First Aid and Emergency Response
First Aid and Emergency Response tests the priority sequence, the correct hands-on techniques and the judgement to call for help early.
Core rules
- Primary survey: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (DRABC). Send for help and call 108 before extended care if you are alone with a phone available.
- Adult CPR: compressions on the lower half of the sternum, 30 compressions to 2 breaths, rate 100–120/min, depth 5–6 cm, full recoil, minimal interruptions. Child: 1/3 of chest depth, 30:2 (15:2 with two rescuers for infants). Infants: two fingers or two-thumb technique.
- Choking adult: 5 sharp back blows, then 5 abdominal thrusts, alternating; unconscious → start CPR.
- Severe bleeding: direct pressure with a clean pad, elevate if possible, do not remove a soaked pad, add another on top.
- Burns: cool with running water for about 20 minutes, remove rings and clothing that is not stuck, cover loosely. No ice, toothpaste, oil or ink.
- Suspected fracture: immobilise in the position found, check pulse and sensation beyond the injury, never attempt to straighten the limb.
- Snake bite: keep the patient calm and still, immobilise the limb, remove rings, no incision, no suction, no tight tourniquet, transfer to hospital for antivenom.
Worked example
A student collapses in the corridor. You check danger, get no response, and the airway is clear but there is no normal breathing. Reasoning: no breathing plus no response equals cardiac arrest, so the priority is chest compressions, not finding a pulse for a minute or fetching water. You shout for help, ask someone to call 108 and bring an AED, and begin 30:2 immediately.
Traps that cost marks
- Giving water or food to a semi-conscious casualty.
- Applying ice directly to a burn.
- Moving a suspected spinal injury casualty without need.
- Doing compressions too shallow, too slow or with long pauses.