Factors Influencing Individuals' Hesitation to Provide First Aid in Emergencies

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Social Psychology

Background:

• First aid is a critical life-saving skill.
• Bystander intervention during emergencies is often hindered by psychological, social, and consequential barriers.
• Understanding these barriers is essential for improving community response to medical emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors contributing to first aid hesitancy among residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• To identify specific psychological, social, and consequential barriers preventing bystanders from administering first aid.
• To assess public support for enhanced first aid education initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1,124 participants aged 18 and above in Riyadh.
• Data collection via an online questionnaire assessing demographics, first aid knowledge, experience, and perceived barriers.
• Statistical analysis to identify key factors influencing first aid hesitancy.

Main Results:

• 53% received first aid training, but only 20% were formally licensed.
• Major barriers included fear of infection (73%), discomfort with public attention (72.6%), and hesitation assisting the opposite sex (45.8%).
• Over half experienced moderate consequential barriers, like fear of legal repercussions or causing harm.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists between first aid awareness and practical intervention.
• Addressing barriers such as fear of infection and legal consequences is vital.
• Public support for integrating first aid education into schools and workplaces is high (93%), indicating a need for improved training and public awareness campaigns to boost confidence and action during emergencies.