Security guards play a vital role in keeping people and property safe. But sometimes, their job is more than just watching over premises or managing crowds. In emergencies, security guards are often the first people on the scene. Knowing basic first aid can make a huge difference in these situations.
Whether it’s a minor injury or a serious health emergency, having the right first aid skills helps security guards respond quickly and effectively. This can save lives and prevent injuries from getting worse. In this blog, we’ll cover essential first aid tips every security guard should know. These tips are easy to learn and apply, even if you don’t have medical training.
Why Should Security Guards Know First Aid?
Security guards are usually the first responders during accidents or medical emergencies on site. Whether working in a shopping centre, office building, event, or school, emergencies can happen anytime.
Knowing basic first aid helps you:
1. Provide immediate help before professional medical teams arrive
When an emergency happens, every second counts. Basic first aid allows you to act quickly to stabilise a person’s condition and prevent it from getting worse while waiting for paramedics or doctors to arrive.
2. Reduce the severity of injuries or health problems
Early intervention can limit the damage caused by injuries such as bleeding, burns, or choking. Providing prompt care often means faster recovery and fewer complications for the injured person.
3. Keep people calm and reassured during emergencies
Your ability to stay calm and communicate clearly helps reduce panic and fear in both the injured person and bystanders. Reassuring people makes it easier to manage the situation safely and effectively.
4. Follow safety laws and workplace requirements
Many workplaces legally require staff to have first aid skills to maintain a safe environment. Knowing first aid ensures you comply with these regulations and contribute to overall workplace safety.
5. Increase your confidence in handling emergency situations
Having first aid knowledge boosts your confidence to respond effectively rather than feeling helpless or unsure. This confidence allows you to take control calmly and provide the best possible care when it matters most.
Because of these reasons, many employers now expect security guards to have first aid knowledge as part of their training.
Basic First Aid Skills Every Security Guard Should Master
As a security guard, your primary role is to maintain safety and order. However, in emergencies, you may be the first person to respond to an injured or unwell individual. Having a strong foundation in basic first aid skills is crucial. These skills allow you to provide immediate care that can prevent a condition from worsening, reduce pain, and even save lives.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important first aid skills every security guard should know. These skills are straightforward, practical, and designed to help you act confidently during emergencies.
1. Assess the Situation Safely
Before doing anything, always assess the scene carefully. Your safety and the safety of the injured person come first.
- Check if the area is safe for you to approach.
- Look for any hazards like fire, broken glass, or traffic.
- If the area is unsafe, call for professional help immediately and wait for them.
Once safe, approach the injured person calmly and quickly.
2. Call Emergency Services Immediately
In any serious injury or illness, your first step is to call emergency service.
- Provide your exact location.
- Describe the nature of the emergency clearly.
- Follow any instructions the operator gives you.
While waiting for help to arrive, start first aid.
3. Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
CPR is a life-saving technique that can keep a person alive if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing.
- Check if the person is responsive and breathing.
- If not, call emergency services and begin CPR.
- CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to help circulate blood and oxygen.
- Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest, about 5-6 cm deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- If trained, give rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
CPR training is crucial and should be updated regularly.
4. Stop Bleeding
Bleeding can be dangerous and needs immediate attention.
- Put on disposable gloves if available.
- Apply firm pressure directly on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
- If the blood soaks through, add another layer without removing the first.
- Raise the injured limb if possible to reduce blood flow.
- Call emergency services if bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop.
5. Treat Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Minor injuries can happen often. Here’s what to do:
- Wash your hands and wear gloves if you can.
- Clean the wound gently with water to remove dirt.
- Apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection.
- Cover with a sterile dressing or bandage.
- Advise the injured person to keep the wound clean and dry.
6. Manage Burns
Burns can range from mild to severe. For minor burns:
- Cool the burn immediately under running cold water for at least 10 minutes.
- Avoid ice or very cold water as it can damage the skin.
- Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing.
- Do not break any blisters.
For severe burns, call emergency services right away.
7. Handle Choking
Choking happens when something blocks the airway. It needs fast action.
- Ask the person if they can cough or speak.
- If they cannot breathe or speak, perform the Heimlich maneuver:
Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist.
Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button.
Grasp your fist with your other hand and give quick upward thrusts.
- Repeat until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.
- If unconscious, call emergency services and start CPR.
8. Deal with Fractures and Sprains
If someone has a broken bone or sprain:
- Keep the injured area still and avoid moving it unnecessarily.
- Support the limb with padding or a splint if available.
- Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
- Elevate the limb if it doesn’t cause pain.
- Call for professional medical help.
9. Recognise Signs of Stroke and Heart Attack
Knowing the signs of stroke or heart attack can save lives.
Signs of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden confusion or trouble seeing
- Severe headache or dizziness
Signs of a heart attack:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Pain spreading to the arms, neck, or jaw
- Nausea or sweating
If you suspect either, call emergency services immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.
10. Stay Calm and Reassure the Injured Person
Your attitude plays a big role in how an emergency unfolds. Staying calm helps you think clearly and shows the injured person that they are in safe hands. Speaking clearly and calmly makes it easier for them to understand what’s happening. Offering reassurance lowers their anxiety, reduces panic, and encourages them to stay cooperative. This calm, confident approach helps you provide the best care while keeping the situation under control.
Why Enrol in a First Aid Course?
Knowing the basics of first aid from reading or watching videos is a great start, but nothing compares to the confidence and skills gained through hands-on, certified first aid training. Understanding theory alone doesn’t always prepare you to react quickly and correctly in real-life emergencies. That’s why enrolling in a professional first aid course is so important, especially for security guards who are often the first people on the scene.
Benefits of enrolling include:
- Hands-on practice with first aid techniques
- Understanding legal responsibilities and workplace safety
- Confidence to act during emergencies
- Certification recognized across Australia
Visit MultiSec Training for more information on their courses and how to enrol.
Tips for Security Guards When Providing First Aid
1. Always protect yourself first (wear gloves, avoid contact with blood).
Your safety is the top priority when helping someone injured. Always wear disposable gloves if available to protect yourself from bloodborne infections and avoid direct contact with bodily fluids. This not only keeps you safe but also helps prevent spreading germs between you and the injured person.
2. Get consent before providing help if the person is conscious.
If the injured person is awake and aware, always ask for their permission before you begin first aid. This respects their autonomy and helps build trust, making them more likely to cooperate with your assistance. If they refuse help but are in danger, call emergency services immediately.
3. Do not move a person unless they are in immediate danger.
Moving someone who is injured, especially if you suspect a spinal injury or broken bones, can cause further harm. Only move them if they are in a life-threatening situation, such as a fire or dangerous traffic. Otherwise, keep them still and wait for medical professionals.
4. Keep the injured person warm and comfortable.
Shock and injury can cause a person’s body temperature to drop, so it’s important to keep them warm. Use a blanket, jacket, or anything available to cover them without restricting movement. Comforting them with calm words also helps reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Record details of the incident for your report.
Accurate documentation is essential after administering first aid. Write down what happened, what injuries you noticed, the first aid you gave, and any changes in the person’s condition. This information is valuable for medical staff and may be required for workplace or legal records.
6. Know when to wait for medical professionals instead of trying advanced care.
While basic first aid is vital, some injuries require professional medical treatment. Understand your limits—do not attempt complicated procedures like moving broken bones or administering medication. Calling emergency services and waiting for trained responders ensures the injured person gets the right care safely.
Final Thoughts
First aid knowledge is a vital skill for security guards. It empowers you to provide immediate, life-saving help and shows professionalism in your role. Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, and being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.
If you haven’t already, consider enrolling in a first aid training course. Check out MultiSec Training to find a course near you and boost your skills today.
Remember, basic first aid isn’t complicated — it’s about staying calm, acting quickly, and following simple steps to help others in need. Your role as a security guard is more than just guarding property; it’s also about protecting lives.
