First Aid, Safety and Injury Management
This section covers first aid, safety and injury management. The exam tests priorities at an emergency, correct early management of common sports injuries, and recognition of unsafe actions.
Priorities and principles
First aid aims to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery. Check scene safety before approaching. Use DRABC: danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation. Call emergency help early. Obtain consent when possible. Do not move a person with a suspected spinal injury unless there is immediate danger.
Common injuries
- Sprain: use RICE - rest, ice for about 15-20 minutes, compression and elevation - in the first 24-48 hours. Avoid heat, massage and running early.
- Strain: similar early protection; avoid stretching forcibly.
- Fracture: immobilise and support; do not realign the bone.
- Bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean dressing; elevate if possible.
- Burn: cool with running water for about 20 minutes; cover loosely; do not apply ice, toothpaste or oil.
- Shock: lie the person flat, keep warm, raise legs if no fracture is suspected.
- Adult CPR: 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths, depth 5-6 cm, rate 100-120 per minute.
Worked example
A footballer rolls the ankle inward, develops swelling and pain but can bear some weight. Reasoning: this suggests a lateral ankle sprain. Remove from play, apply RICE, check for severe deformity or inability to bear weight, and refer for imaging if severe. The reasoning is based on limiting bleeding and swelling, not on heat or massage.
Traps
Do not use heat in the first 48 hours. Do not pop blisters or apply toothpaste to burns. Do not move a suspected spinal case casually. Do not reverse the CPR ratio.