First Aid and Safety
First Aid and Safety
This domain tests primary assessment, emergency action, bleeding control, burns, sprains, fractures, heat illness, and injury prevention. Answers must be safe, sequential and within a trained first aider's scope.
Core concepts
Use DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Call emergency services early for unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, suspected spinal injury or heat stroke. For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean dressing. For a sprain, use RICE: Rest, Ice for 15–20 minutes with a cloth barrier, Compression, Elevation. For a burn, cool with running water for about 20 minutes and cover loosely; do not apply ice, toothpaste or oil. Immobilise a suspected fracture and do not attempt realignment. Place an unconscious but breathing person in the recovery position unless spinal injury is suspected.
Worked example
A volleyball player lands on an inverted ankle. The ankle is swollen and painful, but the player is conscious and there is no deformity. Reasoning: this suggests a sprain, not an open fracture. First aid: stop play, sit the player down, apply covered ice for 15–20 minutes, compress with an elastic bandage, elevate the ankle, and refer for assessment. Do not ask the player to test the ankle by running.
Traps that cost marks
Do not move a suspected spinal injury casually. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious person. Do not pop blisters or apply ice directly to skin. Do not use heat on a fresh sprain. Antibiotics and painkillers are not first-aid replacements for medical review.
Exam focus
Sequence matters: danger first, then response, airway, breathing and circulation.