First aid and basic life support
First aid in Belgium follows the ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) and the basic life support sequence for adults: check safety, check responsiveness, call 112, open the airway, check breathing for up to 10 seconds, and if not breathing normally, start chest compressions at 100–120 per minute, depth 5–6 cm, with a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio if trained, or compression-only if not. Use an AED as soon as available: attach pads, follow voice prompts, do not touch the casualty during analysis or shock.
Know the recovery position for an unconscious but breathing casualty, the management of choking (back blows and abdominal thrusts), bleeding (direct pressure, elevate, pressure bandage), burns (cool with water, do not remove stuck clothing), fractures (immobilise), and shock (lie down, keep warm, do not give food or drink). Know the legal framework: the Good Samaritan principle and the duty to assist a person in danger (Article 422bis Criminal Code) - failure to assist is an offence when you could act without serious risk to yourself or others.
Traps: (1) checking the pulse instead of breathing for lay rescuers; (2) giving water to an unconscious person; (3) removing an object embedded in a wound; (4) stopping CPR because the casualty gasps (agonal breathing is not normal breathing); (5) forgetting to put the casualty in the recovery position when breathing returns.
Worked example: A visitor collapses. You check safety, tap and shout, call 112, tilt the head, check breathing for 10 seconds, start compressions, send for the AED, and continue until the AED or emergency services take over. Rule of thumb: check, call, compress - and never leave the casualty alone if you can send someone else.