NIMASA STCW EFA flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Primary survey DRABC

The ordered check of Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation used to find and correct immediately life-threatening problems before any other assessment or treatment.

Adult compression rate

Chest compressions are delivered at 100 to 120 per minute, about 5 to 6 cm deep in an adult, allowing full chest recoil between compressions.

CPR ratio adults

For adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeating continuously until help arrives or the casualty recovers.

Rescue breathing rate

Give about 10 to 12 breaths per minute to an adult, each lasting roughly one second, just enough to make the chest visibly rise.

Recovery position use

Place an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally and has no suspected spinal injury on their side, so the airway stays clear and vomit can drain.

Agonal gasps

Occasional slow, noisy gasps in an unresponsive casualty are not normal breathing; treat the casualty as being in cardiac arrest and start CPR.

Severe bleeding control

Apply firm direct pressure to the wound with a dressing, add further layers without removing soaked ones, and elevate the limb if no fracture is suspected.

Burn cooling rule

Cool a burn with clean running water for at least 10 to 20 minutes, remove rings and tight items early, and never burst blisters or apply oils or ice.

Choking adult sequence

For a conscious choking adult, give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to five abdominal thrusts, alternating until the obstruction clears.

Drowning casualty priority

Give two initial rescue breaths before compressions in a drowning casualty, because the arrest is usually caused by lack of oxygen rather than a heart problem.

Shock recognition and care

Shock shows pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, thirst and restlessness; keep the casualty lying, warm and reassured, and give nothing by mouth.

Suspected spinal injury care

After a fall or collision, keep the head aligned with the spine, avoid unnecessary movement unless in immediate danger, and immobilise before moving the casualty.

Fracture immobilisation

Support the limb in the position found, check circulation beyond the injury, and immobilise the joints above and below the fracture before moving the casualty.

SAMPLE history

A handover tool covering Signs and symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, and Events leading to the incident.

Recovery position exceptions

Do not use the recovery position for a casualty who is not breathing or has a suspected spinal injury; a pregnant woman is placed on her left side instead.

Heat exhaustion signs

Heavy sweating, cool pale skin, muscle cramps and dizziness indicate heat exhaustion; move to shade, loosen clothing and give fluids if fully conscious.

Infection control basics

Wear disposable gloves, avoid contact with blood and body fluids, and wash hands or apply alcohol gel after every first aid contact with a casualty.

First aider's three aims

The first aider aims to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery, without diagnosing illness or prescribing medication.

Radio medical advice

Treatment beyond basic first aid, including drug administration, follows the vessel's medical guide and radio medical advice authorised by the master or designated officer.

Medical log content

Record the time of the incident, casualty details, observations, treatment given and the response, so later medical advice is based on accurate information.

Chest pain first aid

Sit the casualty up, keep them calm and still, loosen tight clothing, seek urgent medical advice, and give no food or drink.

Diabetic emergency care

If the casualty is conscious and can swallow, give sugar such as glucose gel or a sweet drink; if unconscious, use the recovery position and give nothing by mouth.

Seizure first aid

Protect the head, clear nearby hazards, do not restrain the casualty or put anything in the mouth, and place them in the recovery position when the seizure ends.

Hypothermia rewarming

Move the casualty to a warm dry place, remove wet clothing, wrap in blankets and rewarm gradually; give warm sweet drinks only if fully conscious.

Chemical eye splash

Irrigate the eye with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelid open, and arrange medical assessment as soon as possible afterwards.

Unresponsive breathing check

Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds; if breathing is absent or doubtful, treat as cardiac arrest and begin CPR immediately.

Rescuer rotation

Change the rescuer performing compressions about every 2 minutes, during the pause for ventilations, to maintain adequate depth and rate.

Casualty handover report

Report the incident, casualty condition, treatment given and response to the master and to medical advice, using clear, factual and timed information.

Airway opening technique

Use head tilt and chin lift to open the airway in an adult with no suspected spinal injury; use jaw thrust if a spinal injury is suspected.

Fainting casualty care

Lay the casualty flat and raise the legs to improve blood flow to the brain, loosen tight clothing, and allow them to rise slowly once recovered.

Poisoning by mouth

Do not induce vomiting; identify the substance, keep the casualty calm, give nothing by mouth, and obtain urgent medical advice with the container details.

First aid kit check

Inspect the vessel's first aid kit regularly, replace used or expired items, and confirm the kit is accessible and its contents match the required inventory.