Overview This unit concerns application of First Aid in emergency situations and the ability to respond promptly and appropriately to a range of situations and incidents in order to preserve life and protect casualties until specialist aid is available. This unit was developed by the British Red Cross in consultation with St John Ambulance service. Simulation is acceptable for this unit where a suitably qualified assessor observes activity. There are 4 elements: 1 4.1 Respond to the needs of casualties with minor injuries 2 4.2 Respond to the needs of casualties with major injuries 3 4.3 Respond to the needs of unconscious casualties 4 4.4 Perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) SFJRM4 1
Performance criteria Respond to the needs of casualties with minor injuries P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 check area for danger and respond accordingly ask casualty for history and symptoms of the injury assess the casualty and establish the nature and extent of the injury apply first aid treatment appropriate to type and severity of injury call for additional help, as appropriate inform the casualty of action taken and sources of further help and advice Respond to the needs of casualties with major injuries P7 assess the extent and severity of the casualty's condition P8 place the casualty in an appropriate position of rest to maximise blood flow to vital organs P9 protect the casualty from heat or cold P10 comply with hygiene procedures and avoid infection P11 control bleeding by applying direct or indirect pressure and appropriate dressings or bandages P12 check for and where possible maintain circulation beyond bandaging P13 immobilise and support injuries in line with current practice P14 call for additional help promptly Respond to the needs of unconscious casualties P15 check area for danger and take appropriate action P16 check casualty's level of consciousness and breathing P17 assess the casualty and establish nature and extent of any injury P18 check for presence of any life-threatening conditions P19 move casualty to the recovery position in accordance with current practice P20 call for help promptly P21 monitor casualty's condition and note any changes Perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) P22 check for danger and take appropriate action P23 open casualty's airway by head tilt and chin lift and position the casualty correctly for ventilation P24 check for breathing and remove any obstructions from the mouth P25 apply CPR at the correct rate, depth and ratio P26 apply chest compressions in the correct position and at the correct rate P27 recheck for circulation P28 call for additional help promptly SFJRM4 2
Knowledge and understanding You need to know and understand: K1 limitations and risks of applying First Aid to others K2 how to detect an obstructed airway and methods of clearing obstruction K3 how to check for signs of life and for life threatening conditions K4 methods of CPR and how to use this appropriately K5 how to manage an unconscious casualty and the main causes of unconsciousness K6 precautions to be taken when performing CPR K7 different types of wound and their treatment K8 methods for controlling bleeding K9 signs and symptoms of shock K10 recognition and treatment of sprains, strains and fractures K11 main safety considerations when dealing with burns or scalds K12 how to recognise and assess the severity and extent of injuries K13 appropriate treatments for hypothermia, frostbite, heat-stroke and heat exhaustion K14 how to recognise and respond to local danger and risks when dealing with casualties SFJRM4 3
Additional Information Skills Teamwork 1 work co-operatively with others 2 take prompt and effective action to assist others Personal Responsibility 3 act with confidence in emergency situations 4 take personal action to resolve unanticipated situations SFJRM4 4
Developed by Government Skills Version number 1 Date approved June 2001 Indicative review date Validity Status Originating organisation Original URN June 2003 Legacy Tailored British Red Cross O62NRM4 Relevant occupations Suite Key words Policing and Law Enforcement (2003); Heddlu; Public Services Emergency, Casualties SFJRM4 5