Tragic accident on the estate: 88-year-old driver buried under his tractor

Despite widespread awareness campaigns and training programs, fear continues to prevent many people from providing immediate first aid during emergencies such as cardiac arrest. According to Tina Jakopič Aškerc from the Red Cross, one of the main reasons individuals hesitate to act is the belief they might do harm or make things worse. Many worry they will not know how to help effectively or could even injure the person in need. This hesitation can have serious consequences, as delays in administering first aid significantly reduce the chances of survival. Jakopič Aškerc emphasized that the critical nature of time in emergency situations cannot be overstated. She noted that after four minutes without CPR, irreversible brain damage can occur, and after ten minutes, the individual may be considered neurologically dead, making recovery impossible. “Every second counts,” she said, stressing the importance of acting immediately. Even if someone does not know all the steps, simply approaching the person, checking their responsiveness, and calling emergency services can make a crucial difference. The process of providing first aid begins with ensuring the safety of both the rescuer and the victim. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, the first step is to tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway. Then, chest compressions should be initiated at a rate of 30 per minute, combined with two rescue breaths. This sequence should continue until professional medical help arrives or the person shows signs of recovery. In cases where the individual is a child who has stopped breathing due to choking, the approach differs slightly. Instead of starting with chest compressions, five initial breaths are given to provide oxygen. For younger children, compressions are performed using one hand, while for infants, two fingers or crossed thumbs over the palm are used. If the person is suspected of being choked, five firm blows to the back between the shoulder blades are administered before proceeding with the Heimlich maneuver, which involves abdominal thrusts to dislodge the object blocking the airway. Recognizing the signs of a stroke is another vital skill. Jakopič Aškerc recommended remembering the acronym GROM, which stands for Goed (speech), Ročna (arm), Obrat (face), and Minuta (minute). If a person is unable to understand speech or speak clearly, fails to raise their arms, or exhibits facial asymmetry, these are warning signs of a potential stroke. Immediate action is necessary, as prompt treatment can minimize long-term damage. Despite the complexity of these procedures, Jakopič Aškerc stressed that even minimal intervention can be life-saving. “If you don’t know anything, just come to the person, stay calm, and call 112,” she advised. The key message is that early intervention increases the likelihood of survival, and hesitation can lead to tragic outcomes. Training and education play a crucial role in overcoming these fears. Programs offered by organizations such as the Red Cross aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to respond effectively in emergencies. These initiatives highlight the importance of community preparedness and the collective responsibility to act in times of crisis. Efforts to improve public understanding of first aid are ongoing, with media and educational platforms playing a significant part in disseminating this information. However, challenges remain in ensuring that everyone feels capable of stepping in during an emergency. Continued emphasis on practical skills and psychological reassurance is essential to bridge the gap between awareness and action. As more people become familiar with the techniques required for effective first aid, the hope is that fewer lives will be lost due to delayed response. The message is clear: knowing basic life support skills can mean the difference between life and death.