Can a First Aid Responder Administer Aspirin

A First Aid Responder (FAR) can administer 300 mg of aspirin, but only under specific circumstances. According to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) guidelines, a First Aid Responder is permitted to give aspirin to a person who is experiencing chest pain suggestive of a heart attack (myocardial infarction), provided the person:

• Is conscious and able to swallow.
• Has no known allergies to aspirin.
• Has not been advised against taking aspirin by a doctor for any medical reasons (e.g., active stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders).
• Is over the age of 16 (aspirin is not recommended for children).

Aspirin helps by thinning the blood and reducing the risk of clot formation during a heart attack, potentially improving the patient's outcome before medical professionals arrive. However, aspirin should not be given routinely for other conditions without proper medical instruction.

The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) in Ireland does not provide specific community-level guidelines for the storage of aspirin in public places or by individuals. 

It's always crucial for a First Aid Responder to follow their training and PHECC protocols in these situations.

For more information book one of our First Aid Response Courses. Visit this link for our upcoming first aid courses. https://nbts.ie/calendar