First Aid
What this domain tests
First Aid tests the immediate, safe actions a trained student can take before medical help arrives. The exam favours primary survey, CPR, bleeding control, burns, fractures and choking.
Core rules
- Start with DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Ensure scene safety and call emergency services.
- Adult CPR: 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, rate 100–120 per minute, depth 5–6 cm, with an AED as soon as available. If untrained, do compression-only CPR.
- Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth; add layers without removing the first; use a tourniquet only for life-threatening limb bleeding.
- Burns: cool with running water for about 20 minutes; do not apply ice, butter or toothpaste; cover loosely.
- Fractures: immobilise the limb; do not try to straighten it.
- Choking in a conscious adult: encourage coughing; give back blows and abdominal thrusts if the airway is blocked.
- Snake bite: keep the victim calm and still, immobilise the limb, remove tight items; do not cut, suck or use a tight tourniquet.
Worked example
An adult collapses, does not respond and is not breathing normally. Reasoning: check danger, call for help, open the airway, check breathing. Give 30 compressions and 2 breaths, continue until help or an AED arrives. Do not give water or try to sit the person up.
Traps
Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Do not put ice directly on a burn. Do not use a tourniquet for minor bleeding. Do not delay compressions to search for a pulse if you are a lay rescuer.