ABU DHABI // In some countries, including the US and South Africa, doctors may hesitate to treat a patient outside of a hospital because of insurance and legal issues.
But in the UAE there is no regulation restricting emergency aid given before an ambulance arrives.
“Even in our religion, the Quran says if you save one life it’s as if you save all of mankind,” said Dr Sara Malik, a family physician with the Dubai Health Authority.
“If the person is fine, then it’s hurrah and everybody is happy, but if the person passes away then medico-legal issues may arise.
“There is no law here but it is a critical point and there should be awareness about how the rescuer will be handled.”
Dr Malik recalled being detained by police overseas after she treated a bystander who suffered anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that may cause death.
The patient survived after she administered medication.
“I told them [police] I would do the same thing again,” she said, preferring not to reveal details of the case.
“You can’t leave someone to die. Basic life support can be initiated by anyone and everyone should learn this.”
Lack of oxygen can cause brain damage and death within minutes, making chest compression a priority and a life-saving first aid in emergency cases.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, combines mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiac compression to deliver oxygen until medical help arrives.
In a cardiac arrest the heart stops pumping, the blood stops circulating, and the patient becomes unconscious and stops breathing.
CPR increases the chances of survival if it is begun soon after the heart has stopped beating.
Cardiac compressions are performed by pressing down firmly on the chest at a rate of 100 a minute.
The American Heart Association recommends that everyone – untrained bystanders and medical personnel – begin CPR with chest compressions until paramedics arrive.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
