First Aid Practices for Tourist Guides
Chapter from the book:
Kaptangil,
K.
&
Bayram,
A.
T.
(eds.)
2023.
Researches on Tourism II.
Synopsis
The continuous increase in tourism demand has also increased the number of injuries, accidents and deaths that tourists are involved in. The fact that people travel to different places by leaving their usual place of residence can lead to some health problems, which highlights the importance of some issues in destinations such as general hygiene, food hygiene, waste management and health infrastructure. First aid, which is the focus of this study is examined within the framework of "tourist health" and it is defined as a small-scale emergency intervention which is practised until health staff come and could save lives when applied effectively on time. First aid knowledge and competency in first aid application are a requirement for tourism employees at all levels. First aid is also important for professional tourist guides, especially as they are constantly interacting with tourists when guiding tours. Professional tourist guides are expected to provide first aid until the medical team arrives when an emergency case arises during their tours as part of the National Occupational Standards (dated 16.07.2010 and numbered 27643). In this chapter, the concepts of first aid, health tourism and tourist health are discussed within the framework of the tourist guidance profession. The cases requiring first aid in tourism, first aid applications, and the coverage and necessity of first aid training have been discussed. In addition, the legal and administrative procedures to be followed when health problems or emergency cases arise have been highlighted.