First Aid and Health Hygiene
What the exam tests
This domain checks the first-aider’s priorities, CPR, bleeding control, fractures, burns, snake bite and everyday health hygiene.
Core rules
First aid follows DRABC: danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation. Ensure the scene is safe before helping. For an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally, start CPR: about 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, compressions at 100–120 per minute, unless untrained or unable. Control severe bleeding with direct pressure and a dressing. Immobilise a suspected fracture; do not try to straighten it. Cool a burn with clean running water for about 20 minutes; do not apply butter, oil or ice directly. For snake bite, keep the patient still, immobilise the limb and seek medical help; do not cut or suck the wound. Hygiene includes safe water, handwashing, safe food and sanitary waste disposal.
Worked example
A cadet has a deep cut on the forearm with heavy bleeding. Reasoning: first check danger and use gloves or a clean barrier. Apply firm direct pressure with a sterile dressing, elevate the limb if no fracture is suspected, and call for medical help. Do not keep lifting the dressing to look. A tourniquet is only for life-threatening bleeding that direct pressure cannot control, and it must be noted and handed over.
Traps
Do not give food or water to an unconscious person. Do not move a suspected spinal injury unless there is immediate danger. Do not apply ice directly to a burn. Do not cut or suck a snake bite. Do not straighten a suspected fracture. Do not use a tourniquet casually.