First Aid
What this domain tests
This section tests immediate, safe first response: scene safety, ABCDE, CPR, control of bleeding, burns, fractures, fainting and common emergencies in a laboratory or clinic.
Core rules
- Check danger first, then response, airway, breathing and circulation. Call emergency services early; in India, 108 is a common ambulance number.
- Adult CPR: compressions at 100-120 per minute, depth 5-6 cm, full recoil, 30 compressions to 2 breaths if trained. Use an AED as soon as it arrives.
- Stop bleeding with direct pressure and elevation; use a tourniquet only for life-threatening limb bleeding that pressure cannot control.
- Cool burns with running cool water for 20 minutes; do not apply ice, toothpaste or oil. Cover with a clean non-stick dressing.
- Immobilize suspected fractures before movement. For fainting, lie the person flat and raise the legs; for hypoglycemia in a conscious person, give sugar by mouth.
- Never give oral fluids to an unconscious or convulsing person.
Worked example
An adult collapses in the corridor and does not respond. He is not breathing normally, with occasional gasps. Call 108, open the airway, and start CPR at 30:2. Reasoning: agonal gasps are not effective breathing; waiting for a pulse or giving water wastes time. Continue until the person recovers or help takes over.
Traps
- Checking the pulse for a long time before starting compressions.
- Putting a spoon or fingers into the mouth during a seizure.
- Applying a tourniquet for minor bleeding.
- Cooling a burn with ice, which can worsen tissue damage.