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Source material and Glossary

Source material
Contents
Training video: why oxygen is so important (1:3) The recovery position (1:6) Using a dictionary or glossary (3:3) The respiratory system (3:3) Understanding flow charts (3:6) Recognising and treating shock (3:7) Dealing with the situation (4:1) Filling in an accident report form (4:4) Ordering First Aid supplies (4:5) Finding information on the Internet (4:6) 0:01 0:02 0:03 0:04 0:05 0:06 0:07 0:08 0:09 0:10 0:11

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Source material and Glossary

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0:01

Training video: Why oxygen is so important

Trainers guide: Why oxygen is so important This ten-minute video explains why we need oxygen, how it passes from the lungs and heart to the rest of the body, and why exhaled air can still help a casualty.

GAS
Oxygen Carbon Dioxide

Air entering lungs

Air leaving lungs

21% 0.03%

16% 3%

Now all our body tissues depend on oxygen, so we breathe in air to get that oxygen. Air, as you can see in the table, consists of 21% oxygen. But the interesting thing is that the air we breathe out still contains 16% oxygen. So why is this useful for us as First Aiders?

A lack of oxygen in the body is known as hypoxia. This is a very serious condition; if the brain is starved of oxygen for more than 3 minutes, we die. But the air we breathe out still contains enough oxygen to keep someone alive until an ambulance comes with more advanced medical help.

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Why oxygen is so important

Ribs Rib cage Lungs Diaphragm

So lets move on now to look at how we use this oxygen. We need to start with the respiratory system, thats to say breathing in and out. Basically the body takes in oxygen and removes a gas called carbon dioxide, which it does not need. Lets start at the point of breathing air into the lungs we do this when the chest expands and the diaphragm flattens.

Right lung

Left lung

Heart Oxygen-rich blood Oxygen-poor blood

From the respiratory system we move on to the circulatory system, in other words, the circulation or movement of blood from the heart to the body tissues. Blood with oxygen from the lungs, which we call oxygenated blood, is pumped by the heart to the body tissues through the arteries, which divide into strong, elastic-walled vessels called capillaries.

Capillaries

The thin walls of the capillaries allow the exchange of gases and other material between the blood and the cells of the body. The capillaries join to veins, through which the deoxygenated blood is then pumped from the heart to the lungs. Oxygenated blood is brighter red than deoxygenated blood, which is a darker red, but is always shown as blue on diagrams.

Ribs Rib cage Lungs Diaphragm

So now we are back with the lungs, with the respiratory system. This final stage in the cycle comes when we breathe out; the chest contracts and the diaphragm becomes shaped like a dome. This releases carbon dioxide and takes fresh oxygen into the lungs. Oxygenated blood then returns to the heart to be pumped round the body again.

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The recovery position

1 2

Listen for the instruction words telling you what to do.

Listen for the descriptions of how to do it.

Listen for the explanations of why you do it.

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Using a dictionary or glossary

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

The heart is located in the centre of the chest, slightly to the left of your breastbone. It weighs about 10 ounces. It is a strong muscular pump that beats an average 100,000 times each day, pumping about 4 and a half litres of blood through the body approximately three times every minute. The pump consists of four chambers, two at the top and two at the bottom. Valves in the heart prevent the backflow of blood that has been pumped returning into those chambers again. The middle layer is the part of the heart that is primarily affected by a heart attack, as an area of this muscle dies as a result of the inadequate supply of oxygen to that area.

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The respiratory system

Nasal cavity Mouth cavity Epiglottis Tongue Larynx Oesophagus Trachea Pleural membrane Bronchus Alveoli Bronchioles Left lung

Diaphragm

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

The respiratory system is all about breathing. The body takes in oxygen and removes a gas called carbon dioxide, which the body does not need. Oxygen, however, is vital to life as the brain and body need oxygen to function. If the body is starved of oxygen irreversible brain damage starts to occur after about three minutes. The respiratory system can be divided into the respiratory tract, the mechanics of respiration and control of breathing. The respiratory tract is the route that air follows when it is inhaled, passing from the nose and mouth, through the epiglottis, and eventually reaching the alveoli in the lungs. The oxygen is taken up by the circulatory system, then carbon dioxide, which is a waste product, is removed by exhaling. The mechanism for breathing is as follows: messages from the brain are passed via nerves, which stimulate muscles to contract and relax, so enabling breathing to take place.

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0:06

Understanding flow charts

Casualty no.
1

Condition of casualty
A woman is lying on the floor. She is unconscious. There is a live electric cable right next to her body.

Action you would take

A man is sitting on the floor. He is in a lot of pain, and is holding his arm. You think it might be broken.

A young man is lying unconscious on the floor. He is breathing, but his breathing is noisy, so you think he has an obstructed airway.

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Source material and Glossary

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0:07

Recognising and treating shock

Recognising and treating shock

Clinical shock is a life-threatening condition; it occurs when insufficient oxygen reaches the body tissues because the circulatory system has failed. This may happen either because the heart isnt pumping well enough, or stops; or because not enough fluid is circulating round the body.

Causes The most common reason for a reduction in the volume of fluid circulating around the body is blood loss either through external bleeding (e.g. from a cut wrist), or through internal bleeding (from a damaged organ, such as the liver). A lowering in the total volume of fluid circulating around the body may also be due to other fluids lost through burns, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Recognising the condition Ways of recognising that a casualty is in shock include: feeling sick or thirsty, or weak and giddy. Other signs are cold or clammy skin, bluish lips or restlessness. A person in shock may be alert but can quickly become unconscious, with fast or shallow breathing, and a rapid or weak circulation, which may even stop. Action you should take When treating a casualty with shock you should raise and support their legs, loosen tight clothing, insulate them from the ground, cover them with a blanket, and get help. You should also reassure them, because shock can be made worse by fear or pain. You should not move the casualty, let them eat, drink or smoke, and you should not leave them unattended unless you have to in order to get help.

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Dealing with the situation

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Filling in an accident report form

Bill Preston, a machine operative at AAA Engineering, had an accident in the machine room on June 15th 2005 at half past ten in the morning. As First Aider in the company, you attended to him.

Aagh My ankle is really hurting. Its very painful and its already very swollen.

Oil on floor
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Ordering First Aid supplies

You work for a small printing company (eight employees). Your boss asks you to select a First Aid kit suitable for the company. You decide to look at suppliers catalogues on line. 1 Read the part of the catalogue below and select the right section for you.
First Aid & Emergency Signs.
Find such items as signs + first aider arm bands etc, if you do not see what you require please call.

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First Aid Cabinets (Metal)

If you do not see what you require please call.

First Aid Kits (Sports)

Various sports first aid kits, and sports related items. (If you do not see what you require please call.)

First Aid Kits (Fischen Premier 4)

Fischen Premier 4 Range of first aid kits First aid has finally Evolved.

First Aid Kits (Specialist)

This Category Contains Kits Such as burns kits, boating kits, Biohazard kits, sharps kits, Etc.

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First Aid Kits For Business & Offices (Standard)

You will find first aid kits for many areas such as Travel, Burns, Catering, Hikers, Motorist, Van & Truck, Biohazard, Sports, Aluminium kits, Etc.

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2 You find the right section. Now select the right kit for your company.
Code
K1 K2 K1C K5 K4 K2C

Product
Company Kit (110 Employees) (K1) Company Kit (1120 Employees) (K2) Company Kit (110) Contents Only (K1C) Travel Kit (K5) (in a soft zip up first aid pouch) Public Service Vehicle KIT Company Kit (1120) Contents Only (K2C)

Units
1 1 1 1 1 1

Price
*9.99 *16.99 *9.99 8.85 10.99 *14.99

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Finding information on the Internet

You already have a First Aid certificate, but you want to find a course to bring your skills up to date. 1 Read the information below in detail. Then decide if this is the right course for you, and say why. 2 If it is the right course, what do you have to do to join it? http://www.sja.org.uk/training/courses/workplace/skillsUpdate.asp

Skills Update/Practice Session

The course provides First Aiders in the workplace with an opportunity to practise and update their skills at any time during their three-year period as a qualified First Aider, so that they remain prepared for an emergency. We recommend that they attend at least once during this time, especially if First Aid incidents are rare in their workplace.

Search for Skills Update courses: postcode or town June 2005 See also: First Aid at Work FAW Requalification Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons Run this course at your venue National Contracts Request a brochure
find

Who should attend

A person who holds a current First Aid at Work certificate

What they will learn

This session builds First Aiders expertise and confidence by involving them in realistic situations with simulated casualties.

Course duration/content
The course is tailor-made to meet the delegates need to refresh the skills gained from their First Aid at Work training.

Assessment
Practical Scenario sessions
Our skills update/ practice session gives First Aiders the chance to refresh their skills.

Certificate
A certificate of attendance may be issued with this course on request.

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Module 1 Getting the most out of your course

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Listening to training
Carrying out First Aid correctly can be a matter of life and death, so listening carefully to speakers is important.

Whats the best way to listen to my trainer?

Look at the speaker this keeps you focused.

Listen carefully to the beginning of the talk to find out exactly what the talk is about. Listen for the main points the speaker is making.

Right, today Im going to go over some points about personal protection when youre giving First Aid to others. First, lets look at electrical burns

Listen for important information, for example, the reason why you do something.

Dont touch the casualty with your hands or try to move them with a wet item such as a mop, because youre likely to be electrocuted yourself. If the casualty is still in contact with the electrical source and you know its low voltage, you can move the wire or the casualty to a safe position with a dry pole or rope.

Listen for key words to help you understand the talk and remember key points.

Keep your concentration by listening for words that signal the start of a new step in the stage. For example: Now lets move on; Next , Then

Now lets move on to dealing with a bleeding patient

Listen to an extract from a training session to consider the points on this page.

Remember! Personal safety is the most important thing in First Aid.

List the signal words that tell you the speaker is moving on to a new subject.

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Work at your listening

There are strategies you can learn to help you become a better listener. Active listening helps you get the right message and avoid misunderstandings.

Let the speaker know you are listening by: giving them your full attention using positive signals such as eye contact.

ABC checks? I remember her mentioning ABC checks and A stood for airways but I dont remember what B or C stands for!

Right, so today were going to look at dealing with an unconscious casualty whos not breathing and has no circulation.

Im sorry to interrupt, but could you possibly remind us what the B and C stand for in ABC checks?

Youve established this through your primary survey, thats your ABC checks. Whatever you do, dont give up! You can still supply that vital oxygen to the brain and heart even though the hearts not beating!

If you dont understand something, dont be afraid to ask the speaker. Dont interrupt the trainer in mid-sentence. Wait until there is a convenient pause or break.

What you have to do is make the casualtys blood circulate enough by compressing the chest. First you have to know where to put your hands, and how to apply pressure

Excuse me. The information about how to get the casualtys blood to circulate seems very important. Could you possibly repeat what it is we need to do?

If there is a lot of information or the trainer is speaking too quickly, you should ask them to repeat what they said.

Listen to the next part of this training session. Listen carefully for key words.

What is the next part of the talk about?

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Watching training videos

To get the best out of a training video you need to know why you are watching the video. Ask yourself what you expect to learn from the video. Once you understand the purpose for listening and watching you can focus your attention on the important parts of the video.
Read, watch and listen carefully to the title and the introduction. Training videos are often only 5 or 10 minutes long. Stay focused all the way through. It is not like watching TV. If your attention wanders, you might miss essential facts or explanations.

Listen for:

emphasised words or phrases, especially when the narrator is going through important information explanations of technical words.

Air we breathe out still contains 16% oxygen

A lack of oxygen in the body is known as hypoxia

GAS
Oxygen Carbon Dioxide

Air entering lungs

Air leaving lungs

21% 0.03%

16% 3%

Focus closely on tables and diagrams. They can give you important information quickly.

We are going to watch a short video. Its about 10 minutes long so please get comfortable! Its called Why oxygen is so important. It explains why

Listen to the trainer as she introduces the video.

Now, what did the trainer say? She said we were going to watch a video that explains why oxygen is so important. I think there was something else?

Oh yes. She also said that we were going to talk about how to avoid the brain being starved of oxygen.

In the video we will see how oxygen is transported between the heart and lungs and around the body, and then discuss what you can do to prevent oxygen starvation of the brain.

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Answering questions about First Aid

Your tutor or trainer may ask you oral questions to check that you understand important facts about First Aid. These tips will help you to respond clearly and confidently to these questions.
Listen carefully to the question. It may help you remember which part of the video the question refers to.

Question So, thinking back to the beginning of the video. Can someone tell me what is so interesting about the air we breathe out?

Hmmm. That was right at the beginning when they showed that table on the screen

Answer Its interesting that the air we breathe out still contains 16% oxygen. Air, as you can see in the table, consists of 21% oxygen. But the interesting thing is that the air we breathe out still contains 16% oxygen. So why is this useful for us as first aiders?

Use the questioners words to help you phrase your answer. This will help you give a relevant answer.

but the air we breathe out still contains enough oxygen to keep someone alive until an ambulance comes with more advanced medical help.

Question So, moving on. Why is the air we breathe out so useful?

Hmmm. They were talking about that when they showed that woman lying on the floor she looked in a bad way.

Answer The air we breathe out is so useful because it has 16% oxygen and can keep a person alive until medical help comes.

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Taking part in a discussion

The key to a good discussion is to stick to the point, listen to other peoples opinions, and encourage everyone to take part.
OK. Youve had a chance to get into the course now. So Id like you to get into groups of three or four and discuss how you feel about becoming a first aider.

If someone is saying too much or moving off the point, politely interrupt and make your own points.

Well, I dont know about anyone else, but Im certainly worried about whether Id cope in an emergency. My friend says that Im too squeamish. Its true that on holiday last year

Could I just make a point here? I dont think we should expect too much of ourselves. How well we cope will depend on what we learn here on the course and also on the support we get when were doing it for real at work. In any situation we can only do our best after all. Mary, what do you think? How do you feel about having to deal with an accident at work?

I think when it comes to it, and were in a situation where we need to act well manage and do what we need to. I agree that the training we receive here is very important.

Encourage quieter group members to voice their opinions by asking them open questions about the topic. Dont force someone to speak or draw too much attention to them.

Body language is very important in discussions. You can also use your eyes and hands to signal to others that it is a good time to speak.

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Watching demonstrations
The recovery position
To get the most out of a demonstration you need to watch and listen carefully to the trainer in order to understand:

what to do how to do it why it should be done that way

How?
by lifting the chin forward, like this.

What?
Open the airway

Listen for key instructions.

You can ask questions to:

check information confirm understanding ask for more information.

Watch carefully and listen for accompanying descriptions which add more detail about how to carry out key instructions.

Why?
Tips

So, the first thing to do is

Could you just explain again ?

Let the demonstrator finish giving the full instruction first. Note down any key points you need to remember.

Any fluid will then drain out of the mouth so theres less chance of the casualty choking on it.

What do you do if ?

Listen for explanations.

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Work at your memory

There is a lot to learn on any First Aid course. You will need to be able to listen for and remember relevant facts and important information. It can be difficult but there are a number of techniques you can use to help.

How can I remember key facts while listening to a trainer or watching a demonstration?

Listen and count the important facts as the trainer talks about them. Dont be afraid to ask questions to check you have understood. This will help you get the key facts clear in your head and remember them. Look at the trainer this will help keep you focused.

After the training Look through your notes and handouts. Pay particular attention to colours, shapes and diagrams because these are often easier to remember than words. Talk to your colleagues about what you have learned and make a list of key points.

If you like playing around with words, make up a mnemonic. Heres a common First Aid example that helps you to remember the key stages in assessing a casualty in the correct order: Airways Breathing Circulation Danger Response Airways Breathing Circulation

Chest not flat on the floor to make breathing easier Legs bent to stop body rolling forward

3 2 1

If you think in pictures, you might want to connect important information or key words with images. For example, to remember how to put a casualty into the correct recovery position, imagine a picture of the body and work down it from head to toe.

Hand supporting and protecting the head

Chin lifted forward to keep airways open

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Take note of First Aid

Writing things down can help you to remember later on what you have learned. Here are some techniques to help you take notes while you are listening or reading.
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Cut notes down by using abbreviations (shortened words). To shorten words you can:

Use the first few letters of the word. Examples: hosp = hospital, ext = external, unconsc = unconscious Use the first and last letter of the word. Example: yr = year Use just the capital letters for titles. Example: AP = Appointed Person Use the apostrophe to show letters have been left out. Example: you are = youre

Use symbols in place of words. Symbols are marks that have a meaning. + plus or more minus or less therefore = equal, the same as @ at & and Use hyphens and arrows to link ideas. External bleeding is dangerous if a casualty loses enough blood to affect the circulation this can result in shock and unconsciousness. Ext. bleeding dangerous blood loss affects circulation affects circ shock + unconsc. Use a highlighter pen or underline the important parts you want to remember: External bleeding is dangerous if a casualty loses enough blood to affect the circulation this can result in shock and unconsciousness. Or use a spidergram (also called a mind map).

Here are more examples of common abbreviations: approx = approximately, inc. = including, Tues = Tuesday, tel no = telephone number

You can also write notes as a list. Use numbers, letters or bullet points.

Aims:

Stop bleeding Stop shock Min. infect risk Hosp. Action: 1. Direct pressure 2. Raise arm 3. Lay down 4. Dial 999

pressure 1 control bleeding

raise arm 2 to prevent shock

BLEEDING 4 HOSPITAL! 3 min. infection lay down

dial 999

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Module 2 Using the course book

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Using the contents and index

You will probably be using a First Aid manual on your course. This will have a contents page and an index. These pages can help you quickly find the part of the book you want to read.
The contents page is usually at the beginning of the manual. It tells you what information is covered in the book. If you want to find out how to use the trainee workbook, you can look in the contents for a section that may explain this. You do not need to read every word on the contents page. You can scan the page to find the information you need. Scanning is reading to find out one piece of information only; for example, reading your phone manual to see what a particular display symbol stands for. Look quickly for the word Workbook. Look for no other word. This manual is divided into 14 sections. The numbers on the right tell you on which page each section starts.

List of contents
Course Briefing Workbook Introduction Section 1: Reception Section 2: First Aid in the Workplace Section 3:What is expected of an Appointed Person? Section 4: Emergency Aid: Incident Management Section 5: Casualty Management Life-Threatening Conditions Section 11: Casualty Management Disorders of circulation: shock Section 12: Casualty Management Disorders of circulation: external bleeding Section 13: Revision Section 14: Quick Reference and Answers Index 5 6 7 9 16 17 21

42 45 48 52 78

Entries in an index are always in alphabetical order.

Another way of finding information quickly is to use the index, usually at the back of the book. You want to find out about the job of an Appointed Person. Do not read every word in the index. Look for the first letter of the word: A. (You may need to look for the first two letters: AP.)

Index
A ABC, 21, 23, 37, 45, 58, 72, 73, 76 Accident Book, 13, 52, 54 Action plan, 17, 20, 55, 74, 77 Action plan to manage the incident, 19 Aftermath, 20, 55, 74 Appointed Person, 16 B Bleeding, 42, 45, 46, 47, 71, 72, 73, 76

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Using the layout

The information in a course book is organised in many different formats, or layouts. This helps you to find the information you need more quickly.

What is expected of an Appointed Person?

The help of an Appointed Person is obviously needed in emergencies involving accidents and sudden illnesses. Am I the right person for this? You may be afraid of seeing blood, or severe injuries; you may think someone else would be able to cope better than you. Your group discussions have probably shown you that you are not alone in these feelings. Will I be able to cope? At the start of this course, it is important that you dont expect too much of yourself. In any situation you can only do your best. You are not expected to achieve miracles or to take personal risks. Remember that, as an Appointed Person, your aim is simply to try to: preserve life limit the effects of the casualtys condition help the casualty recover, if possible. What support will I get? You are only human, so AFTER AN INCIDENT IT IS NORMAL TO FEEL UPSET AND NEED SOMEONE TO TALK IT THROUGH WITH; this happens even to experienced emergency service personnel, so make sure that you are prepared for it. Discuss with your colleagues how you can give and receive help of this kind in your workplace after an incident.

The title of this page is in a large, bold, coloured font. This makes the words stand out and catch your eye. Under the title and objective there is often an introductory sentence; it tells you more about what is coming.

The subheading is the first of three questions. All of these are questions. The use of italic font shows their importance. The information that follows answers the question.

This whole sentence is in bold. This means that this part of the answer is very important. The aims are shown in a short bulleted list of examples. Bullets make a list clear and easy to read quickly.

The most important part of the answer is written in BLOCK CAPITALS. This makes sure that this very important information catches the readers eye. Blank space is an important part of layout it makes a text more readable. It also makes the final suggestion stand out more.

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First Aid at work whats it all about?

In order to get the general idea about a new topic you might be asked to read sections of the course manual. Find the pages, or part of a page, that you want then skim your eyes across and down the page.
When you read to get the general idea or gist of what something is about, your eyes skim across and down the page. You can use the layout or format of a page to help you skim. All these clues can help give you a general idea of what a text is about.

First Aid at work

First Aid is the first help given to someone to prevent injury or illness from becoming worse.

First Aid kits

The contents of a First Aid kit should be linked to the risks at the site. Extra items may be needed where certain chemicals are handled. Medicines or tablets must never be kept in a First Aid kit because only qualified medical personnel can dispense them.

Titles
italics bullets CAPITALS

headings
sub headings

Minimum contents of a First Aid box

guidance leaflet 4 triangular bandages 6 safety pins 2 sterile eye pads 1 pair disposable gloves 2 large and 6 medium 20 wrapped adhesive sterile unmedicated dressings wound dressings

highlighted words dashes bold words

KEY WORDS First Aider someone trained to a recognised standard to administer First Aid.

Heading? The numbers of Appointed Persons and First Aiders needed in the workplace depend on factors such as risk, layout and number of employees. It is recommended that provision should also cover nonemployees, such as customers. Sub heading? An Appointed Person must be available whenever people are working. Their responsibilities include looking after First Aid equipment, making sure it is always available, taking control when somebody is injured or ill and calling the emergency services if needed. An Appointed Person does not have to be a trained First Aider although basic training is recommended. Sub heading? First Aiders must be specially trained and certified by organisations approved by the Health and Safety Executive.They should give treatment only in the techniques they have been trained to carry out, otherwise they could cause further injury. First Aiders may need additional training where there are special workplace hazards.

Sometimes a text may not have so many clues but you can still skim the text for key words to help you get the gist. Tip: useful key words are often found in the first sentence of a paragraph. Task:

Skim the text. The heading and subheadings are missing. Skim each paragraph for key words and give each paragraph a suitable heading.

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Reading the detail

Health and safety information can be difficult to understand. It can include long, complicated sentences and unfamiliar words. Here are some tips to help you read this type of information.
Tips for reading long sentences: Read the information several times. Make notes try to sum up the overall message.

Responsibilities in the Workplace

Employers, First Aiders, Appointed Persons, and employees should be familiar with the health and safety legislation as follows: The Social Security Act 1975 The reporting system within an organisation usually includes an accident book recording all accidents causing injury on the organisations premises. The Appointed Person is often involved in completing the record, but all employees need to be aware of their responsibility to supply information or enter details if they are involved in an accident. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) Everybody at work should understand and comply with their responsibilities under HASAWA this includes a responsibility to ensure their own health, safety and welfare, as well as that of their colleagues; responsibilities of employers include making sure that adequate training is given to all employees about health, safety and welfare. Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Employers and their First Aiders, or Appointed Persons, together should organise and provide First Aid, according to the needs of the organisation. The current Approved Code of Practice is published by the Health and Safety Executive. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) Employers are responsible for reporting to the appropriate authority any serious accidents in connection with the workplace (which includes any resulting in more than three days absence from work), dangerous occurrences, and specified occupational disease. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2005 (COSHH) Employers are responsible for assessing risks from hazardous substances, and deciding on action to reduce them. All employees should follow safety guidelines and take precautions identified by their employers. First Aiders and Appointed Persons should also be familiar with appropriate First Aid action according to the type of substance and level of risk in their workplace.

Break long sentences down into shorter sentences use the punctuation or connecting words (conjunctions) to help you.

Rewritten in four shorter sentences

Everybody at work should understand their responsibilities under HASAWA. Everybody at work should comply with their responsibilities under HASAWA. Employees are responsible for ensuring their own health, safety and welfare. Employees are responsible for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of their colleagues.

Health and Safety information may include unfamiliar words. Try to work out what they mean from the rest of the sentence or look them up.

Read the information: what does it say that Appointed Persons have to do?

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Module 3 Doing the course

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Following procedures
The primary survey
There are a lot of procedures in First Aid that must be carried out correctly. The primary survey is a first assessment of an emergency situation and of the casualtys condition.
Procedures often give information as well as instructions. Instructions are usually written in short full sentences and begin with imperatives or command words. For example, place, remove and lift. The first sentence in this procedure gives information about the aim of a primary survey.

This part informs you of the sequence or order of checks in the primary survey. Questions are used to help you think about what checks to make.

Primary survey
The aim of a primary survey is to identify lifethreatening conditions, to make sure that they are treated first. The sequence of checks in a primary survey is: 1 DANGER 2 Are you, or the casualty, in any danger? RESPONSE Is the casualty conscious? IF THE CASUALTY IS NOT CONSCIOUS, SHOUT FOR HELP, AND THEN DO THE NEXT CHECK. AIRWAY Is the casualtys airway open and clear? BREATHING Is the casualty breathing? CIRCULATION Can you see, hear or feel breathing, coughing, movement, or any other signs of life? Is there any severe bleeding?

Some instructions are conditional. This means you only have to follow them in certain circumstances Look out for the word if.

There might be several instructions in each point. Look out for:

4 5

imperatives (e.g. place, tilt) new sentences the word and

Can you underline all of the instructions in the primary survey procedure?

To open the airway: Place one hand on the forehead and tilt the head back. Remove any obstructions from the casualtys mouth. Lift the casualtys chin with your fingertips. To check for breathing: LOOK for chest movement. LISTEN for sounds of breathing. FEEL for breath on your cheek. LIFT the chin throughout the breathing check, to keep the airway open (the breathing check should last for 10 seconds). You are checking for breathing, coughing, movement, or any other signs of life when you look, listen and feel for circulation.

Key words are written in bold to make them stand out.

Bullet points make each instruction stand out clearly.

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Using abbreviations
There are many abbreviations used in First Aid and related topics, such as health and safety. Abbreviations are a quick way of writing to save time and space. They can also be very useful to help us remember important information. Here are some examples.

All the abbreviations on this page are acronyms.

An acronym is a word made up from the first letters of other words. There are different kinds of acronym.

RICE Rest Ice pack Compression Elevate

PEEP Position Expose/Examine Elevate Pressure

Some acronyms use the first letter of each word to make another real word. This new word helps you to remember important information.

DR ABC Danger Response Airways Breathing Circulation

ABC Airways Breathing Circulation

These common First Aid acronyms dont make a new real word but the first letters do have an important meaning.

COSHH Control (of) Substances Hazardous (to) Health (Regulations)

RIDDOR Reporting (of) Injuries Diseases (and) Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

HASAWA Health And Safety At Work Act

Sometimes the first letter of each word is used to make a word that sounds like a real word.

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Using a dictionary or glossary

One way of finding the meaning of words that you do not know is to look them up in a dictionary or glossary.
Ive never seen that word before! Wheres my dictionary? Thats a new word! Id better look it up in the glossary at the back.

A dictionary is an alphabetical list of all the different meanings of words. If you look a word up in a dictionary, you might find several meanings. arrest 1. catch, take hold of (person) by force 2. stoppage (of the heart) resolve 1. decide on something 2. deal with (or sort out)

Although CPR is important to keep the body oxygenated, a defibrillator is needed to resolve the electrical problem in the heart. The chances of a person surviving after suffering a cardiac arrest are much improved if the emergency is dealt with quickly.

A glossary is an alphabetical list of specialist words and their meanings. arrest stoppage, e.g. of the heart (cardiac arrest) defibrillator machine that gives a controlled electric shock (in order to re-start the heart) oxygenated supplied with oxygen oxygen an element in air that we need to breathe You might find that the glossary definition gives you another word that you dont know. Keep going until you are sure.

To find a word in the dictionary or glossary, look for: the first letter the second letter the third letter and so on.

r e s

d e f

A word may have more than one meaning. It may also have both an everyday and a technical meaning. The dictionary will give both. The glossary may give only the technical meaning. (Look at the word arrest.)

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Working out the meaning of words

One way of finding the meaning of words is to look them up in a dictionary or glossary (see page 3:3). But it is often possible to work out the meaning in other ways. Here are some examples.
Listen for an explanation of the technical word. The trainer explains that myocardium is the heart muscle.

The heart muscle, which is also known as the myocardium, is the part affected in a heart attack The heart has valves, which are like pumps, to stop blood flowing back into the heart Deoxygenated blood is then pumped from the heart to the lungs
Ask the trainer, or a friend, if you are not sure what a word means.

Listen for an example which explains the meaning of the word. The trainer says that valves are like pumps.

Right chambers

Left chambers

Excuse me, can you explain what deoxygenated means please?

Right atrium

Left atrium

I can look at this diagram. It explains the meaning of atria and ventricles.

Look for diagrams that will help you to understand the meaning of unfamiliar technical vocabulary.

Tip
Right ventricle Left ventricle

Once you understand the meaning of a technical word try to use it.

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Using diagrams
Diagrams can help you understand more exactly how to carry out a complex procedure. This is the procedure for correctly carrying out chest compressions.

Managing an unconscious casualty with NO breathing and NO circulation

1) Find the right place on the casualtys chest. 2) Position the hands. 3) Compress the chest and release pressure.

The title and headings summarise what the instructions are for.

1) To find the correct place

Slide your index and middle fingers up the lowest rib. Middle finger is on the mid-point where the ribs meet. Index finger is on the breastbone. Slide heel of your other hand down the breastbone. Heel of hand meets index finger on breastbone.

Pictures or diagrams give you further information. Here they illustrate the points by showing the position of the hands.

2) To position the hands

Heel of first hand in position on breastbone. Heel of second hand on top, fingers interlocked and pulled up from the chest.

3) To compress the chest and release pressure

Instructions might include technical words, or unfamiliar words.

Aim for a rate of about 100 compressions per minute. Lean well over casualty to apply pressure. Arms straight, press vertically down through heels of hand. Fingers raised to avoid pressure on ribs. Release pressure without moving hands off the chest.

Pictures can help you to understand the meaning of difficult words.

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Understanding flow charts

First Aid procedures are sometimes written as flow charts like the one below. A flow chart helps you to make quick decisions about casualty care.
There is always a clear starting point. The steps in the procedure are linked together by arrows. The route you follow depends on the casualty you are treating.

Any dangers? (for you or casualty)?

Yes

Remove danger if safe to do so

Along the route you might have questions to answer. For example, Any response? You might also get instructions telling you what action to take. For example Treat casualty or Call ambulance.

No

Any response? (conscious?)

Yes

Treat casualty Call ambulance

No

Airway open? Casualty breathing?

Yes

Recovery position Call ambulance

You dont have to read the whole chart only the part that applies to your casualty.

No

Open airway; Give 2 effective rescue breaths

Check Signs of life

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Writing short answers

On your First Aid course you will need to write short answers to different types of question. This page gives you some tips to help you record your answers correctly.
Write notes Make a brief note of what shock is. Write your answer here. ______________________ ______________________ There is not much space provided so your answer should be short key words only, not a complete sentence.

Make a list Make a list of the things you should not do when treating a person with shock.

What you should not do

____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

There are 5 bullet points so you know that there are 5 things you should not do.

Fill in gaps Fill in the spaces to show different ways that blood can be lost. Write one word only in each space.

Blood may be lost through:

_______ bleeding (e.g. cuts) _______ bleeding (e.g. damaged organ)

Multiple choice questions Questions may have a sentence that is not finished. If so, choose the phrase that completes it correctly. Read the whole question carefully. Pay attention to words in CAPITALS or underlined. In multiple choice there is only one right answer. If you think there are more, choose the best answer.

1 Reduction in the fluid circulating in the body is most often caused by: a overheating b diarrhoea c loss of blood d vomiting 2 A a b c person suffering from shock will be: breathing fast breathing slow not breathing

Now use the information on the source page to answer all the different questions.

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Dealing with the situation

When you come across an emergency situation, you need to react quickly but safely. You will deal with the situation more effectively if you remain calm and follow appropriate steps.
How many casualties are there? Are there any dangers for the casualty, the bystanders or me?

Whats happened?

Assess the situation

What action should I take first?

A = airway B = breathing C = circulation

Right, check A, B, C okay. Check for bleeding okay. keep her warm.

Identify what help is required carry it out quickly

Is there anything else I should do?

I need someone to stay with her while I call the ambulance.

Remember! You are in charge until the arrival of the emergency 5 services or a more qualified person. Give commands clearly and calmly.

Okay, what do I need to tell the paramedics when they arrive?

Deal with the aftermath

Try this Find the picture of this accident in the source pages and discuss how you would deal with the situation.

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Communicating with a casualty

Being a good First Aider depends not only on what you know, but also on communicating this in a positive way to others.
Use body language to show you understand what the casualty is feeling. STAY CALM! Body language means the signals you give to others by the look on your face, the position of your body, the gestures you make, your use of eye contact, and so on.

Listen carefully to get clear information from the casualty.

Use your First Aid knowledge to decide how best to respond.

Reassure an anxious casualty.

Explain to the casualty what you are going to do.

Explain clearly to the casualty what is going to happen.

Give clear information to others (such as paramedics).

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Reporting accidents
Giving a spoken description
As a First Aider you may need to explain what happened in an accident so that an accident report form can be filled in, or the casualty can receive the correct follow-up treatment. If you are asked to describe an accident, you need to give:

facts rather than opinions a clear description relevant details.

Facts rather than opinions

Facts are important for accurate reporting because: a fact is something that is true and can be proved, but an opinion is only what someone thinks; it may not be true.

He banged his head against the side of a lathe.

I dont think he was properly awake.

Raj slipped on something on the floor.

A clear description how the accident happened what injury was caused what action has been taken.

A clear description helps others to understand more about:

He banged his head as he fell backwards. The bang caused some bleeding to the head which caused him to faint.

I was called to the scene. I put Raj into the recovery position and called an ambulance.

The casualty fainted when he saw the blood. The witness was just having a breather when he saw the accident.

Relevant details

Some details are important because they give information that is necessary or relevant. Other details are totally unnecessary and do not add anything useful.

Tips

Remember! The clearer your description, the more accurately it will be recorded.

Plan what you are going to say. Describe events in the order they happened.

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Filling in accident report forms

You have to fill in an accident report form whenever someone has an accident at work. It has to be a clear and accurate record.
First read the whole form through to check what information is required. Use the section headings to help you fill in the information in the correct places.

ACCIDENT REPORT
1. About the person who had the accident
Name Address

If you as a First Aider report the accident, fill in: Section 1 about the casualty and Section 2 about yourself.

Postcode Occupation

Occupation means job. The title of your job goes here.

2. About the person filling in this report

Fill this in only if you are not the person who had the accident. Name Address

Section 3 asks you to describe the accident. This is divided into:

Postcode Occupation

3. About the accident

Say when it happened. Date Say where it happened. Describe how it happened and any injury caused. Time

when it happened where it happened how it happened what the injury was (bleeding hand, intense pain to left leg, bruising).

Write dates with the day, month and year, for example: 10th June 2005 = 10/06/05
Sign and date the record Signature Date

Use am or pm to show exactly what time of day the accident happened, for example: 9 oclock in the morning = 9.00 am. 9 oclock in the evening = 9.00 pm.

4. For the employer only

Complete this box if the accident is reportable under RIDDOR .

When you have How was it reported?

that all Date reported

finished, check:

the relevant facts are in a logical order. for Signature any errors in grammar or spelling.

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Ordering First Aid supplies

After completing the Appointed Persons First Aid course, you may be expected to order First Aid supplies. You will need to make sure you copy details from the catalogue accurately and into the right boxes on the form.
1 Read the top of the order form. Some things will stand out or look different. These might be the use of: colour words in bold CAPITAL LETTERS This tells you what information you have to write. 2 Scan the section headings in the catalogue. You know what items you are looking for and so you can search or scan the text quickly for related words and phrases. Scanning is like looking for your name on a list. 3 Quickly scan the items listed in that section. Look out for key words or phrases to find what you are looking for. Then read the description carefully to make sure it is really the item that you want.

Suppliers often give a couple of examples to show how to fill in the order form. These may be marked e.g. and in italics.

short for Quantity (how many)

excluding (without) VAT

n/a means not applicable

First Aid supplies order form

Number in suppliers catalogue
Item no e.g. 0061 e.g. 5012 Description First Aid Travel Kit Practical First Aid manual Qty 2 1
ex VAT

Price

6.99 7.99

Total 13.98 7.99

VAT 2.46 n/a

Value Added Tax: (17.5% tax paid on most items)

Postage and packing: If required, please add 3.50 + VAT (61p) if total order value is less than 25.00 excl. VAT.

Total without VAT

Sub-Total VAT @ 17.5% Total

@ means at

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Finding information on the Internet

To find information on the Internet you need to read in different ways. Scanning is looking quickly over a text for key words and nothing else. Skimming is reading quickly to find out if the text is of interest to you. When you skim, you do not need to read or understand every word. You do detailed reading when you know the information is relevant for you.
BBC Health: First Aid Action
A fully interactive online first aid course from the BBC that informs, educates and entertains whilst leading Find your nearest training centre here. www.bbc.co.uk/health/first_aid_action/ - 23k - 13 Jun 2005 - Cached - Similar pages

Task You have been a First Aider at work for a number of years now. You want a course to bring your skills up to date for your workplace. Find the right course for you!

St John Ambulance - First Aid Training and Health and Safety Courses
First Aid Training Courses First Aid for the Workplace. First Aid for the General Public. First Aid in Schools for the Workplace for the General www.sja.org.uk/training/ - 23k - 13 Jun 2005 - Cached - Similar pages

St John Ambulance - The UKs leading First Aid, Care and

If London wins the bid, St John Ambulance will provide First Aid support at the games Its mission is to provide First Aid and medical support services, www.sja.org.uk/ - 26k - 13 Jun 2005 - Cached - Similar pages

First Aid instruction

First Aid Training ADR Training & Fire Awareness. Firstaid Training. CDG (HAZMAT) ADR. FIRE. Welcome To 1st Aid Training. [Appointed Persons] firstaidtraining.2cuk.co.uk/ - 17k - 13 Jun 2005 - Cached - Similar pages

British Red Cross First Aid Training - First Aid Courses News and
British Red Cross First Aid Training , News and Updates, Welcome to the news and update section of the British Red Cross Commercial Training division. www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk -First Aid Training Courses Similar pages

First scan the search page for key words. Look for First Aid, training and workplace.

for the Workplace

for the General Public

Other Training Courses

Now scan this page for key words.

in Schools

Manual Handling Training

Home > Train with St. John > First Aid in the Workplace

Train with St. John

Scan this list for key word(s).

First Aid in the Workplace

First Aid for your workplace

Become a First Aider and youll make a real difference to the well-being of your colleagues. As a qualified First Aider youll have the essential skills to handle any First Aid situation, from minor slips and trips to the most serious of incidents.

First Aid at Work FAW Requalification Skills update Appointed Persons

Next skim the page to see if it is interesting or relevant to you.

When you have found the words you want, click on them to get more information. You will then skim and scan again page by page until you find what you are looking for.

First Aid for the General Public First Aid in Schools Defibrillators Moving and Handling Health and Safety Defibrillators Fire Marshal Training Request a Training Brochure National Training

First Aid provision in the workplace saves lives. It can prevent minor problems or injuries from becoming major ones. It can help employers reduce costs from injury. And it is aa legal obligation on every single employer to make sure that their employees receive the right First Aid care in the workplace.

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