Russia’s Ministry of Health is moving toward a standardized approach to delivering emergency first aid. A draft decision named On Approval of First Aid Procedure appears on the portal used for preparing draft regulatory acts, signaling a government push to harmonize immediate medical response across a variety of environments, from public spaces to private venues. The plan outlines a clear framework for when first aid should be provided and how it should proceed, aiming to reduce delays while maintaining respect for personal autonomy in crisis situations.
A central element of the draft is the proposed permission to administer initial medical aid without prior consent from the victim or from a parent or guardian, provided the individual does not explicitly refuse help before treatment starts. This rule is intended to prevent life-saving care from being stalled by hesitation, misunderstandings, or barriers to consent during emergencies, while still preserving the option for individuals to opt out if they are able to communicate a choice before any intervention begins.
The document also foresees the integration of dispatcher guidance into on-site first aid. By letting call-center instructions shape the actions of responders at the scene, the plan aims to speed up decision-making and ensure that the correct steps are taken quickly, even before professional medical teams arrive. It envisions the use of medical products and medicines that are intended for medical use to support first aid, as well as improvisational resources that may fall outside traditional first-aid kits, bags, or cases. The overarching goal is to equip responders with the tools they need when moments matter most after an incident occurs.
Earlier, Sechenov University and Yandex announced a cooperative effort to develop artificial intelligence for medicine and pharmacy. The collaboration targets more than ten projects in this space, illustrating a broader government and industry commitment to AI-enabled health care in Russia. This aligns with global trends toward smarter clinical support systems, data-driven diagnostics, and improved patient outcomes. The emphasis on artificial intelligence in medicine mirrors worldwide efforts to augment human expertise with digital assistants, predictive analytics, and decision-support tools that can scale across health systems.
In related public health discussions, medical professionals are addressing myths that link asthma to severe COVID-19 outcomes in children. Experts note that current evidence does not support a direct causal relationship between asthma and more serious COVID-19 results in young patients. This clarification helps prevent fear and misinformation, encouraging families and clinicians to follow evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies. It underlines the importance of vaccination where appropriate and timely access to care when symptoms arise. [citation: health authorities and clinical experts]