PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET - First Aid Action
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PROVIDE FIRST AID
BOOKLET
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
Contents
Principles of First Aid ................................................................................................................................. 6
Cultural Awareness and Respect ...................................................................................................................6
Legal Implications of First Aid........................................................................................................................6
Workplace First Aid ........................................................................................................................................8
FIRST AID KITS ............................................................................................................................................. 10
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY? ......................................................................................................................... 10
Resuscitation ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Chain of Survival ............................................................................................................................................. 11
1. Early Recognition & Call for Help ....................................................................................................... 11
2. Early CPR.............................................................................................................................................. 11
3. Early Defib ........................................................................................................................................... 12
4. Post Resuscitation Care ...................................................................................................................... 12
Emergency Action Plan - DRSABCD ........................................................................................................... 13
DRSABCD ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Compression Summary Chart ......................................................................................................................... 15
Resuscitation during the last weeks of pregnancy .................................................................................... 16
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ........................................................................................................ 16
Priority of Injuries ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Secondary Examination .................................................................................................................................. 17
Infection Control ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Manual Handling ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Moving Casualties ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Recovery Position ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Debriefing after an emergency....................................................................................................................... 18
Respiratory & Cardiac Conditions ............................................................................................................. 19
The Respiratory System .................................................................................................................................. 19
Choking ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Drowning ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Diving Emergencies ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Asthma ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Hyperventilation ............................................................................................................................................. 22
The Cardiovascular System ............................................................................................................................. 22
Cardiac Conditions .......................................................................................................................................... 23
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
Angina and Heart Attack.............................................................................................................................. 23
Heart Failure................................................................................................................................................ 24
Bleeding & Shock ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Trauma ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
Bleeding ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
External Bleeding ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Different Wounds ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Amputations – Care and Treatment ........................................................................................................... 25
Evisceration ................................................................................................................................................. 25
Needle Stick Injuries ................................................................................................................................... 26
Nose Bleed .................................................................................................................................................. 26
Internal Bleeding ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Concealed Internal Bleeding ....................................................................................................................... 27
Crush Injury ................................................................................................................................................. 27
Shock ............................................................................................................................................................... 27
Head Injuries & Altered Conscious States.................................................................................................. 28
Fainting ............................................................................................................................................................ 28
Head Injuries ................................................................................................................................................... 29
Stroke .............................................................................................................................................................. 30
Seizures & Epilepsy ......................................................................................................................................... 31
Febrile Convulsions ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Skeletal, Soft Tissue & Skin ....................................................................................................................... 32
The Musculoskeletal System .......................................................................................................................... 32
Spinal Injuries .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Eye & Ear Injuries ............................................................................................................................................ 34
Minor Eye Injuries ....................................................................................................................................... 34
Major Eye Injuries ....................................................................................................................................... 34
Welders Flash .............................................................................................................................................. 35
Ear Injuries................................................................................................................................................... 35
Tooth Injuries .............................................................................................................................................. 35
Soft Tissue Injuries – ....................................................................................................................................... 35
Sprains, Strains & Bruising .............................................................................................................................. 35
Slings................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Fractures.......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Dislocations ................................................................................................................................................. 39
Fractured Jaw .............................................................................................................................................. 39
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
Fractured Ribs & Flail Chest ........................................................................................................................ 40
Burns................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Electrical Burns ............................................................................................................................................ 41
Body Temperature Conditions ....................................................................................................................... 42
DEHYDRATION............................................................................................................................................. 43
HEAT CRAMPS ............................................................................................................................................. 43
HEAT EXHAUSTION ..................................................................................................................................... 43
HEAT STROKE .............................................................................................................................................. 44
EXPOSURE TO COLD .................................................................................................................................... 44
Diabetes .......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Medical Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 45
Epiglottitis ....................................................................................................................................................... 46
Meningitis ....................................................................................................................................................... 46
Croup ............................................................................................................................................................... 47
Anaphylaxis ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
Environmental Emergencies ..................................................................................................................... 49
Envenomation ................................................................................................................................................. 49
Snakes, sea snakes, funnel web spiders, cone shell, blue-ringed octopus ............................................... 49
Redback spiders, bees, wasps, ants, fire ants, scorpions .......................................................................... 50
Ticks ............................................................................................................................................................. 51
Fish Stings & Blue Bottles ........................................................................................................................... 51
Irukandji ...................................................................................................................................................... 52
Box Jellyfish ................................................................................................................................................. 52
Poisons ............................................................................................................................................................ 53
Substance Abuse ............................................................................................................................................. 53
In case of Emergency there is the free
Emergency+ App.
4 any
emergency!
©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
Information excerpts have been taken from the
following manuals:
Survival Emergency Solutions Fifth Edition First Aid
Emergency eHandbook The Survival Emergency Solutions First Aid
Active First Aid Manual Emergency eHandbook is available for download
via the following link (and is yours to keep).
https://www.survivalfirstaidkits.net.au/ebook
For further information please
download the iFirstAid app available on
the App Store and Google Play! below.
epared for
any
emergency! © First Aid Action, Publisher
This booklet is copyright. Apart from any fair dealings for purposes of private study, criticism or review, as permitted
Our app underisthe
available on no
Copyright Act, both
part may be reproduced by any process without written permission.
iOS and Android platforms.
Enquiries should be made to the publisher at info@firstaidaction.com.au
Select your download below.used for first aid management includes the latest knowledge from research
The technical information and techniques
and other relevant national and international professional bodies.
© Copyright. Special acknowledgement is given to the Australian Resuscitation Council for the information relating to
their Guidelines.
Aug 2020
This training course is based on the Unit of Competency HLTAID003 Provide First Aid (this includes the
competencies HLTAID001 and HLTAID002). This course describes the skills and knowledge required to provide
first response, CPR, management of casualty(s), until the arrival of medical or other assistance.
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
Principles of First Aid
First aid is the care given to a victim of illness or injury until the arrival of an ambulance officer, nurse or
doctor. First aid is defined as the helping behaviours and initial care provided for an acute illness or injury
(Australian Resuscitation Council 2014).
The four aims of first aid are to:
1. To promote a safe environment
2. To preserve life
3. To protect the casualty from further harm
4. To relieve pain
A first aid provider is defined as someone trained in first aid who should
✓ Recognise, assess and prioritise the need for first aid
✓ Provide care by using appropriate competencies
✓ Recognise limitations, and seek additional care when needed
(Australian Resuscitation Council 2014)
Cultural Awareness and Respect
When assisting a sick or injured person the first aider should show respect and be aware of cultural issues.
English may not be their first language and a woman might be uncomfortable accepting first aid from a man
etc. In some cultures direct eye contact may be impolite.
Legal Implications of First Aid
For specific information on the legal implications of giving first aid to another person it is
recommended that any individual should seek advice from a registered legal practitioner. The following
material should be used only as a guide to the legal implications relevant to first aid in an emergency.
A first aider may be an off-duty nurse or an untrained bystander but, under Common Law, any person who
sees an emergency may decide to assist the victim of sickness or injury until more highly trained assistance
becomes available. As a general rule, a first aider should only hand over responsibility for care of the victim to
a doctor, nurse or ambulance officer.
In the interim there are four considerations that the first aider should consider in an emergency:
1. Duty of care
✓ “Duty of care” describes the legal duty owed by one person to another to act in a certain way.
✓ As a first aider, you have a duty of care towards your casualties to exercise reasonable care and skill in
providing first aid treatment.
✓ The duty arises because you have knowledge and skills relevant to a medical emergency situation.
✓ If you choose to provide first aid assistance, you have a duty to use your knowledge and skills in a
responsible way.
✓ The common law does not impose an automatic duty on first aider’s to go to the aid of every casualty
they come across.
✓ A duty of care can also be imposed by legislation. In Queensland, WHS states that you have a duty of
care to your workmates, clients and visitors.
✓ Once you start first aid treatment of a casualty you do take on a duty of care to provide first aid with
reasonable skill and care and to ensure that your actions do not increase the risk to the casualty.
✓ You should continue to provide first aid once this treatment has begun, until:
✓ Qualified help (such as an ambulance officer or doctor) arrives and takes over
✓ another trained first aider relieves you
✓ the casualty shows signs of recovery
✓ you become physically unable to continue to provide first aid
✓ the scene becomes unsafe
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
2. Consent
✓ You should not commence treatment if an adult, who seems to be of sound mind and able to make a
decision, refuses your offer of treatment.
✓ You only have the casualty’s consent to treat them for a condition that affects their immediate health.
✓ You should not provide help for any ailment that goes beyond your knowledge of first aid
✓ Before you start treating a casualty, you should ask for and receive the casualty’s consent to your
treatment.
✓ If the casualty is unconscious, or is unable to give consent due to their injuries, you can assume
consent and commence treatment.
✓ If the casualty is under 18 years old, then you should seek consent from a parent or guardian. If a
parent or guardian is not present you can start treatment
3. Negligence
✓ The following factors must all be present for a first aider to be found negligent:
1. A duty of care existed between the first aider and the casualty
2. The first aider did not exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the first aid
3. The casualty sustained damage as a result of an act or omission of the first aider
4. The first aider breached the relevant standard of care
4. Recording
✓ First aiders should always make notes or fill out a casualty report on any event attended, no matter
how minor
✓ Proper records will help you to recall the incident if you are ever asked about it at a later stage.
✓ The responsibility is greater if you have a role as a first aider in your workplace and you have reporting
obligations under OH&S legislation.
✓ When preparing a report some general guidelines should be followed:
o Use ink only.
o Any corrections should be crossed out with a single line and initialled.
o Do not use correction fluid to correct any mistakes.
o Sign and date the record.
o In a workplace incident, a copy should go to authorised employer representatives for auditing
and OH&S monitoring purposes
✓ All personal information about the health of a worker is confidential.
✓ The information should only be accessed by authorised people.
✓ All records must be kept secure
✓ The accurate recording of injury/illness is also of great assistance to any medical personnel who take
over your casualty’s treatment, such as ambulance officers.
✓ The format that is used to report injury and illness varies from workplace to workplace, and from
state to state due to different policy requirements or legislation.
✓ The information which should be contained in an injury/illness report is:
o date and time of incident
o brief personal details (name, address, date of birth)
o History of the illness/injury
o Observations (signs, symptoms and vital signs)
o The first aider’s assessment of the injury/illness
o Signature of the first aider
o The date of the report
o Print name and title of first aider
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
Workplace First Aid
In all States and Territories there is Workplace Health and Safety legislation that requires employers
to provide first aid for any employee who is injured or becomes ill at work. This legislation varies across
Australia depending on whether it is a Regulation, Code of Practice or Advisory Standard under an Work
Health and Safety Act. But the impact is the same.
QLD WHS ACT 2011
First Aiders at a workplace must be:
✓ Calm
✓ Reliable
✓ Apply knowledge and skills learnt
✓ Able to complete studies
✓ First Aid in the workplace – code of practice 2014 determines first aid requirements for a workplace
In addition to carrying out first aid treatments, the person who is designated as the workplace first aider has
several other duties, including:
✓ completing and filing accident and illness reports
✓ reporting of hazards highlighted by an occurrence where first aid has been needed
✓ notifying any treatment trends, e.g. frequent eye strain reports or requests for analgesics
✓ referring victims to an appropriate medical facility after treatment has been given
✓ cleaning and restocking the first aid room and/ or first aid kits.
✓ maintaining confidentiality to ensure that personal information is not discussed with other
employees.
First aid kits should be checked regularly and especially after any first aid has been given. These checks should
include a survey of expiry dates on any items, which is especially important for solutions including antiseptics
and eye treatments, such as normal saline irrigation fluid. Some consumable items may be purchased in bulk
for economic reasons, but the first aider should maintain each kit to the level that complies with local
legislation. Replenishment items should be kept in a locked cupboard to assist the first aider to refill the kit at
any time after use. It is prudent to maintain a record of first aid kit checks, especially in a large workplace. This
process can be simplified by introducing a numbering system for each kit, which will also aid in tracking any
kits that have been moved to another location.
Finally, the designated workplace first aider must ensure that full training has been given for any item of first
aid or emergency equipment used in the workplace. Unless trained in the use of a stretcher or oxygen it is
wise to wait for the arrival of an ambulance before attempting to use this equipment.
The websites below will assist you to access information
regarding the WH&S information for each State and Territory.
Workcover NSW www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
Worksafe WA www.worksafe.wa.gov.au
Workplace Health & Safety QLD www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Workplace Standards Tasmania www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
Worksafe Victoria www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Safe Work SA www.safework.sa.gov.au
NT Worksafe www.worksafe.nt.gov.au
Workcover ACT www.worksafe.act.gov.au
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
9 ©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
FIRST AID KITS
First aid kits should be stored in a cool, clean and dry location that is childproof. A regular check of contents is
essential to ensure that the contents are not out of date. Make sure that all your family members and staff
know where the first aid kit is located. The container needs to be easily recognisable (e.g. with a white cross
on a green background prominently displayed on the outside and clearly marked as ‘First Aid Kit’) and should
not be locked.
Under state and territory legislation, first aid kits must be kept in any workplace. The contents of these first
aid kits vary in each state or territory. The kits will also vary in contents and size depending on risks and
hazards, potential and likely injuries, and work location.
A first aid kit may include:
emergency services telephone numbers safety pins
and addresses small medium and large sterile un-
name, phone number/extension of the medicated wound dressing
nearest first aider adhesive tape 1.25 cm wide
basic first aid notes gauze squares/swabs
note pad, pencil, pencil sharpener crepe bandage (of different sizes)
individually wrapped sterile adhesive normal saline
dressing disposable gloves
hand towels CPR shield
plastic bag thermal blanket
splinter probe instant ice packs
sterile eye pads blood spill kit (apron, protective glasses,
sterile eye wash solution gloves, towelling, absorbent granules,
sterile covering for serious wounds procedures etc.)
triangular bandages scissors
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?
An emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or environment. Most
emergencies require urgent intervention to prevent a worsening of the situation, although in some situations,
the casualty may not recover from the wounds sustained. A situation can only be defined as an emergency if
one or more of the following are present: Immediate threat to life, health, property or environment. Loss of
life, health detriments, property damage or environmental damage. A high probability of escalation to cause
immediate danger to life, health, property or environment.
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Resuscitation
Chain of Survival
It is estimated that more than 95% of sudden cardiac
arrest victims die before reaching a hospital.
However, when all four links of the Chain of Survival are
strong, survival rates for casualties of Sudden Cardiac
Arrest (SCA) can rise to as high as 40%.
By understanding more about sudden cardiac arrest and
the importance of the Chain of Survival concept, you may
be able to save the life of a family member, a neighbour,
co-worker or a friend
There are 4 links on the Chain of Survival
1. Early Recognition & Call for Help
CALL FIRST – CALL FAST
Early access to the emergency medical support (EMS) is necessary for prompt arrival of emergency response
personnel.
Attend to the cardiac arrest casualty quickly
Call ‘000’ for an ambulance
Take the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) when called to an emergency
2. Early CPR
Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) performed by a first aider on a casualty who is in cardiac arrest can
buy life-saving time by supplying sufficient oxygen to keep the brain and heart alive until defibrillation and
other advanced care can restore normal heart action. Ideally, CPR will be initiated by bystanders, workmates
or the first aider in the vicinity prior to the arrival of the AED if it is not available at the scene.
Begin CPR immediately if signs of cardiac arrest are present.
Get AED machine to the location of emergency
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 20213. Early Defib
Early defibrillation is the third and perhaps most significant link. The earlier an AED is applied to a casualty in
cardiac arrest, the greater the chance of survival. If defibrillation is given within the first 5 minutes of cardiac
arrest there is a 50% chance of survival, but with each subsequent minute the chance of success is reduced by
a factor of 7-10%, with little chance of effective revival after 10 minutes.
Heed any precautions, attach the AED, follow the prompts and defibrillate.
Manage and defibrillate according to voice prompts until EMS arrives
4. Post Resuscitation Care
Advanced Cardiac Life Support’ is provided by ambulance paramedics and other highly trained medical
personnel.
How to call for help in an emergency
When possible, the person with the best first aid knowledge should stay with the casualty while someone else
calls for the emergency service.
1. To call for the Ambulance, Police or Fire Service, use 000 for all fixed line telephones.
o If you are using a digital mobile phone, call 000 or 112 unless your service provider has advised
otherwise. 112 is the international emergency number to be called when overseas.
2. When the emergency operator answers, state clearly which service is required.
3. Stay calm and speak clearly to convey the message. Be ready to answer any questions.
4. State the following:
o the exact location with any clear landmarks or identification points;
o an outline of the emergency;
o the number of victims involved.
o any information about the condition of the victim(s);
o any hazards relevant to the area, such as fire, chemical spill, fumes;
o the telephone number where the caller can be contacted in case further information is needed.
5. Wait on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
6. Ask someone to stay in a prominent position to direct the emergency service vehicle to the correct area.
Fire, Police or Ambulance 000 or mobile 112
Emergency Relay Service for the Hearing Impaired 106
Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26
In case of Emergency there is the free
Emergency+ App.
any
emergency! 12
©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021
Our app is available on both
iOS and Android platforms.Emergency Action Plan - DRSABCD
Hazards may include:
bio-hazards fire
Check for DANGER flammable materials
electricity
gases
unstable
structures fumes
Make sure it is safe for you, the casualty and slippery surfaces smoke
bystanders. chemicals oncoming traffic
risk of explosion fallen power lines
fast flowing water unstable structures
Check for a RESPONSE
Touch and Talk Approach – the COWS Method:
Can you hear me? If Responsive
Open your Eyes Seek Consent from the casualty.
Monitor vital signs
What’s you name? Obtain history
Squeeze my hand Treat injuries
Make comfortable
Reassure
If the casualty doesn’t respond SEND FOR HELP
CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000)
(112) mobile phones –Speech & hearing impaired dial (106)
Open the AIRWAY
Use the head tilt and chin lift technique to open the
airway. If blocked, place into the Recovery Position,
open their mouth and remove any visible obstructions.
Check for BREATHING
Look, Listen and Feel for normal breathing. If they are
not breathing or not breathing normally, start CPR
If Breathing: Place
Start CPR casualty on side.
Pregnant women are
placed on their left side.
Give 30 Compressions followed by 2 Monitor vital signs
Rescue Breaths
Attach a DEFIBRILLATOR (AED)
Attach an AED as soon as it is available and follow the
prompts
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021DRSABCD
Avoid moving casualties unless there is a hazard that you cannot remove.
Moving a casualty, especially an unconscious casualty, is very difficult and should be left to
Danger ambulance personnel who have the training and equipment.
If it is essential to move a casualty before an ambulance arrives extreme care should be taken
and good manual handling practice must be used.
Touch and Talk Approach – the COWS Method:
Can you hear me?
Response Open your Eyes
What’s you name?
Squeeze my hand
There are 3 important things to remember when calling for help:
1. State which emergency service you want; Ambulance, Fire, or Police.
2. Stay on the line until connected with the emergency service operator as they will
need to talk to you before sending assistance.
3. Give as much information as you can about the location of the emergency.
The following ways can be used to call for help if there is no access to a telephone:
Send for ◦ satellite phones
Help ◦ HF/VHF radio
◦ two way radio
◦ flags
◦ flares
◦ email
◦ Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) or EPIRBs
Unconscious casualties have no control over their muscles, including the muscles that control
the tongue
By tilting the head back and lifting the chin forward, the tongue is pulled away from the back of
the throat. Keep infants heads neutral.
Ensuring a clear airway is essential so the casualty can breathe
ENSURING AN OPEN AIRWAY IS ESSENTIAL!
Airway
Open the casualty’s airway
o place your hand on the forehead
o place your fingertips under the point of the casualty’s chin
o gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway
o remove any visible foreign bodies by placing the casualty in the recovery position.
o in infants, the head should be kept in the neutral position
Keep the airway open and check for normal breathing.
o In the first few minutes of a casualty’s cardiac arrest, sounds of gurgling, sighing or
coughing may be present, as well as movements of the chest and stomach.
o This type of breathing is ineffective, as it does not move air into or out of the lungs and
the casualty should be treated as if they are not breathing.
o If you are in any doubt that the casualty is breathing normally, treat as if they are not
breathing
Look, Listen and Feel for no more than 10 seconds for normal breathing
Look – to see if the chest rises
Breathing Listen – for the sound of normal breathing If Breathing is Present:
Feel – for air against your cheek ◦ Roll into the recovery position
◦ Pregnant women onto their left side
If Breathing is Absent: ◦ Observe and reassess the casualty
◦ Send someone for the AED (if for continued breathing regularly
available) ◦ Maintain an open airway with head
◦ Commence Cardio-Pulmonary tilt and jaw support
Resuscitation ◦ No head tilt for infants
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Give 30 compressions
Compress 1/3 chest depth
CPR Continue to give 2 breaths, 30 compressions
▪ (Compression Rate 100-120/min)
If possible always use a barrier device such as a mask or face shield and wear gloves
Apply an Automated External Defibrillator as soon as possible (if available).
Defibrillation Specially trained first aiders apply an electronic device to the chest of a cardiac arrest casualty,
and the device automatically delivers a controlled electric shock to the casualty’s heart.
Compression Summary Chart
Adult Child Infant
Newborn to 12
Age Range 9 years or older 1 to 8 years
months
Head tilt Full/Maximum Full/Maximum Neutral
Compress with 2 Hands 2 Fingers
Depth of
Minimum 1/3 depth of the chest
compression
Rate of
100 - 120 compressions/minute
compression/minute
Compression point Centre of the Chest
Compressions:
30 compressions: 2 breaths
Breaths Ratio
You can sing the following
songs to keep the rate and
rhythm correct to perform CPR
Stayin Alive Baby Shark
Baa Baa Black Sheep
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Resuscitation during the last weeks of pregnancy
During the final weeks of a pregnancy, or even earlier if a woman is pregnant with twins or triplets, there may
be great pressure on the stomach, diaphragm and lungs caused by the growing baby. If collapse occurs at this
time, there may be complications if standard resuscitation techniques are used. For this reason, a modified
approach is needed.
If the pregnant woman is unconscious, she should always be turned on her side to clear and open her airway
because of the serious risk of regurgitation from pressure of the baby on her stomach. If there are no signs of
normal breathing, she should be turned onto her back for CPR but padding is needed under her right buttock
to tilt her hips slightly to the left. This is known as the Left Lateral Tilt technique and it effectively moves the
bulk of the baby off the mother’s deep vein on the right side of her abdomen (the inferior vena cava), allowing
free movement of blood back to the heart.
If CPR is needed, the compressions should be applied as for any other collapsed victim. In a short victim where
the shoulders have been raised slightly off the ground by the padding under the right buttock, the first aider
should adjust the compression technique to ensure that pressure is directed from the lower half of the
sternum straight through to the spinal column. When giving rescue breaths there may be added resistance to
each breath because of the bulk of the baby under the diaphragm.
If CPR is not required, or if the victim recovers after resuscitation has been given, she should be turned into
the recovery position but only onto her left side to avoid pressure on the deep vein on the right side of her
abdomen.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
An AED has safety precautions to prevent injury.
You cannot override a “no-shock advised” prompt
Beware of Implants such as an electronic pacemaker and Glycerol
Trinitrate patches
Beware of Gaseous or Oxygen rich environments
Beware of Water and Metal surfaces
Separate the electrodes when the AED is ‘on’
Priority of Injuries
1. 3.
2. 4.
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Secondary Examination
Seek Consent USE THE ACRONYM SAMPLE!
Inform the casualty of what you are doing S - Signs and symptoms
and why and listen carefully to what the A - Allergies
casualty tells you
Conduct a Head-to-Toes examination
M - Medication
Pay attention to: P - Previous medical history
◦ history - the incident (SAMPLE) L - Last time the casualty ate
E - Event - history of injury/illness (what
happened, where and when)
Infection Control
When giving first aid to a sick or injured person you should try to minimise the risks to yourself, the victim and
any helpers or bystanders. Minimize the risk of infection by:
If possible always use a barrier device such as a mask or face shield and wear gloves
Wash hands with soap and water before touching a casualty where
possible.
Wear correct PPE
Wear latex or nitrile gloves
Cover any breaks to your skin with a waterproof dressing.
Avoid coughing and breathing into the wound.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a casualty.
Seek advice on vaccinations.
Avoid contact with body product where possible.
Manual Handling
Manual handling is any activity requiring force by a person to lift, lower,
push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or
inanimate object. In short, it is the exertion of force by a person to move or
handle something, including another person.
The spinal column is a series of interconnected bones, separated
by cartilage shock absorbers.
Any abnormal flexion under load can cause injury to the spinal
column and result in paralysis to parts of the body.
17
©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Moving Casualties
Any movement may worsen the condition of the casualty, however, a first aider should move an
injured or collapsed casualty:
When there is danger present
When extreme weather conditions indicate that moving a casualty is essential
To protect the airway, breathing and circulation
o ie. Positioning a casualty into the recovery position or to perform CPR
To control severe bleeding if possible.
Avoid bending or twisting the casualty’s neck or back – try to have as many people as needed to assist
in moving a casualty
The drag method by the arm, ankle or shoulders may be needed by a
single first aider.
Team lifting should be used if the casualty is too heavy. One person is
nominated to give instructions.
Recovery Position
1. Place the far arm at right angles to the trunk and the near arm
across the casualty’s chest with the fingers pointing to the
opposite shoulder tip. Support the arm in that position
2. Bring the near knee up at right angles to the chest and
support under the thigh in that position with your lower
arm. Lift under the casualty’s near shoulder and thigh to
gently roll the casualty away from you and into a stable
position on one side.
3. Keep the casualty’s knee and hip at right angles during the
turn to keep the casualty lying on the side. Avoid any
excessive movement into a facedown position.
4. Allow the casualty’s airway is clear by sweeping two or three
fingers in front of the mouth to remove any solid matter
Debriefing after an emergency
An emergency of any size can cause unusual stress in people who have been directly and indirectly
affected by it.
Every person will react differently and a range of responses to an emergency is normal, and to be
expected. Emotional responses to disasters can appear immediately or months later
Counselling may be offered at work or debriefing/evaluation sessions should be conducted.
When trained help has arrived and the casualty is being treated professionally, the first aider may feel a little
lost. During the emergency, a flow of adrenaline allows the first aider to move quickly and remain detached
from everyday concerns. Once trained personnel accept responsibility for care of the casualty, the adrenaline
flow returns to normal. Suddenly the first aider may feel a sense of tiredness with various aches and pains,
especially if CPR was given. The first aider also may feel:
confused about what to do next when the casualty has been taken to hospital.
a sense of satisfaction if the casualty is alive as a result of the first aid given.
anxious, depressed or even tearful, especially if the casualty is seriously injured or has suffered a
massive heart attack.
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021an awareness that something was overlooked or a treatment left undone, causing a sense of personal
failure.
The first aider may recognise signs of personal stress including irritability, flashbacks, disturbed sleep or a
feeling of withdrawal from family, friends and work colleagues. If the first aider regularly practises yoga or
meditation, then these may be used to reduce stress levels and allow the first aider to refocus on everyday
life. If the symptoms of stress do not go away in a matter of hours or overnight, the first aider should seek
medical advice. When the casualty is a close colleague or family member, or when a group of personnel
provide a team response to a workplace emergency, it is important to have a debriefing or evaluation session
guided by a health professional. Post-traumatic stress affects people in different ways and sometimes ongoing
professional help is needed.
Respiratory & Cardiac Conditions
The Respiratory System
The function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen to the blood and takes away the waste
product called carbon dioxide.
This system is composed of the airway:
◦ Mouth
◦ Nose
◦ Trachea
◦ Larynx
◦ Bronchi
◦ Bronchioles
◦ Alveoli
◦ Lungs
Choking
PARTIAL OBSTRUCTION COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
difficulty in breathing unable to breathe, speak or cough
wheezing agitated and distressed
snoring sound may grip the throat
persistent cough bluish skin colour
cyanosis (blue skin colour) rapid loss of consciousness
in children and infants
o flaring of the nostrils
o in-drawing of the tissues above the
sternum and in between the ribs
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Treatment
Drowning
The term used for survival after suffocation caused by submersion in water or other fluids.
Signs and Symptoms
◦ pale, cool skin
◦ absent, rapid or laboured respirations
◦ decreased level of consciousness, coughing
◦ may have rapid, weak, slow or absent pulse
Care and Treatment:
DRSABCD, Call ‘000’ for an ambulance
commence immediate CPR as required
treat hypothermia if present
suspect & treat spinal injuries
Do Not Attempt to rescue beyond your capabilities!!!
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Diving Emergencies
Always remove casualties from the water prior to first aid assessment and treatment.
Decompression sickness – formation of nitrogen bubbles in the joints, blood and tissues. Nitrogen bubbles in
the small blood vessels can cause an embolism – can happen within 2 hours or appear later
Signs and Symptoms
◦ Joint pain
◦ dizziness,
◦ loss of balance,
◦ shortness of breath,
◦ itching of the skin,
◦ partial paralysis,
◦ headache,
◦ pins and needles
Care and Treatment:
Call ambulance,
Encourage the diver to lay flat (if no breathing difficulties) and remain calm
Recovery position is unconscious
Protect against hypothermia
Administer Oxygen if trained.
Asthma
Asthma suffers have very sensitive airways, and when they are exposed to certain triggers, their airways
narrow making it difficult for them to breathe.
The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen
Extra mucus is often produced
The muscles around the airways constrict
An asthma attack can take a few minutes or a few days to develop.
Care and Treatment:
Sit the casualty comfortably upright
Be calm and reassuring
Give 4 separate puffs of a blue/grey reliever inhaler (puffer) - Airomir,
Ventolin, Respolin, Bricanyl or Asmol
o Give 1 puff at a time
o Ask the person to breathe in and out normally 4 times after each puff
Use the casualty’s own inhaler
Relievers are best given through a spacer if available
If no improvement, repeat the above sequence.
If still no improvement – call an ambulance and continue repeat reliever medication every 4 minutes
until the ambulance arrives
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation occurs when a person takes quick, shallow breaths which results in low levels of carbon
dioxide in the blood. This in turn causes the arteries to constrict, reducing the flow of blood and oxygen
throughout the body.
Signs and Symptoms
◦ Rapid respirations and pulse, shortness of breath
◦ Pressure, tightness or pain across the chest
◦ Anxiety, blurred vision
◦ Tingling’ or spasms in fingers and toes
◦ Fainting
Care and Treatment:
Reassurance
Remove the cause of anxiety if possible
If fainted, lay casualty supine
If no improvement, call ‘000’ for an ambulance
The Cardiovascular System
This system consists of the:
◦ heart
◦ blood vessels
◦ blood
The heart is the pump that drives the circulation of the
blood around the body.
The body's main vessels are
◦ Arteries (take blood away from the heart)
◦ Veins (return blood to the heart)
◦ capillaries
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Cardiac Conditions
Cardiovascular disease is a term to describe disease to the heart and blood vessels. It is the leading cause of
death in Australia. Factors such as lack of exercise, poor diet, advanced age and chronic disease can lead to
serious cardiac conditions.
The main heart conditions are:
Heart Attack
Angina
Heart Failure
Cardiac Arrest
Angina and Heart Attack
Angina is caused by constriction of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle with blood. The chest pain is
due to a reduction of blood flow to the muscle of the heart causing a lack of oxygen to the muscle.
A Heart Attack occurs when a coronary artery is suddenly blocked by a blood clot and the heart muscle is
damaged due to lack of oxygen.
Causes of Heart Attack:
Fatty deposits called plaque build-up inside blood
vessels and reduce the blood flow.
In some cases, the plaque builds up so that the vessel
is blocked completely.
Reduced blood flow can also allow a clot to form and
the clot blocks the vessel.
When the blockage occurs, oxygen is not delivered to
the heart and part of the heart muscle dies.
Blockage can occur in one or several coronary
arteries.
Signs and symptoms: Care and treatment:
Angina and Heart Attack have very similar signs and Call ‘000’ for an ambulance
symptoms
◦ Pale, cool skin Rest in a comfortable position, usually sitting
◦ Chest pain or discomfort, usually in the centre of Assist the casualty to take their medication
the chest, may spread or radiate to the (nitroglycerine tablets or spray. If the pain
shoulders, neck jaw and/or arms does not ease after a few minutes, consider
◦ Sweating that the casualty may have a heart attack
◦ Rapid, shallow respirations or difficulty breathing
Monitor vital signs
◦ Nausea and/or vomiting
◦ Collapse Discourage a visit to the toilet
Be prepared to administer CPR
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Heart Failure
When the heart is unable to perform its proper function, blood and fluid collects around the lungs and in the
body. This condition is called HEART FAILURE. It is typified by the casualty finding it difficult to breathe and
swelling of the ankles and legs as fluid pools in the extremities.
Care and Treatment:
DRSABCD
call ‘000’ for an ambulance
position of comfort, usually sitting supported
reassurance
do not elevate legs
Bleeding & Shock
Trauma
Bleeding
Arteries
◦ Bright red blood (oxygenated) spurts out in
time with the heart
Capillaries
◦ Bright red blood oozing out (normally
associated with abrasions)
Veins
◦ Dark red blood and flows out of the body
External Bleeding
Treatment for life threatening bleeding:
◦ Call ‘000’ for an ambulance
◦ Put on disposable gloves
◦ Remove clothing to expose the wound
◦ Apply direct pressure over the wound
◦ Lie the casualty down if not already in this position
◦ Support the injured part
◦ Apply a firm bandage to hold the pad in place
◦ Treat for shock
◦ Check circulation regularly to ensure bandage is not too tight
◦ Place another bandage over the top if bleeding continues
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Different Wounds
Abrasion
◦ Superficial layers of the skin are scraped off causing capillary bleeding.
Incisions
◦ Superficial and deeper layers of skin and tissue are sliced open as
with a sharp knife etc.
Laceration
◦ Superficial and deeper layers of skin are torn with the possibility of
tissue being removed and the edges of the wound is ragged, as with
Barbed wire.
Puncture
◦ Wounds created by objects entering and leaving the body potentially
damaging many layers of tissue and possibly organs, knives, bullets etc.
◦ Penetrating Chest Wound:
If open wound, apply plastic or non-stick pad then plastic over the pad, taped on 3 sides.
Leave bottom side un-taped to allow air and fluid to escape from the chest
Penetrating or Impalement
◦ Where an object is protruding from the wound, such as sticks, glass,
nails etc.
◦ Do not remove any penetrating objects
◦ Apply padding and bandage around the object
◦ Support injured part
Amputations – Care and Treatment
Treat as for bleeding for wounds
After bleeding is controlled
◦ Collect amputated part – keep dry, do not wash or clean
◦ Seal the amputated part in a plastic bag or wrap in waterproof material
◦ Place in iced water – do not allow the amputated part to come in direct contact with
ice.
Freezing will kill tissue
◦ Ensure the amputated part goes to the hospital with the casualty
Evisceration
Evisceration is the protrusion of abdominal organs from the
wound in the abdomen
Care and Treatment:
Call 000 for an ambulance
Cover organs with a non-stick dressing, clean dressing kept
wet or plastic wrap
Place supporting bandage over wound if possible
Place casualty flat with legs bent
If unconscious, recovery position with legs bent
DO NOT attempt to replace organs
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Needle Stick Injuries
The principle risk associated with needle stick injury is contracting
blood borne viruses such as HIV (AIDS) and Hepatitis B - K
Care and Treatment:
Wash away the blood or body fluid with soap and
water
If the eyes are contaminated, rinse with water or
saline
If blood gets in the mouth – spit then rinse with water
Refer the person immediately to the doctor who will discuss options for testing and treatment
Ensure safe disposal of the sharp
Report the incident immediately
Nose Bleed
Put on disposable gloves if available
Have the casualty pinch the fleshy part of the nose just
below the bone
Have the casualty lean slightly forward
Ask the casualty to breathe through the mouth
Maintain the pressure for 10 minutes
Apply cool compress to the nose, neck and forehead
Seek medical aid if bleeding continues
Internal Bleeding
Visible internal bleeding may show as:
Bleeding from the Stomach
Often dark and granular or fresh blood in vomit.
Bleeding in the lungs
Frothy bright red blood being coughed up.
Bleeding from the Ears
Bright sticky blood can be mixed with clear fluid.
Bleeding from the urinary tract
Dark or red stained urine.
Bleeding from the bowel or intestines
Dark, loose foul smelling stools.
Bleeding under the skin
Dark often raised localised area of superficial tissue causing Bruising.
Care and Treatment:
call ‘000’ for an ambulance reassurance
position the casualty supine or a position treat any injuries
of comfort for the casualty Maintain normal body temperature
if unconscious, side (recovery) position
give nothing by mouth
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©First Aid Action 2021 PROVIDE FIRST AID BOOKLET 2021Concealed Internal Bleeding
The first aider relies heavily on the history of the injury, signs and symptoms. Remember to look at the
important observations such as skin appearance, conscious state and respirations. If you are unsure, assume
the worst and treat for internal bleeding
Crush Injury
Damage caused by a crushing force could include: laceration, fracture, bleeding, bruising and/or crush injury
syndrome.
Crush Injury Syndrome is caused by a compressing force if applied
to a large muscle mass. This causes the body to produce large
quantities of acid and complex electrolytes around the affected
muscles. On release of the compressing force, the liberated blood
takes the concentrated chemicals to the heart with often fatal
results. In addition, there is a sudden loss of blood on releasing the
compressing force.
Care and treatment:
The first aider should consider the following when dealing with Crush Injuries;
o A large muscle mass is involved
o Prolonged compression
o Compromised blood circulation
Call ‘000’ for an ambulance
Relieve the crushing force as quickly and gently as possible, provided it is safe to do so
Treat any other injuries
Be prepared to assist the medical support team
Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition and should be treated as top priority, second only to attending to safety,
an obstructed airway, absence of breathing, cardiac arrest or severe life-threatening bleeding.
Shock can be caused by:
◦ Loss of blood
◦ Loss of body fluids – burns, dehydration, vomiting
◦ Heart Attack
◦ Sepsis or toxicity
◦ Spinal Injury
◦ Crush Injuries
Signs and Symptoms
◦ pale, cool, clammy skin
◦ thirst
◦ rapid, shallow breathing
◦ rapid, weak pulse
◦ nausea and/or vomiting
◦ evidence of loss of body fluids, or high temperature if sepsis present
◦ collapse and unconsciousness
◦ progressive ‘shutdown’ of body’s vital functions.
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