First Aid and Emergency Medical Response
This domain tests immediate life-saving care by a trained first responder. Expect questions on the primary assessment, CPR, bleeding, burns, fractures, recovery position and the correct emergency call.
Primary assessment
Use DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Ensure scene safety, check responsiveness, open the airway, look for normal breathing and control severe bleeding. Call 108 for ambulance or 112 for unified emergency support; send someone for an AED if available.
CPR and positioning
- Adult CPR: 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, compressions at 100-120 per minute, about 5-6 cm deep.
- If unwilling or unable to give breaths, use compression-only CPR.
- An unconscious person who is breathing normally is placed in the recovery position.
- Do not move a suspected spinal injury victim unless there is immediate danger.
Bleeding, burns and fractures
Apply direct pressure to bleeding, elevate if no fracture, and use a clean dressing. Cool burns with clean running water for about 20 minutes; do not apply mud, oil or toothpaste. Immobilise fractures with a splint; check circulation beyond the splint.
Worked example
A man collapses at a road accident. He is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The responder ensures scene safety, calls 108, starts CPR at 30:2 and asks a bystander to bring an AED. He does not give water or sit the victim up.
Traps
Do not start CPR on someone breathing normally. Do not spend minutes checking a pulse. Never give food or water to an unconscious person. Do not cut or suck a snake bite; immobilise and transport.
Handover
Tell the ambulance team what happened, what care was given and the time. Keep the victim warm and monitor breathing until help arrives.