First Aid and Emergency Response
What this domain tests
First Aid and Emergency Response checks whether you can assess a scene, prioritise life-threatening problems and give safe initial help for choking, bleeding, burns, fractures, shock and unconsciousness. It also tests correct use of emergency services such as 108.
Core rules and concepts
- Check danger first, then response, airway, breathing and circulation (DRABC). Never put yourself at risk.
- Call 108 early for emergencies; give the location, age, sex and what happened.
- Adult CPR: centre of the chest, depth 5 to 6 cm, rate 100 to 120 compressions per minute, ratio 30 compressions to 2 breaths; use an AED as soon as available.
- Choking adult: encourage coughing; if ineffective, give 5 back blows then 5 abdominal thrusts, alternating.
- Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean pad and elevate if possible; do not remove soaked pads.
- Burns: cool under running water for at least 20 minutes, remove jewellery and cover loosely; do not apply ice, toothpaste or oil.
- Suspected fracture: immobilise and support the limb; do not attempt to straighten it.
- Recovery position for an unconscious but breathing person with no spinal injury.
Worked example. An adult at a wedding holds his throat and cannot speak. Reasoning: this suggests severe airway obstruction. The first aider should ask if he is choking, stand behind, give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then 5 abdominal thrusts, and repeat. If he becomes unresponsive, lower him safely and start CPR while someone calls 108.
Traps that cost marks
Do not give water to an unconscious person. Do not put ice on a burn. Do not use a tourniquet for ordinary bleeding. Do not move a suspected spinal injury victim unless there is immediate danger.