“First aid is a crucial skill that can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations and it is a responsibility that everyone should be prepared to handle," Nawal Hassan, an international Emergency First Response (EFR) instructor with 15 years of experience, told Gulf Times.

"Whether at home, in the office, on the street, during a road accident, or in a shopping centre, knowing how to provide basic medical assistance can help save lives and prevent minor injuries from becoming serious," she pointed out, highlighting the importance of EFR and practicing first aid beyond formal settings.

Nawal who has certified numerous life-savers and emergency first responders in the region, is also known for her social media advocacy in first aid and general healthcare. She was speaking in the context of a recent first aid and life saver training programme, designed to equip families and children with essential skills for emergencies, especially during the summer.

Nawal stressed the critical role of teaching these skills to younger generations, saying: “Teaching first aid to children is essential for their safety and confidence, especially in emergencies when they may be alone.

"They should learn fundamental skills such as cleaning small wounds, maintaining calm, identifying serious situations, and crucially, how to contact emergency services like 999 or local equivalents".

Nawal emphasised the value of role-playing emergency scenarios and teaching children not to panic, seeking help from trusted adults, and to follow safety steps. This empowerment, she noted, can enable them to act wisely and potentially save lives while awaiting professional help.

She elaborated on the varied scenarios where first aid can be life-saving. At home, knowledge of techniques like the Heimlich manoeuvre for choking or proper burn treatment can avert tragedy. In the workplace, trained employees can offer immediate help for sudden health issues like heart attacks or falls, stabilising colleagues and maintaining order.

In public spaces, from busy streets to shopping centres, a bystander with first aid knowledge can be instrumental in controlling bleeding after a road accident or assisting someone who has collapsed due to a medical condition, providing crucial support until paramedics arrive.

“First aid is especially important for vulnerable groups,” Hassan said, pointing to children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases, all of whom are more susceptible to emergencies. “In all these cases, early intervention through basic first aid can stabilise the person’s condition and reduce the risk of serious harm”.

“Everyone should take the time to learn it, as emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. With basic knowledge and quick action, we can protect our loved ones, support our communities, and potentially save lives,” she added.