First Aid and Basic Life Support
Scope
The exam tests scene safety, primary assessment, CPR, choking, bleeding, burns, fractures, heat illness and recovery-position care. A guard is not a doctor, but early, correct action saves lives until EMS arrives.
Core rules
- Check danger, then response; shout for help and call emergency services.
- Use DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
- Adult CPR: 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, 100–120 per minute, depth 5–6 cm, allowing full recoil.
- Use an AED as soon as available and follow its prompts.
- For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure and raise the limb if possible.
- For choking in a conscious adult, give five back blows then five abdominal thrusts; repeat.
- Cool burns with running water for at least 20 minutes; do not apply butter, oil or ice.
- Place an unconscious but breathing person in the recovery position unless spinal injury is suspected.
Worked example
A worker collapses near a gate. The guard checks the scene, taps and shouts, and finds no response. He calls emergency services, opens the airway, checks breathing for no more than 10 seconds, and starts 30:2 CPR. Another guard brings the AED. They continue until the patient breathes normally or medical help takes over.
Traps that cost marks
- Spending minutes checking a pulse instead of starting CPR.
- Giving water to an unconscious or choking person.
- Using cold water, ice or ointment on a serious burn.
- Moving a suspected spinal-injury casualty unnecessarily.