arrival of emergency medical teams contribute decisively to the survival of a patient.