Elementary First Aid
Scope
Elementary First Aid tests the first responder's actions for unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, bleeding, burns, fractures, shock and drowning. The aim is to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery until professional help arrives.
Core rules
- Check danger, response, airway, breathing and circulation; call for help early.
- Adult CPR: 30 compressions to 2 breaths, 100-120 per minute, depth 5-6 cm; use an AED as soon as available.
- Severe bleeding: direct pressure, pressure dressing, elevate if possible; tourniquet only for life-threatening limb bleeding.
- Burns: cool with clean running water, cover loosely, do not burst blisters.
- Suspected spinal injury: keep head and neck aligned; do not move unless in danger.
- Recovery position for a breathing but unconscious casualty with no spinal injury; lay a shocked casualty flat and keep warm.
Worked example
A crew member collapses and is not breathing. Shout for help, check airway, give two rescue breaths if trained, then start 30:2 CPR. Attach the AED and follow its prompts. Continue until breathing returns, a medic takes over, or you are exhausted.
Traps
Giving water to an unconscious person, moving a suspected spinal casualty, and stopping CPR too early are common errors. Do not put ointment on a burn or give food and drink to a shocked casualty.