Rescuer Safety

It is essential that the members of the medical team ensure that it is safe to approach an ill or injured player. The SAFE approach is as follows:

• Shout for help
• Assess the scene
• Ensure Free from danger
• Evaluate the player

These principles have been discussed in detail in the initial assessment and BLS lectures. It is important that these principles are continued during advanced life support.

In advanced life support, the rescuer faces further dangers in the form of needle-stick injury from sharps and the risk of receiving a shock from a defibrillator.

It is important that sharps are treated with respect and put into a dedicated sharps bin as soon as used. If a rescuer sustains a needlestick injury, they must encourage the wound to bleed and then follow local protocols on further management.

Defibrillation is potentially dangerous to the rescuer. It is important that the patient is not in standing water, and that the anterior chest wall is dried. The person pressing the “shock” button is responsible for ensuring the safety of all team members. This is achieved by giving clear commands prior to shocking and a careful and deliberate look round to check nobody is in contact with the patient. It is also important to ensure that any sources of oxygen flow are removed from the patient prior to defibrillation.