RSBA1 Basic First Aid

Learn how to provide emergency medical care in this free online first aid training course that also covers CPR.

This course establishes the importance of first aid techniques used to manage medical emergencies. We show you how to assess different situations and identify the dangers facing both you and others. We explain when to call for emergency assistance and how those services may change when you travel. We also show you how to perform CPR and respond to seizures. This first aid training helps you to respond to emergency situations and even saves lives.

Course Description 

This emergency medical care course introduces you to first aid techniques. We provide instructions for administering immediate medical help in various situations before the arrival of professional emergency help. Basic first aid is a useful skill that can help those around you and represents a valuable addition to your professional portfolio. First aid requires preparation through training that you can use to make suitable assessments and administer the most appropriate response.

The course explains how an unconscious patient requires different medical care to one who is awake. We take you through the steps of ‘DRAB’ (which stands for ‘Danger, Response, Airway and Breathing’), a protocol that can help save critical seconds and make a profound difference to the health of the patient. We show you how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) used in cases of cardiovascular distress or drowning. The course establishes the importance of the recovery position for unconscious patients.

We then list what you should have in your first aid kit. An emergency response may be required anywhere, particularly at home or in the classroom or workplace. First aid skills and an accessible and well-stocked kit allow you to be prepared for medical emergencies. Conditions differ across borders so we suggest that you refer to your country’s first aid protocols to gain practical local knowledge. This course suits anyone but is particularly useful for parents, teachers and health and safety officers. Sign up to learn basic first aid techniques and be prepared for medical emergencies. Your skills could save a life!

First Aid Treatment

 

Incase of an emergency, we strongly recommend that you always call for emergency support and notify an administrator. While waiting for support to arrive, you can take the following actions. Emergency support may provide specific instructions; in such cases, please comply with them until help arrives. If emergency support is unavailable, please follow these steps instead.

Title of Subject: Managing the Incident

Introduction: Assessing the situation

 

It is important to assess if there is any danger to yourself or bystanders.

If it is safe then manage any dangers found otherwise leave it to the qualified personnel.

Maintain ongoing safety for yourself and others. For example, keep a safe distance from the incident.

Alert for emergency help:

Call for the appropriate help (first aid, fire marshal, police, ambulance, fire brigade, life guard, air ambulance) This can vary depending on the incident, location and country.

 

Action

What is the emergency number for your country?

If the incident requires an emergency call, please do the following:

The information must be clear as possible as time may be a critical factor.

Exercise

• Where is the location?

• How many people require assistance?

• What is the incident/ injury?

• Name/Age and medical challenges that you are aware of (this can vary)

• Identify potential hazards (flooding, fire, explosion, crash debris, gas, electric)

If you are travelling abroad it is a good exercise to check the emergency number for that country.

This information can be found on the internet or country embassy website.

Check this international emergency directory for future reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emergency_telephone_numbers

 

Title of Subject: Unconsciousness

 

Title of Subject: Unconsciousness

Introduction: When a person has collapsed/ fainted

Content: Follow the assessment steps DRAB (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing).

Danger: Assess the incident first and see if there is any danger to yourself first then the unconscious/ fainted person.

 

Response

• This means a person is unconscious for a period of time

• They appear with a complete or partial lack of responsiveness

• Unaware of both personal and external surroundings

• They have no muscle control meaning they appear floppy/ another person needs to pick them up.
  Attempt to wake up the person by:

• A loud shout in both ears and gently shake the person by the shoulders.

• A person who is unconscious will not wake up. A person who has fainted will after a temporary period of unconsciousness.

Blocked Airway

A blocked airway: There are two dangers

• Swallowing your own tongue is called colloquially
  When a person has no muscle control, has collapsed or fainted their tongue can block their airway.

• Vomit - Loss of muscle control can include the stomach, causing stomach contents known as vomit to get stuck in the throat.
  Airway
  The immediate aim is to open the airway and keep clear. As a blocked airway can lead to death.
  Tilt the head backwards and lift the chin with two fingers.

 

Title of Subject: Breathing is Present

 

Introduction: What do if a person is breathing

Content: After airway check next keep your hands on the persons head and and chin. Place your cheek above their mouth and look at their chest.

Follow: Look, Listen, Feel - Make a 10 second observation for regular breathing through 3 steps.

If a person is making noises and actions such as gasping/ wheezing then this is not normal breathing and should be considered as no breathing.

Breathing = Recovery position

If the person is breathing then put them in the recovery position.

1) Remove Bulk

 

Straighten the persons leg and remove any accessories such as glasses, mobile phone, wallet etc.

 

2) Move Arm Nearest to You

 

Place the arm nearest to you alongside the persons head with the elbow bent.

 

Title of Subject: Breathing is Present

 

3) Move Other Arm and Raise Leg

Bring the other arm across the chest and hold their hand against their cheek. With your other hand, get hold of the knee furthest from you and pull the leg up until the foot is flat on the floor.

 

4) Pull knee towards you

Pull the leg towards you, rolling the person onto their side gently.

 

5) Adjust leg

Adjust the leg so that they cannot fall forwards.

 

6) Keep airway open

Check that the airway remains open. Move the hand back under the chin if moved to ensure the head is tilted back.

 

7) Keep monitoring

Keep observing the person as this can change. From breathing, response level to pulse.

 

Title of Subject: No Breathing/Agony Breathing - CPR

Introduction: How to do CPR on a person

• Content: This is for a person who is unconscious where their breathing and blood circulation will be challenged. Remember to look, listen, feel (10 seconds check).

• Airway Check- Tilt the head back and place to fingers under the chin. Look along the chest for movement and listen for breathing and feel for breath on your cheek for 10 seconds.

• If there is no breathing present or short gasps of breath you should begin CPR immediately.

What Is CPR?

This can be a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. The aim is to kickstart blood circulation and breathing

Conducting a CPR

 

1) Position Hands on Chest

On the centre of the chest, place the heel of one hand. Then place the heel of the free hand on top and interlock your fingers. You can do this through clothing. If there is an obstruction remove beforehand. Make sure you are not near the persons ribs.

 

2) Chest Compressions

Lean directly over the person with arms straight to apply pressure. About 5-6cm (2-2 inch) then release but do not remove any hands. Give 30-second compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.

 

3) Rescue Breaths

Follow with 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the persons head to clear airway lift the chin with two fingers. Pinch the persons nostrils closed and make sure the persons mouth is open.

Take a breath, seal your lips over the persons mouth and blow steadily until the chest rises. With the persons airway open, remove your mouth to stop and look across the chest and watch it fall. Repeat to give two rescue breaths, each breath should take 1 second. Repeat 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.

 

4) Continue CPR Until Emergency Personnel Arrives

Observe the person who may regain consciousness, become responsive, cough, open eyes, move and begin to breath on own. If you are too tired to continue while emergency arrives then another person can takeover.

 

Title of Subject: Vomiting

Introduction : When a person throws up (is sick).

Content : A person throwing up has experienced a form of irritation to their digestion system. This can both be physical and chemical.

• The person should not attempt to hold the vomit in. The person should be allowed to vomit as long as needed.

• Provide a clean and damp cloth for the person to wipe their face.

• When the person has stopped vomiting provide them access to water and guide them to take gentle sips. Recommend they rest until they feel better to carry on with any activity.

• It is important to avoid dehydration as the body has experienced loss of water from the body.

• Recommend to the person that when they begin to feel hungry that they consume food that can be easily digested such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes etc

Title of Subject: Choking

Introduction: When a person is choking

Content How to identify if a person is choking? The person may be clenching their neck, chest, started to turn pale or blue and may be unable to speak, breath or cough. If the person is mid choking and still coughing allow them to continue. Remove any obvious obstruction from the mouth.

 

Back Blows

If the person has stopped breathing, bend them forward and stand behind them to give them back blows. 

Give five sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Stop once the obstruction clears and check mouth.

Abdominal Thrusts

If back blows have failed to clear the obstruction then try this. Continue to stand behind the person and put both arms around the upper part of the abdomen. Ensure the person is still bending forward. Grasp your fist and pull inwards and upwards five times. Check mouth again.

If there is still no clearance then repeat back blows and abdominal thrusts three times. Call for emergency support and administrator until support arrives.

Title of Subject: Major Loss of Bleeding

Introduction: When a person is bleeding heavily

Content: Loss of a lot of blood is an emergency and requires prevention of further blood loss to avoid the person going into shock.

Follow PEEP : (Position, Elevate, Expose, Pressure).

• Position: Identify the loss of blood location and make sure the person is positioned safely.

• Elevate: Elevate the wound above the level of the heart.

• Expose: Check for foreign objects.

• Pressure: Apply pressure on the wound however if there is a foreign object present then around the wound only.

 

What is Shock?

What is shock? In medical terms this is called hypovolemic shock. Meaning low volume of blood. The person can experience the following symptoms:

• Confusion

• Drowsiness

• Fast shallow breathing

• Pale, cold and clammy skin

• Fast, weak pulse

Follow PEEP and raise the persons leg if possible, cover the person and keep them warm. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink. Put the person into recovery position should they become unconscious/ unresponsive. If the person stops breathing normally then commence CPR.

Exercise: Keep a first aid kit that includes bandages and a blanket onsite.

 

Title of Subject: Stroke

Introduction: When a person appears to have had a stroke.

Content: A stroke occurs when there is a disruption with the flow of blood in the brain. Such as a blood clot or bleeding from a damaged vessel. Strokes can vary from minor, major or fatal. However a full recovery is possible. Take immediate action if you recognise any of the following symptoms.

Follow FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)

• Face -Check for any facial weakness – check if the person can smile evenly.

• Arms - Check for arm weakness – ask the person to move both arms, if can only move one they may have had a stroke.

• Speech - Ask the person a few basic questions. Observe if they can speak or understand what you are saying.

• Time - Call for emergency help if you suspect a stroke has taken place.

Continue to observe and reassure the person. Check for breathing, responsiveness, and pulse. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.

 

 

Title of Subject: Diabetic Emergency

Introduction: What to do if a diabetic person faces an emergency.

Content: Diabetes is when a person is unable to produce the right level of insulin in the body. A chemical that controls how much sugar is in the blood.

Which diabetes? There are two types.

Type 1 - Hypoglycaemia

When there is too much insulin this means abnormally low levels of sugar in the blood.

Signs and Symptoms 

• A person may be sweating, cold, clammy and pale skin.

• Have a strong pulse and heart palpitations.

• Feel hungry, weak and faint.

• Confusion and low response levels.

• Shallow breathing.What to do?

Give sugary drink or food. Make sure they sit down to rest.

Type 2- Hyperglycaemia

When there is too little insulin this means a build up of sugar in the blood.

 

Signs and Symptoms

• A person may have dry skin, deep heavy breathing and a fast pulse.

• Breath smelling of acetone (like nail varnish remover).

• Feeling extreme thirst.

• They may become dazed and confused and even may lose consciousness.

What to do?

Call an ambulance immediately and observe breathing, response level and pulse.

Title of Subject: Epileptic Seizure

Introduction: What to do if a person with epilepsy has a seizure.

Title: An epileptic seizure is when an electrical activity in the brain is disturbed. A seizure may be sudden and dramatic. This can also be minor with the person looking like they are daydreaming.

Signs and symptoms

• There is a sudden loss of consciousness.

• The person has a rigid body.

• The person may have convulsive sudden jerking movements.

• Their muscles relax at the end of the seizure.

 

Handling Epileptic Seizure

 

1) Clear the Area

Clear the space so that the person does not hurt themselves. Keep calm and let the seizure subside. There is nothing that you can do to stop it.

2) Protect the Head

Observe if you are able to place any padding under or around the head area to prevent injury. Such as using a towel or pillows. Please do this carefully as you can frighten the person having the seizure. Also carefully loosen any tight clothing.

Recovery Position

When the seizure has stopped, open the airway and check the breathing. Place the person into the recovery position.

Reassure

After the seizure, remain with the person to reassure them. Observe breathing, response levels and pulse.

Important Notes

• Do not try to hold or stop the person having a seizure.

• Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

Title of Subject: Emergency Labour

ntroduction: When a woman goes into labour suddenly.

Content: Labour is the process that a woman's body goes into when a baby is going to arrive. Sometimes this can happen suddenly. It is important to make the mother as comfortable until emergency personnel arrive.

 

Clear the space and make sure it is clean as possible. Get some clean towels, blankets, and pillows ready. Make sure you have access to a clean bowl of water and disinfectant. Have disposable gloves ready just in case.

• Observe the length of each contraction and the length between each one.

• Make sure the mother is a comfortable position that suits them. This may be standing up, leaning over, sitting, kneeling. Ensure there is enough clean padding round her.

• Stay calm and encourage them to breath deeply during the contractions.

• Massage the lower back gently using the heel of your hand. You can offer to wipe her face and hands using a damp cloth to help sooth her. Or you can spray the face with water and give ice cubes to suck on.

• If the baby does arrive then handle carefully as they can be slippery. Wrap the baby in a clean towel, blanket, cloth.

• Then continue to support the mother on the afterbirth. Do not cut the cord and keep both umbilical cord intact for emergency personnel. If bleeding or pain is sever then follow the steps for shock treatment.

Title of Subject: First Aid Kit

Introduction: What should be in it.

Content: This is vital for any minor and major emergencies that require a response. Make sure the first aid kit is easily identifiable, in a safe and easy to access place. First aid kits come in different sizes with different contents.

• Bandages – crepe, roller, cloth, paper

• Plasters – variety of sizes

• Sterile gauze pads

• Wound cleaning wipes

• Clear and fabric tape

• Safety pins

• Wound dressings- small, medium, large

• Disposable gloves

• Scissors

• Tweezers

• Note pad – pencil, pen

• Foil survival bag

• Plastic survival bag

• Blanket

• Warning Triangle

Exercise Keep a first aid kit onsite and for the car (keep in glove or boot compartment). Make sure the first aid is checked from time to time to see if any of the contents needs replacing.

Title of Subject: Infection of a Wound (Cut)

Introduction: What should you do when a wound (cut) is affected.

Content: When a wound gets contaminated by micro-organisms it is called an infection. The germs can enter a variety of ways from the source of injury, environment, fingers, breath, clothing.

Follow the first 48 hours

If a wound does not heal within 48 hours it is likely to be infected.

Important: A person with a wound that is at high risk of infection may need treatment with antibiotics.

• Increase in pain and soreness of the wound.

• Swelling, redness and feeling of heat around the wound.

• Puss within or oozing from the wound.

• Swelling and tenderness of the glands in the neck, armpit or groin.

• Faint red trails on the skin that lead to the glands in the neck, armpit or groin.

• Severe: Fever, sweating, thirst, shivering and lethargy (extreme tiredness).

Treatment of a Cut

1) Clean and Cover

Make sure the wound is cleaned, kept clear, and covered with a plaster, sterile dressing, pad, or bandage.

2) Raise and Support

If necessary raise the persons injured part with a sling or bandages. This helps to reduce the swelling around the wound.

3) Observe

If the person has severe signs and symptoms then make contact with emergency personnel.

Title of Subject: Smoke Inhalation

Introduction: What to do if a person has inhaled smoke

 

Content: A person who has inhaled smoke will have a challenge related to breathing. As the person will have low levels of oxygen in their body tissues. The smoke may contain toxic fumes from burning materials.

 

Smoke - Signs and Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing.

• Rapid and noisy – agony breathing.

• Coughing and wheezing.

• Burning sensation in the nose and mouth.

• Soot around the noise and mouth.

• Unconscious.

Dealing With Smoke Inhalation

1) Alert Emergency

Call the relevant personnel in the country dependent on location (fire brigade)

If the person has left the place of fume then ensure you move to a safe space away from any danger.

 

Important

Do not enter the fume-filled location yourself

 

2) Observe

Support the person and encourage them to breath. Monitor the breathing, response levels and pulse.

Important. If the person is/ becomes unconscious then please follow the steps for when a person is breathing or not breathing.

 

Title of Subject: Burns and Scalds

Introduction: What to do if a person receives a burn or scald.

Content: A burn can be from flames, contact with hot objects such as appliances. A scald is from boiling temperature liquids, cooking liquids or steam.: A burn can be from flames, contact with hot objects such as appliances. A scald is from boiling temperature liquids, cooking liquids or steam.

There are three types

• Superficial burn: Outer layer of skin only – redness, swelling, and tenderness.

• Partial thickness burn: Skin and epidermis – skin becomes red and raw. Blisters form due to fluid release.

• Full thickness burn: All layers of skin- may include damage to nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.

 

Dealing With Burns and Scalds

• Alert emergency (if severe burn/ scald only) - Call the relevant personnel in the country dependent on location (fire brigade).

• Cold wash - Get the area access to cold water for 10 minutes until the pain is relieved. Alternatively any cold harmless liquid such as milk or drink can be used.

• Remove - Gently remove any accessories, jewellery and constrictive clothing.

• Cover - Gently cover the area with clean kitchen film or plastic bag. This must be done lengthways so that the burn/ scald is covered fully. Or use a plaster, sterile dressing, pad or bandage loosely in place.

• Observe - Monitor the persons responsiveness, breathing and pulse.

Important - If the person is/ becomes unconscious then please follow the steps for when a person is breathing or not breathing. Also look out for the signs and symptoms of shock and infection.

 

Title of Subject: Anxiety Attack

Introduction : What to do when a person has an anxiety attack

Content: Known as a panic attack occurs when a person experiences intense fear and anxiety (fight or flight mode). Physical symptoms may follow. This can range from 5-30 minutes but can also be longer. Signs and Symptoms include:

• Shaking/ trembling

• Palpitations

• Sweating

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Dizziness

• Hyperventilation

• Sickness

Dealing With an Anxiety Attack

 

A panic attack can be triggered such as from a phobia that the person has.

• Remove the trigger - Remove the person from the trigger or the trigger (assess the incident).

• Reassure - Gently reassure the person and remain calm yourself as this can be an unsettling experience for both of you.

• Breathing - Help the person focus on controlling their breathing. Try doing this yourself and get them to copy you. Encourage them to breath slowly through their nose, hold their breath, then breath out of their mouth.

• Observe - Monitor the persons responsiveness, breathing and pulse. Offer them a drink of water and suggest they rest until they are ready to continue with their activity.

 

Title of Subject: Vertigo/ Dizzy Spells

Introduction : What to do when a person has vertigo/ a dizzy spell

 

Signs and Symptoms

• Non stop vomiting (being sick).

• Challenge standing up or walking due to dizziness.

Vertigo - Severe Symptoms:

• A head injury

• Convulsions

• Unconsciousness

• Head ache or stiff neck

• Fever

• Stroke signs (change in speech, vision, mobility)

Handling Vertigo

1) Alert Emergency (If Severe Only)

Call the relevant personnel in the country dependent on location (ambulance)

 

2) Relive and Rest

Help the person to lie down and rest

The person should avoid sudden changes in head movements and body positioning

 

3) Observe

Monitor the persons breathing, responsiveness and pulse.

If the person is feeling nauseous or vomiting (being sick) follow the steps for vomiting.

Offer them a drink of water and suggest they rest until they are ready to continue with their activity.

 

Important

If the person is/ becomes unconscious then please follow the steps for when a person is breathing or not breathing.

 

Lesson Summary

 

The key contents covered in this module are:

• When in an emergency situation, it is important to assess if there is any danger to yourself or bystanders.

• If it is safe then manage any dangers found otherwise leave it to the qualified personnel.

• Maintain ongoing safety for yourself and others. For example, keep a safe distance from the incident.

• Call for the appropriate help (first aid, fire marshal, police, ambulance, fire brigade, lifeguard, air ambulance). This can vary depending on the incident, location, and country.

• When a person has collapsed/ fainted, follow the assessment steps DRAB (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing).

• Assess the incident first and see if there is any danger to yourself first then the unconscious/ fainted person.

• CPR can be a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. The aim is to kickstart blood circulation and breathing.