1.1. Introduction
In compliance with the International Law, Constitution of the Russian Federation and Federal Law No 323 of 21.11.2011 (as amended on 02.07.2021) “On Fundamental Healthcare Principles in the Russian Federation” (art. 18), everyone is eligible for healthcare and medical treatment. These right becomes especially important in emergency situations (ES) taking place at peace-time and at war-time.
In case of accidents, catastrophes and natural disasters a considerable number of the casualties can need in first aid which must be given immediately after the injury or poisoning. Experience in liquidation of the consequences of numerous catastrophes and natural disasters demonstrates that during the first and the most important for the lifesaving moments there might happen to be neither rescue nor medical teams at hand or their number might be insufficient to provide necessary help to all the victims. Under such circumstances the cardinal and quite often the only chance to save the victim’s life is first aid given in a form of self-care or peer-rescue.
Article 19 of Federal Law No 68-FZ of 12.12.1994 “On Protection of Population and Territories from Natural and Technological Emergencies” reads: “Citizen of the Russian Federation is obliged to study principle methods of protection of the population and territories from emergency situations, to learn techniques of first aid giving and guidelines regarding the usage of the personal and communal protective equipment and permanently upgrade his skills and knowledge in the above-mentioned fields”.
Elementary first aid procedures, performed before the medical personnel arrive, can save life and sustain the victim’s health in an accident or sudden illness.
This is why to learning the techniques of first aid is a state duty for everyone.
Learning the techniques of first aid is a state duty for every person. Moreover, the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No 417 of April 2, 2020 “On Approval of the Rules of Conduct Mandatory for Citizens and Organizations when a high-alert or emergency situation is introduced” in accordance with Article 10 of the Federal Law “On the Protection of the Population and Territories from Natural and Man-made Emergencies” declares the duty of citizens, upon detection of the victim or victims, to take measures of providing first aid to the injured and affected.
With a significant shortage of rescuers and medical forces, students of medical educational institutions may be involved as volunteers to strengthen them and to provide first aid to victims.
In disasters, victims may have various injuries and infectious diseases. When providing first aid in emergency situations, it is necessary to be able to ensure safety for oneself, other personnel, and the victim, to analyze what injuries one will have to face, to understand the possible consequences of delaying assistance, to know the algorithms of actions depending on the environmental circumstances and the injuries found in the victim.