Advanced First Aid & Resuscitation

Question 1

What mnemonic is used to assess signs and symtpoms of injury or illness?

Answer 1

OPQRST

Onset - onset, timing, fast, slow?
Pain - sudden, gradual, activities at onset of pain, aggrevating or relieving factors?
Quality - aching, sharp, numbing, throbbing, stinging, burning, dull, stabbing, cramping?
Radiation - localised or spreading?
Severity - scale 0-10
Treatment - is the patient currently recieving any treatment for said condition or another condition?

Question 2

What is the mnemonic for assessing a patient’s medical history?

Answer 2

SAMPLE

Signs & Symptoms - What is the px complaining of? [INSERT OPQRST]
Allergies - Does the patient have any known or suspected allergies or intolerances?
Medications - Is the patient taking any prescribed or OTC medications or supplements?
Pertinent Hx - Is the patient suffering from any acute or chronic health conditions? Is the px in
a state of recovery, rehab or convalesce? Has the patient undergone any
medical treatment including surgical prcedures?
(Last) Intake - When was the last solid and oral intake and what did the Px consume?
Events (Leading Up) - What was the Px doing at the time or in the lead up to current
presentation?

Question 3

What is the mnemonic used for the primary survey of a Px?

Answer 3

DRSABCD

Danger - Consider hazards and any risks to yourself, to bystanders and to the Px
Response - Attempt to illict a response from the Px, what is their consciousness? Do they respond to verbal or physical stimuli?
Send (for help) - Call 000, send for help
Airway - Px in supine position, carefully open their mouth and assess airway for foreign
objects or obstructions
- If obstructions are present, turn Px to their side (recovery position) and attempt to
remove foreign objects
- Use suction devices (with care) where available
Breathing - Is the Px breathing? Check for rise and fall of the chest, feel for exhalation over
the nose and mouth
- Px breathing normally - turn PX onto their side (recovery position) and continue
to monitor vital signs, provide comfort
- Px NOT breathing normally and unresponsive - Px in supine position and
commence CPR
- Utilise oxygen therapy where indicated and available
CPR - 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (30:2)
- Aim for 100 compresions/ minute
- Continue CPR until definitive help arrives or PX recovers
Defib - Apply defibrillator ASAP and follow voice prompts