First aid

Question 1

Duty of care/consent/documentation

Answer 1

What is duty of care?

• Applies where one person takes responsibility of another person.
• Once you commence first aid, you automatically take on a duty of care
• When providing first aid, always stay within the scope of your training
• Never leave the ill or injured after you have commenced first aid

How does consent apply to providing first aid?

• Obtain consent, if patient is conscious, before applying first aid
• Unconscious casualty: implied consent
• Casualty is under 18 years- where possible, obtain consent of a parent-legal guardian
• Keep a written record

If consent is refused, you may be charged with assault if you proceed to apply first aid.

Why is it important for a first aider to keep a record of the incident? What information should they write?
•Record any details of treatment
•Records may be used as evidence in court
•Ensure details are accurately recorded in ink
•Record facts not opinion
•Sign and date the record
•Confidentiality must be maintained
•Store in a secure locket cabinet
Infection control
Before Providing First Aid

Question 2

Infection control

Answer 2

Before Providing First Aid

Wash hands
Cover exposed cuts
Wear disposable gloves and if available face mask, eye protection

After Providing First Aid

Disinfect/wash blood splashed clothing, contaminated surfaces, equipment
Dispose of waste carefully
Wash hands
Blood and Needle Stick Accidents

If skin is involved:

Wash the area well with soap and water
If mouth involved:

Spit contaminant out and rinse

If eyes involved:

Irrigate eyes for at least 5 minutes, keeping eyes open
Refer to health care provider e.g. GP
Chain of survival
Early Access
Early CPR
Early Defibrillation
Early Advanced Life Support
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in this set (45)

Question 3

Chain of survival

Answer 3

Early Access
Early CPR
Early Defibrillation
Early Advanced Life Support

Question 4

info required by emergency services

Answer 4

what service do you need, give address, state country, how many people involved, is there danger

Question 5

what does DRSABCD stand for

Answer 5

Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation

Question 6

What is the initial assessment priority

Answer 6

1) DRSABCD 2)Shock 3)Bleeding, burns, wounds 4)Fractures 5)minor Wounds

Question 7

three things to ask about the history of the patent

Answer 7

events leading up to incident, signs and symptoms of the patient and any allergies`

Question 8

Secondary assessment

Answer 8

involves carrying out a head to toe examination of the patient to determine what injuries are present and prioritise the first aid treatment.

Question 9

Properties of casualty management

Answer 9

1) DRSABCE + initial assessment 2) Phone for medical assistance 3) secondary assessment 4) Ongoing casualty care

Question 10

Management of chest pain- patient not had it before

Answer 10

1. Encourage the patient to immediately stop what they’re doing and rest.
2. Help patient to sit or lie down (whichever is most comfortable) and provide reassurance. Ask them to describe their symptoms.
   If pain gets worse quickly or is severe, Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. Don’t hang up. Wait for medical advice from the 000 operator

Question 11

Management of chest pain- patient has had it before

Answer 11

1. Encourage the patient to immediately stop what they’re doing and rest.
2. Help patient to sit or lie down (whichever is most comfortable) and provide reassurance. Ask them to describe their symptoms.
3. If rest alone does not bring rapid or effective relief of symptoms, assist the patient either to place his/her prescribed dose of angina tablets under the tongue or inside the cheek as per directions on bottle, or administer Nitrolingual Pumpspray under the tongue.
4. If symptoms are not relieved within 5 minutes, assist the patient to take another dose of angina medication.
5. If the pain or discomfort is not completely relieved within 10 minutes of onset by rest and medication, if the pain gets worse quickly, or is severe, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. Don’t hang up. Wait for medical advice from the 000 operator.

Note: Give patient one tablet of aspirin unless allergic or their doctor has warned them against taking aspirin.

6. If pain settles quickly and the patient is familiar with their angina, recommend medical follow up as soon as possible.

Question 12

Management of a stroke

Answer 12

1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Reassure the patient. Inability to communicate can otherwise cause extreme anxiety in the patient. Grasp both hands and ask the patient to squeeze. Usually patient will respond with one or the other hand. Be calm and reassuring.
3. If patient is conscious:
   - Support head and shoulders on pillows
   - Loosen tight clothing.
   - Maintain body temp.
   - Wipe away secretions from mouth
   - Ensure the airway is open
4. If patient unconscious:
   - Place in recovery position.
5. Ensure call for ambulance has been made.

Question 13

Management of an asthma attack- unconscious patient

Answer 13

1. Follow DRSABCD

Question 14

Management of asthma attack- conscious patient

Answer 14

1. Help the patient into a comfortable position-
   • Usually sitting upright and leaning forward
   • Be reassuring and ensure adequate fresh air
2. Help with prompt administration of patients medication (4:4:4)
   • Give 4 puffs one at a time of a blue reliever inhaler (use a spacer if available)
   • Patient takes 4 breaths after each puff
   • Wait 4 minutes
   • If no improvement, give another 4 puffs
3. If little or no improvement within minutes:
   • Ensure an ambulance has been called- triple zero (000)
   • Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until ambulance arrives
   • Children- 4 puffs every 4 minutes
   • Adults- up to 6-8 puffs every 5 minutes

Question 15

Management of anaphylaxis

Answer 15

1. Lay patient flat. If breathing is difficult allow patient to sit in a comforable position.
2. Assist the patient with the adrenaline auto-injector (if available).
3. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
4. Keep patient lying flat or sitting in a comfortable position.
5. Monitior the patients breathing and record pulse.
6. If no response after 5 minutes, further adrenaline may be given.

Question 16

Management of bleeding

Answer 16

1. Control bleeding.
2. Apply pressure to the wound to restrict the flow of blood and allow normal clotting to occur (use pad and dressing).
3. Raise the injured part to slow the flow of blood and encourage clotting.
4. Maintain pressure on the pad (by hand, or by the use of a triangle or roller bandage).
5. Minimise shock- this may result from extensive loss of blood, emotional distress or pain.
6. Minimise the risk of infection- cover wound with a sterile bandage (if available)
7. Consider the need for medical aid.

Question 17

Management of burns

Answer 17

1. Follow DRSABCD
2. Cool the burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes. This should occur as soon as possible within three hours.
3. Prevent infection by covering the burn wound with loose and light non-stick dressing, preferably clean, dry, lint -free material (e.g. plastic cling film).
4. Treat for shock.

Question 18

Burns- what NOT to do

Answer 18

DO NOT apply lotions, ointments or oily dressings.
DO NOT prick or break blisters.
DO NOT give alcohol.
DO NOT overcool patient (particularly if young or burn is extensive)
DO NOT use towels, cottonwool, blankets or adhesive dressings directly on wound.
DO NOT remove clothing stuck to burnt area.
DO NOT apply ice.

Question 19

Management of fractures

Answer 19

1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Contol any bleeding and cover any wounds.
3. Check for other fractures- open, closed, or complicated.
4. Ask patient to remain still as possible.
5. Immobilise fracture with broad bandages to prevent movement at the joints above and below fracture by:
   - supporting the limb- carefully pass bandages under the natural hollows of the body
   - Placing a padded splint along the injured limb
   - Placing padding between the splint and the natural contours of the body and securing firmly.
   - For leg fracture, immobilise foot and ankle
   - Checking that bandages are not too tight (or too loose) every 15 mins
6. Watch for signs of circulation to foot or hand.
7. Handle gently.
8. Observe patient carefully.
9. Seek medical aid.

Question 20

Management for sprains/strains

Answer 20

1. Follow DRSABCD.

2. Follow RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation).

Question 21

Management of head injuries

Answer 21

1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. If patient is conscious, place patient in comfortable position with head and shoulders slightly raised.
3. If patient is unconscious:
   - place in recovery position
   - clear and open airway
   - monitor breathing
4. Support patients head and neck in neutral alignment during movement; avoid twisting movement (could have spinal injury).
5. Keep patients airway open with a chin lift, if face badly injured (do not force).
6. Control bleeding but do not apply direct pressure to the skull if you suspect a depressed fracture.
7. If blood or fluid comes from the ear, cover with a sterile dressing (lie patient on injured side if possible to allow fluid to drain).
8. Call triple zero. Note the patients condition to reort to the paramedics.

Question 22

Management of neck/spinal injuries- unconscious patient

Answer 22

1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Place the unconscious patient in recovery position supporting neck and spine in neutral position at all times.
3. Maintain a clear and open airway.
4. Hold head and spine in a neutral position, to prevent twisting or bending movement.
5. Ensure an ambulance has been called.

Question 23

Management of neck/spinal injuries- conscious patient

Answer 23

1. Calm the patient.
2. Loosen tight clothing.
3. Do not move the patient unless in danger- leave lifting, loading and transporting patient to paramedic unless absolutely necessary.
4. Hold head and spine in neutral position- place your hands on either side of patients head until other support arranged.
5. If ambulance delayed, apply a cervical collar, if trained to do so, to minimise neck movement.
6. Ensure an ambulance has been called.

Question 24

Management of abdominal injuries

Answer 24

1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Place patient on back with knees slightly raised and supported- a pillow may be used under the head to increase comfort.
3. Loosen clothing.
4. Cover protruding organs with an aluminium foil or plastic food wrap, or a large, non stick, sterile dressing, soaked in sterile saline (clean water if not available).
5. Secure with a broad bandage (not tightly).
6. Call triple zero for an ambulance.

Question 25

Management of bleeding nose

Answer 25

1. Breathe through mouth. Sit casualty up, head slightly forward. 2. Apply finger and thumb on soft part of nose for ten minutes. 3. Loosen tight clothing around neck. 4. Place ice packs on neck and forehead. 5. Seek medical aid if bleeding persists.

Question 26

Management of eye injuries; wound

Answer 26

1. Follow DRSABCD 2. Calm the casualty. 3. Place dressing over inured eye (make sure there is no pressure on the eye) 4. Ask the casulaty not to move their eyes. 5. Lie casualty on back. 6. Call triple zero.

Question 27

Management of eye injuries; foreign object

Answer 27

1. Remove corner of clean moist cloth. 2. Ask casualty to look down. 3. Gently grab lashes of upper lid. 4. Pull lid down over bottom lid, this may dislodge object.

Question 28

Management of eye injuries; penetrating objects

Answer 28

1. Follow DRSABCD. 2. Lie casualty on back. 3. Do not attemt to remove the object. 4. Place pads around object or paper cup over it. 5. Bandage in place 6. Ensure there is not pressure on the eye 7. Call triple zero 8. Do not give any food or drink to the casualty (they might require surgery)

Question 29

Management of eye injuries; chemical or heat burn

Answer 29

1. Follow DRSABCD 2. Tilt head back and turn to the side 3. Wash eye gently with cool running water for 20 mins 4. Place pad over the eye. 5. Call triple zero.

Question 30

Management of heat stroke

Answer 30

1. Follow DRSABCD 2. Remove the patient to a cool place 3. Remove almost all clothing; loosen anything tight 4. Apply cold packs or ice to areas of large blood vessels (neck, groin and armpits) to accelerate cooling 5. If possible, cover body with a wet sheet; fan to increase air circulation (stop cooling when body feels cold to the touch) 6. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance 7. If patient is fully conscious and is able to swallow, give fluids.

Question 31

Management of hypothermia

Answer 31

1. Follow DRSABCD. 2. Remove the patient to a warm, dry place. 3. Protect patient from wind, rain, sleet, cold and wet ground. 4. Handle the patient as gently as possible. 5. Avoid excess body movement. 6. Maintain patient in a horizontal position. 7. Remove wet clothing. 8. Place patient between blankets or in sleeping bag, and wrap in a space blanket or similar. 9. Cover head to maintain body heat. 10. Give patient warm drinks if conscious (not alcoholic) 11. Provide warmth to patient: • Direct body-to-body contact may be the only means of rewarming available, however, this method is fairly ineffective and may even interfere with rewarming by shivering. • Hot water bottles, heat packs and other sources of external heating may be applied to patient's neck, armpits and groin, but caution must be taken to avoid burns; aim to stabilse core temperature rather than attempt rapid rewarming. 12. If hypothermia is severe, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. 13. Remain with the patient until medical aid arrives.

Question 32

Management of poisons- ingested poisons

Answer 32

1. Do not induce vomiting. 2. Do not give anything by mouth. 3. Wash corrosive substance off mouth and face with water, or wipe off.

Question 33

Management of poisons- inhaled poisons

Answer 33

1. Move patient and yourself to fresh air. 2. Loosen any tight clothing. 3. Consider using oxygen therapy if necessary.

Question 34

Management of poisons- absorbed poisons

Answer 34

1. Protect yourself (if possible) by wearing disposable gloves, goggles and protective clothing. 2. Ask the patient to remove contaminated clothing and place the contaminated clothes in a plastic bag- be careful to avoid contact with your own skin. 3. Flush the patients skin with large amounts of running water.

Question 35

Management of cold compress bites and stings

Answer 35

1. DRSABCD 2. Apply cold pack to bitten area 3. Hold in place with a bandage

Question 36

Management of hypoglycaemia

Answer 36

1. Give sugar or sweetened drink every 15 mins until the patient has recovered. 2. If no improvement, call 000. 3. If unconscious, follow DRSABCD.

Question 37

Management of epilepsy

Answer 37

1. Protect from injury 2. Do not restrain 3. Place casualty on side 4. Manage any injuries 5. If casualty falls asleep, do not disturb

Question 38

Management of febrile convulsions

Answer 38

During the convulsion- 1. Place child on side for their own safety. 2. DO NOT restrain the child. After the convulsion- 1. Follow DRSABCD. 2. Seek medical aid. Note: DO NOT cool the child by sponging or bathing but remove excess clothing or wrapping. DRS

Question 39

Danger

Answer 39

- To you - To others - To the patient

Question 40

Response

Answer 40

Is the casualty conscious? COWS- - Can you hear me? - Open your eyes - What is your name? - Squeeze my hands

Question 41

Send for Help

Answer 41

000/112 - Address - Telephone number - Name: caller and casualty - Number of casualties and complaint - Is patient conscious? - Is patient breathing?

Question 42

Airways

Answer 42

- Check whilst on back - If there is no foreign material, open the airway If no foreign material- - Put into recovery position - Head to toe assessment If there is foreign material- - Place casualty into recovery position - Open mouth and clear airway - Tilt head back to open airway

Question 43

Asphyxia

Answer 43

Where the airway is blocked/compromised

Question 44

Breathing

Answer 44

- Look - Listen - Feel - If not breathing normally, start CPR

Question 45

CPR

Answer 45

- Call for an ambulance - 30 Compressions: 2 breaths, at a rate of 5 cycles in 2 minutes Compressions - Lower half of the breastbone in the centre of the chest. - Compress about one third (1/3) the depth of the chest. Breaths - Tilt the head back, lift the chin. - Blow into casualty's mouth. Blow a second (2nd) breath and watch for chest to rise and fall. - If you are unable or unwilling to give mouth to mouth, give compressions only.

Question 46

Defibrillation

Answer 46

- Automatic External Defibrillation (AED) - Delivery of a direct electrical shock to the heart with the aim of restoration of the normal heart function - If wet or damp, towel dry before placing AED pads on bare chest. - Remove all jewellery around neck/chest - Follow instructions on AED