PHECC FAR flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Scene safety assessment

Before approaching, check for danger to yourself, bystanders and the casualty, identify the mechanism of injury, count casualties and establish what help is available. Never enter an unsafe scene.

Primary survey sequence

Catastrophic bleeding, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Exposure. Each life-threatening problem is treated as soon as it is found, before moving on to the next step.

Recovery position indication

Used for an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally and has no suspected spinal injury. It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain, but breathing must be monitored continuously.

Adult CPR ratio and depth

Compress the lower half of the sternum 30 times then give 2 rescue breaths, at 100 to 120 compressions per minute and 5 to 6 cm deep, allowing full chest recoil.

Child and infant CPR ratio

Give 5 initial rescue breaths, then compress at 30:2 if you are alone or 15:2 with two responders. Compress about one third of chest depth and use two fingers for infants.

AED first responder actions

Attach pads to a bare, dry chest as soon as the device arrives and follow its voice prompts. Do not delay or interrupt compressions, and resume immediately after a shock or no-shock message.

Adult choking sequence

Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, alternating and reassessing. If the casualty becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and call emergency services.

Infant choking technique

Use 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts, never abdominal thrusts, because of the risk of liver injury. Reassess after each cycle and start CPR if the infant becomes unresponsive.

FAST stroke assessment

Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Record the exact time symptoms began, because it determines eligibility for clot-busting treatment.

SAMPLE history

Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading to the incident. Used during the secondary survey once life threats are managed.

AVPU consciousness scale

Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive. Record and trend the result, since a falling level of consciousness is a key indicator of deterioration.

Normal adult vital signs

Resting respiratory rate 12 to 20 per minute, pulse 60 to 100 per minute, and oxygen saturation 94 to 100 percent on room air. Use these as a baseline when assessing a casualty.

Anaphylaxis recognition and response

Rapid onset of airway swelling, wheeze, hives and low blood pressure after exposure to an allergen. Give an adrenaline auto-injector into the outer thigh and send the casualty to hospital regardless of improvement.

Severe bleeding control

Apply firm direct pressure to the wound. If bleeding is uncontrolled on a limb, apply a tourniquet high and tight and record the time. Pack deep or junctional wounds and maintain pressure.

Fracture immobilisation rule

Support the limb in the position found, splint above and below the injury, and check circulation, sensation and movement beyond the injury before and after splinting. Never straighten a deformed limb.

Burn cooling and covering

Cool with running water for at least 20 minutes, remove jewellery and loose clothing before swelling starts, and cover with cling film laid lengthwise rather than wrapped around the limb. Never apply ice or creams.

Hypoglycaemia in conscious casualty

Give 15 to 20 g of fast-acting oral glucose, reassess after 10 to 15 minutes and repeat if needed, then give longer-acting carbohydrate. An unresponsive casualty gets nothing by mouth.

ISBAR clinical handover

Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. State the casualty's condition, treatment given with times, and any changes observed while in your care.

Emergency numbers Ireland

Dial 112 or 999, both free from any phone. Give your exact location, the casualty's condition, the number of casualties and a callback number, and stay on the line.

FAR certification validity

PHECC First Aid Response certification lasts two years from the date of the assessment. A refresher course is needed before expiry to remain a registered First Aid Responder.

Rescue breath technique

Open the airway with head tilt and chin lift, pinch the nose, seal your mouth over the casualty's and give a breath over about one second while watching for chest rise.

Agonal gasps meaning

Occasional slow, noisy gasping is not normal breathing and indicates cardiac arrest. Start CPR immediately rather than waiting, as gasping can persist for a short time after arrest.

Aspirin in suspected heart attack

If the casualty is conscious, not allergic and able to swallow, give a 300 mg aspirin tablet to chew while awaiting emergency services. It reduces clot formation and improves survival.

Diabetic emergency vs stroke

Both can cause confusion and weakness. A rapid onset with sweating and hunger suggests low blood sugar, while sudden one-sided weakness and speech loss suggest stroke. Treat and reassess either way.

Seizure first aid

Protect the casualty from injury, do not restrain them or place anything in the mouth, and time the seizure. Place in the recovery position afterwards and call emergency services if it lasts over five minutes.

Head injury red flags

Any loss of consciousness, vomiting, worsening headache, unequal pupils, clear fluid from nose or ears, or confusion after a blow to the head requires urgent medical assessment and continuous monitoring.

Suspected spinal injury handling

Keep the head aligned with the spine and avoid unnecessary movement. Only move the casualty if there is immediate danger, and use manual in-line stabilisation while awaiting emergency services.

Eye injury first aid

Do not remove an object embedded in the eye; pad around it instead. For chemical splashes, irrigate continuously with clean water for at least 15 to 20 minutes and send to hospital.

Hypothermia management

Move the casualty to shelter, remove wet clothing, insulate from the ground and cover with blankets, warming the core first. Handle gently and avoid rubbing the limbs, which can worsen the condition.

Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke

Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, weakness and dizziness; heat stroke adds confusion, hot dry skin and a temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Heat stroke is life-threatening and needs rapid cooling.

Infection control precautions

Wear gloves before contact with blood or body fluids, use a pocket mask or barrier for rescue breaths, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Report any exposure incident promptly.

Consent and duty of care

Obtain consent from a conscious casualty before treatment; an unresponsive casualty is treated under implied consent. Act within your training, keep records, and hand over accurately to arriving services.