Factors Influencing Individuals’ Hesitation to Provide First Aid in Emergencies

First aid is a life-saving skill, yet many bystanders hesitate to intervene during emergencies due to various psychological, social, and consequential barriers. This cross-sectional study investigated the factors influencing first aid hesitancy among residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1,124 participants aged 18 and above completed an online questionnaire assessing their demographic profiles, first aid knowledge, experience, and perceived barriers. Results showed that 53% (n= 596) had received first aid training, but only 20% (n= 225) held a formal license. While 71.2% (n= 795) reported low psychological barriers, over half faced moderate consequential barriers, such as fear of legal consequences or causing harm. Key barriers included fear of infection (73%; n= 815), discomfort with public attention (72.6%; n= 810), and hesitation in assisting the opposite sex (45.8%; n= 511). Despite these concerns, 93% (n = 1045) of respondents supported integrating first aid education into schools and workplaces. The findings highlight a gap between awareness and action, emphasizing the need for certified training and public knowledge education to empower individuals to act confidently during emergencies. Addressing these barriers can significantly enhance community preparedness and potentially save lives.