PHECC FAR study plan

Map the full PHECC First Aid Response syllabus into a one-page checklist covering patient assessment, airway and breathing, circulation, medical and trauma emergencies, and the use of an AED

Define the primary survey approach and recite the order of steps used to assess a casualty before any intervention

Demonstrate the correct sequence for approaching a collapsed casualty, including scene safety, calling for help, and confirming unresponsiveness

Build a personal glossary of the core terms used in Irish pre-hospital care, such as responder, casualty, chain of survival, and clinical handover

Explain the purpose and technique of each step in the primary survey and the rationale behind the order

Practise opening an airway and checking for normal breathing on a manikin or training pillow, timing the check to no more than ten seconds

Describe how to recognise cardiac arrest and when to start chest compressions

List the differences between a casualty who is breathing normally and one who is not, and the action required for each

Demonstrate high-quality chest compressions on a manikin, including hand placement, depth, rate, and full recoil

Practise rescue breaths with a pocket mask or barrier device and describe when they are and are not indicated

Explain how to operate an AED, including pad placement, following voice prompts, and safety checks before shock delivery

Sequence the steps of adult CPR and AED use into a single continuous drill

Describe how to recognise and manage a choking adult, including back blows, abdominal thrusts, and when to escalate

Outline the recognition and first aid for common medical emergencies such as fainting, seizure, stroke, and diabetic collapse

Explain the signs of a heart attack and the appropriate first aid response

Summarise how to position and monitor a casualty who is breathing but unresponsive, including the recovery position

Describe how to control severe external bleeding using direct pressure, elevation, and dressing techniques

Explain the recognition and first aid for shock, including positioning and keeping the casualty warm

Outline the management of burns, including cooling, covering, and what to avoid applying

Summarise the first aid for suspected fractures, sprains, and head or spinal injury

Explain the first aid response for common environmental and poisoning emergencies, including hypothermia and suspected overdose

Describe the recognition and management of anaphylaxis and the role of an adrenaline auto-injector

Practise a structured clinical handover using a recognised format such as ISBAR

Outline how to record an incident accurately and what information must be passed to arriving emergency services

Integrate assessment, CPR and AED, medical, and trauma skills into full scenario drills from start to handover

Identify your three weakest topics from earlier weeks and re-study each one in depth

Answer practice questions on each topic area under timed conditions and review every incorrect answer

Explain the legal and ethical considerations relevant to a first aid responder in Ireland, including consent and duty of care

Complete two full-length timed mock exams and record your score for each

Re-study every topic that produced a wrong answer in the mocks until you can explain it without notes

Rehearse the CPR and AED drill and the clinical handover until both are fluent and correctly sequenced

Confirm practical readiness by listing the equipment, steps, and safety checks for each core skill