Medical Emergencies and Environmental Injuries
What the exam tests
This domain tests recognition and first aid for stroke, seizure, diabetes, heat illness, hypothermia, and drowning-related emergencies.
Core rules
- Stroke: use FAST-Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call EMS. Note the time symptoms began and do not give food or drink.
- Seizure: protect the patient from injury, cushion the head, do not restrain or put objects in the mouth, and place in a recovery position after the seizure.
- Diabetes: if the patient is conscious and can swallow, give sugar; if unconscious, do not give anything by mouth and call EMS.
- Heat stroke: move to a cool area, remove excess clothing, cool actively with water and fanning, and call EMS. Heat exhaustion improves with rest and fluids.
- Hypothermia: move to a warm area, remove wet clothing, insulate, and handle gently.
Worked example
A construction worker collapses on a hot day. His skin is hot and dry, he is confused, and his temperature is high. The first aider moves him to shade, removes excess clothing, applies cool water and fanning, and calls EMS. He does not give oral fluids because the worker is confused.
Traps that cost marks
- Putting a spoon or fingers in a seizing patient's mouth.
- Giving food or drink to an unconscious or confused patient.
- Using alcohol rubs or ice baths for heat stroke without monitoring.
- Delaying cooling while waiting for transport.
Key points
- FAST identifies stroke and time of onset matters.
- Protect a seizing patient; never restrain or insert objects.
- Conscious hypoglycemia gets sugar; unconscious patients get nothing by mouth.
- Heat stroke needs active cooling and EMS.
- Handle hypothermia patients gently and insulate them.