NIMASA STCW EFA key terms

The basic first aid module of STCW basic safety training. It teaches a seafarer to recognise emergencies, give immediate care with limited equipment, and keep a casualty alive until professional help arrives on board or ashore.

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. It sets the minimum competence standards, including basic safety training in first aid, that must be met before a seafarer can serve on a merchant ship.

The sequence of actions that gives the best chance of survival in a cardiac arrest: early recognition and call for help, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced care. Every link must happen quickly and in order.

A rapid, systematic check of Airway, Breathing and Circulation, plus severe bleeding and disability, done before anything else. It finds and treats conditions that kill within minutes, using the ABC approach, before moving to history taking.

A head-to-toe examination carried out after the primary survey once life threats are controlled. It checks for injuries, pain, deformity and medical signs, and records the casualty's history, vital signs and response to treatment.

The structured process of deciding what is wrong with a sick or injured person and what to do first. It combines scene safety, the primary and secondary surveys, history taking and repeated observation of the casualty's condition.

The passage from the mouth and nose through the throat to the lungs. In an unconscious casualty the tongue or vomit can block it, so the head is tilted and the chin lifted, or the jaw is thrust forward, to keep it open.

A manual technique to open an unconscious casualty's airway. One hand tilts the forehead back while the fingertips of the other lift the bony point of the chin, moving the tongue away from the back of the throat.

An airway-opening method used when a neck injury is suspected. The rescuer places fingers behind the angles of the lower jaw and lifts it forward without tilting the head, reducing movement of the cervical spine.

A stable side-lying posture for a breathing but unconscious casualty. It keeps the airway clear, allows fluids to drain from the mouth and reduces the risk of choking, while the casualty is monitored continuously until help arrives.

Chest compressions, with rescue breaths where trained, given to a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain until spontaneous circulation returns or advanced help takes over.

Rhythmic pressure applied to the lower half of the breastbone to squeeze the heart and push blood around the body. Depth, rate and full recoil between compressions are critical to effectiveness.

The speed at which chest compressions are delivered, typically 100 to 120 per minute in adult resuscitation. A steady rate with minimal interruptions keeps blood pressure and brain perfusion from falling.

A breath given to a non-breathing casualty through a pocket mask or bag-valve-mask to supply oxygen. Each breath is given steadily over about one second, just enough to make the chest rise visibly.

A portable device that analyses the heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock to a casualty in cardiac arrest when a shockable rhythm is detected. It gives spoken prompts so trained and untrained rescuers can use it safely.

A small face shield with a one-way valve used to give rescue breaths while reducing contact with the casualty's mouth and fluids. It is a standard item in ship first aid kits and personal protective equipment for rescuers.

A hand-held self-inflating bag with a face mask and one-way valve, used to ventilate a casualty without mouth-to-mouth contact. Two rescuers are preferred: one holds the mask seal, the other squeezes the bag.

Partial or complete blockage of the airway, often by food or a foreign object. A conscious casualty is encouraged to cough; if the obstruction is severe, back blows and abdominal thrusts are used, and an unconscious casualty is treated as a cardiac arrest.

Firm inward and upward pushes on the upper abdomen, just below the ribs, to force air from the lungs and expel a blocking object. They are used on conscious adults with severe choking but not on infants or pregnant women.

Sharp blows delivered between the shoulder blades with the heel of the hand to dislodge a foreign body from the airway. They are usually given first in choking, with the casualty leaning forward, and repeated as needed.

Blood loss that is rapid and heavy enough to threaten life within minutes. It is controlled by direct pressure on the wound, elevation where possible, and pressure dressings, with tourniquets only for catastrophic limb bleeding.

Firm, continuous pressure applied with a sterile or clean dressing directly onto a bleeding wound. It is the first and most effective method to stop bleeding and should be maintained without frequent checking.

A constricting band applied above a limb wound to stop catastrophic bleeding when direct pressure fails. The time of application must be recorded and the casualty evacuated urgently, because prolonged use risks limb damage.

A life-threatening condition in which blood pressure falls and tissues are starved of oxygen, often after severe bleeding, burns or dehydration. Signs include pale clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, thirst, restlessness and confusion.

Tissue damage from heat, chemicals, electricity or radiation. First aid includes stopping the burning process, cooling with clean running water, covering with a sterile non-stick dressing, and treating for shock and fluid loss.

A burn caused by hot liquid or steam, common in galleys and engine rooms. Treatment follows the same cooling and covering principles as other burns, and clothing soaked in hot liquid should be removed carefully.

A break or crack in a bone, which may be closed or open, with signs such as pain, swelling, deformity and loss of function. First aid aims to immobilise the limb, control bleeding and prevent further injury during movement.

Any rigid device used to support and immobilise a suspected fracture or sprain. It should extend beyond the joints above and below the injury, be padded, and be applied without attempting to straighten the limb.

Keeping an injured part still to reduce pain, prevent further damage and allow healing. It is achieved with splints, slings, bandages or manual support, and is essential before moving a casualty with a suspected fracture.

Restricting movement of the neck when a head or spinal injury is suspected. The head is held in line with the body, without traction, until the casualty can be moved safely with a stretcher or backboard.

A fall in core body temperature below normal, causing shivering, confusion, slow pulse and eventually unconsciousness. First aid includes removing wet clothing, insulating the casualty, and rewarming slowly while avoiding rough handling.

A heat-related illness with heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness and nausea caused by fluid and salt loss. The casualty is moved to a cool place, given fluids if fully conscious, and cooled with wet cloths and fans.

A medical emergency in which the body overheats and loses the ability to cool itself, with hot dry skin, confusion or unconsciousness and a very high temperature. Rapid cooling and urgent medical help are required.

Measurable indicators of body function: level of consciousness, pulse, breathing rate, temperature and blood pressure where equipment allows. Recording and repeating them shows whether the casualty is improving or deteriorating.

The rhythmic expansion of an artery felt with the fingertips, commonly at the wrist or neck. Rate, rhythm and strength give clues about circulation and shock, and are recorded as part of the vital signs.

A person who does not respond to voice or touch. The airway is the immediate priority, followed by breathing and circulation, and the casualty is placed in the recovery position if breathing normally.

The precautions a first aider takes to avoid passing germs or catching infection, including hand washing, gloves, pocket masks and safe disposal of contaminated items. It protects both the rescuer and the casualty during treatment.

Gloves, eye protection, mask and other barriers worn to prevent contact with blood and body fluids. In first aid it is part of standard precautions and should be available in every ship's first aid kit.

The ship's reference for diagnosing and treating illness at sea, often the International Medical Guide for Ships, plus the radio medical advice service. It supports the first aider when a doctor is not on board.