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Perform Basic First Aid Procedures

D1.HRS.CL1.12

D1.HOT.CL1.12

D2.TCC.CL1.15

Trainee Manual

Perform Basic First Aid

Procedures

D1.HRS.CL1.12

D1.HOT.CL1.12

D2.TCC.CL1.15

Trainee Manual

Project Base

William Angliss Institute of TAFE 555 La Trobe Street Melbourne 3000 Victoria Telephone: (03) 9606 2111 Facsimile: (03) 9670 1330

Acknowledgements

Project Director: Wayne Crosbie Chief Writer: Alan Hickman Subject Writer: Alan Hickman Project Manager: Alan Maguire Editor: Nick Hyland DTP/Production: Daniel Chee, Mai Vu, Jirayu Thangcharoensamut

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member States of the Association are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

General Information on ASEAN appears online at the ASEAN Website: www.asean.org.

All text is produced by William Angliss Institute of TAFE for the ASEAN Project on “Toolbox Development for Priority Tourism Labour Division”.

This publication is supported by Australian Aid through the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II).

Copyright: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2012.

All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that this publication is free from errors or omissions. However, you should conduct your own enquiries and seek professional advice before relying on any fact, statement or matter contained in this book. ASEAN Secretariat and William Angliss Institute of TAFE are not responsible for any injury, loss or damage as a result of material included or omitted from this course. Information in this module is current at the time of publication. Time of publication is indicated in the date stamp at the bottom of each page.

Some images appearing in this resource have been purchased from various stock photography suppliers and other third party copyright owners and as such are non-transferable and non-exclusive.

Additional images have been sourced from Flickr and are used under:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

http://www.sxc.hu/

File name: TM_Perform_basic_first_aid_proc_310812.docx

http://www.asean.org/

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

© ASEAN 2012 Trainee Manual


Table of contents

Introduction to trainee manual ........................................................................................... 1

Unit descriptor................................................................................................................... 3

Assessment matrix ........................................................................................................... 5

Glossary ........................................................................................................................... 7

Element 1: Assess the situation ........................................................................................ 9

Element 2: Apply basic first aid techniques ..................................................................... 21

Element 3: Communicate details of the incident .............................................................. 39

Presentation of written work ............................................................................................ 47

Recommended reading ................................................................................................... 49

Trainee evaluation sheet ................................................................................................. 51

Introduction to trainee manual


Perform Basic First Aid Procedures 1


To the Trainee

Congratulations on joining this course. This Trainee Manual is one part of a „toolbox‟ which is a resource provided to trainees, trainers and assessors to help you become competent in various areas of your work.

The „toolbox‟ consists of three elements:

A Trainee Manual for you to read and study at home or in class

A Trainer Guide with Power Point slides to help your Trainer explain the content of the training material and provide class activities to help with practice

An Assessment Manual which provides your Assessor with oral and written questions and other assessment tasks to establish whether or not you have achieved competency.

The first thing you may notice is that this training program and the information you find in the Trainee Manual seems different to the textbooks you have used previously. This is because the method of instruction and examination is different. The method used is called Competency based training (CBT) and Competency based assessment (CBA). CBT and CBA is the training and assessment system chosen by ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) to train people to work in the tourism and hospitality industry throughout all the ASEAN member states.

What is the CBT and CBA system and why has it been adopted by ASEAN?

CBT is a way of training that concentrates on what a worker can do or is required to do at work. The aim is of the training is to enable trainees to perform tasks and duties at a standard expected by employers. CBT seeks to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes (or recognise the ones the trainee already possesses) to achieve the required competency standard. ASEAN has adopted the CBT/CBA training system as it is able to produce the type of worker that industry is looking for and this therefore increases trainees chances of obtaining employment.

CBA involves collecting evidence and making a judgement of the extent to which a worker can perform his/her duties at the required competency standard. Where a trainee can already demonstrate a degree of competency, either due to prior training or work experience, a process of „Recognition of Prior Learning‟ (RPL) is available to trainees to recognise this. Please speak to your trainer about RPL if you think this applies to you.

What is a competency standard?

Competency standards are descriptions of the skills and knowledge required to perform a task or activity at the level of a required standard.

242 competency standards for the tourism and hospitality industries throughout the ASEAN region have been developed to cover all the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work in the following occupational areas:

Housekeeping

Food Production

Food and Beverage Service


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Front Office

Travel Agencies

Tour Operations.

All of these competency standards are available for you to look at. In fact you will find a summary of each one at the beginning of each Trainee Manual under the heading „Unit Descriptor‟. The unit descriptor describes the content of the unit you will be studying in the Trainee Manual and provides a table of contents which are divided up into „Elements‟ and „Performance Criteria”. An element is a description of one aspect of what has to be achieved in the workplace. The „Performance Criteria‟ below each element details the level of performance that needs to be demonstrated to be declared competent.

There are other components of the competency standard:

Unit Title: statement about what is to be done in the workplace

Unit Number: unique number identifying the particular competency

Nominal hours: number of classroom or practical hours usually needed to complete the competency. We call them „nominal‟ hours because they can vary e.g. sometimes it will take an individual less time to complete a unit of competency because he/she has prior knowledge or work experience in that area.

The final heading you will see before you start reading the Trainee Manual is the „Assessment Matrix‟. Competency based assessment requires trainees to be assessed in at least 2 – 3 different ways, one of which must be practical. This section outlines three ways assessment can be carried out and includes work projects, written questions and oral questions. The matrix is designed to show you which performance criteria will be assessed and how they will be assessed. Your trainer and/or assessor may also use other assessment methods including „Observation Checklist‟ and „Third Party Statement‟. An observation checklist is a way of recording how you perform at work and a third party statement is a statement by a supervisor or employer about the degree of competence they believe you have achieved. This can be based on observing your workplace performance, inspecting your work or gaining feedback from fellow workers.

Your trainer and/or assessor may use other methods to assess you such as:

Journals

Oral presentations

Role plays

Log books

Group projects

Practical demonstrations.

Remember your trainer is there to help you succeed and become competent. Please feel free to ask him or her for more explanation of what you have just read and of what is expected from you and best wishes for your future studies and future career in tourism and hospitality.

Unit descriptor



Unit descriptor


This unit deals with the skills and knowledge required to Perform Basic First Aid Procedures in a range of settings within the hotel and travel industries workplace context.

Unit Code:

D1.HRS.CL1.12 D1.HOT.CL1.12 D2.TCC.CL1.15

Nominal Hours:

25 hours

Element 1: Assess the situation

Performance Criteria

1.1 Identify physical hazards to own and others‟ health and safety

1.2 Minimize immediate risk to self and health and safety of the casualty by controlling hazard/s in accordance with accepted practice

1.3 Assess casualty‟s vital signs and physical condition in accordance with accepted practice

Element 2: Apply basic first aid techniques


2.1 Provide first aid management in accordance with established first aid procedures and available resources and equipment

2.2 Monitor casualty‟s condition and respond to the casualty‟s condition in accordance with accepted first aid principles and enterprise guidelines

2.3 Seek first aid assistance from others in a timely manner as appropriate

2.4 Record accidents and injuries in accordance with enterprise procedures

Element 3: Communicate details of the incident


3.1 Request appropriate medical assistance using the most relevant and appropriate communication mechanism

3.2 Convey details of casualty‟s condition and first-aid management activities accurately to emergency services or relieving personnel

3.3 Prepare reports to supervisors in a timely manner, presenting all relevant facts according to enterprise guidelines

Unit descriptor

4


Assessment matrix



Assessment matrix

Showing mapping of Performance Criteria against Work Projects, Written

Questions and Oral Questions

Work

Projects

Written

Questions

Oral

Questions


1.1 Identify physical hazards to own and others‟ health and safety

1.1 1, 2, 3 1

1.2 Minimize immediate risk to self and health and safety of the casualty by controlling hazard/s in accordance with accepted practice

1.1 4, 5 2

1.3 Assess casualty‟s vital signs and physical condition in accordance with accepted practice

1.2 6, 7, 8, 9 3


2.1 Provide first aid management in accordance with established first aid procedures and available resources and equipment

2.1 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,

16 4

2.2 Monitor casualty‟s condition and respond to the casualty‟s condition in accordance with accepted first aid principles and enterprise guidelines

2.2 17, 18 5

2.3 Seek first aid assistance from others in a timely manner as appropriate

2.3 19 6

2.4 Record accidents and injuries in accordance with enterprise procedures

2.4 20, 21 7


3.1 Request appropriate medical assistance using the most relevant and appropriate communication mechanism

3.1 22, 23 8

3.2 Convey details of casualty‟s condition and first-aid management activities accurately to emergency services or relieving personnel

3.1 24, 25 9

3.3 Prepare reports to supervisors in a timely manner, presenting all relevant facts according to enterprise guidelines

3.2 26 10

Assessment matrix

6


Glossary



Glossary

Term Explanation

Airway The way for air to travel from the mouth and nose to the lungs

Antiseptic A chemical that eliminates bacteria

Blisters A lump under the skin filled with fluid

Blood pressure The pressure of blood going around the body

Breastbone Bone in the centre of the chest

CPR Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation: a first aid technique combining rescue breathing and external chest compressions

Casualty A person who is sick or injured and needs medical assistance

Clenched fist Tightly closed hand

Compress A cold compress: ice in a cloth placed on a sore part of the body

Compressions External pressing on the chest as part of CPR

Confidentiality Keeping information secret - not telling other people about information

Convulsions Uncontrolled body shaking

Cross-infection Passing germs from one place to another

DRABC Acronym used to describe/remember the five procedures first-aiders should follow: D = Danger; R = Response; A = Airway; B= Breathing; C = Circulation

Detect Find; identify; discover

Dressing Apply a dressing: put on a bandage

EAR Expired Air Resuscitation – another term for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

EMP Emergency Management Plan - a plan setting out what to do when an emergency occurs

Evacuation Emergency moving of people from an area where there is danger

Glossary

8


Term Explanation

Hazard Anything that can potentially hurt someone

Heel of your hand Under part of the hand near the wrist

Immobilize Immobilize the leg: stop the leg from moving

Inhalation Breathing in

Intravenous fluids Life support fluids given to a person through a tube

Nausea Feeling sick in the stomach

Navel Spot in the middle of the stomach

Non-conductive Does not allow electricity to pass through

Panic Great fear that affects most people when they experience an emergency or stressful experience

Recovery position Placing a casualty into the recovery position: placing a casualty on their side with arms and legs in special positions to optimize their recovery

Respiration The act of inhaling and exhaling air; breathing

Sling A bandage (usually triangular) hung from the neck to support an injured arm

Splint Any unbending material used to keep in place a broken or damaged arm or leg

Symptom Signs that something is wrong' symptoms can be used to diagnose a medical condition

Unconscious Person looks as if they are sleeping; not conscious

Wheezing A sound made when someone is having difficulty breathing

Wound An injury to the body




Element 1:

Assess the situation

1.1 Identify physical hazards to own and others’

health and safety

Introduction

When administering first aid your first concern must be to make sure you do not become a casualty of the situation.

This means you must assess the situation you are facing and take time to identify the physical hazards that may be present to your own safety and that of others who may be present.

Defining First aid

First aid is any care given to an injured or ill person (called a 'casualty') before professional medical assistance (ambulance, paramedics, nurse, or doctor) arrives on the scene to take control of the situation.

First aid can include the provision of:

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation – if the casualty is not breathing

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – where there is no breathing and no pulse

Control of bleeding – to limit blood loss

Wound care – to limit blood loss and infection by covering wounds

Treatment for burns and scalds – including treatment for electric shock

Bandaging and splinting – to fractures and sprains.

Important points to note at the start

The following important points must always be taken into account when providing first aid:

Protect yourself and others at all times against injury or harm – persons delivering first aid should not become casualties

The casualty must be protected against further harm or injury

Whenever there is a need to administer first aid make sure you notify your supervisor immediately to arrange for professional help to be called

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid to protect against infection.


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Types of hazards to be aware of

To protect first aid providers, bystanders and casualties against harm when providing first aid you must take care to identify physical and other hazards which may be present such as:

Workplace and incident-specific hazards – including stock, plant, equipment, machinery, utensils and vehicles. It also includes the general environment in the form of heat, cold, wind, sunshine, rain

Hazards sometimes associated with casualty management – for example, first aid providers need to be aware there can be:

A risk of being bitten

Violence as a result of a casualty being confused and disoriented

Bodily fluids have the potential to contaminate and cause disease.

Some diseases are only spread through blood-borne viruses, but it is advisable to be alert to the potential dangers posed by all bodily fluids:

Blood

Saliva

Urine and faeces

Mucus

Pus

Semen

Sweat

Tears.

You should always be safe and treat all body fluids as if they are infectious.

Always wear protective gloves when providing first aid.

Risk of further injury to the casualty – which can be caused by a range of issues, for example:

The casualty being burned by fire spreading toward them

Something falling onto the casualty and adding to their existing injury.




How to identify hazards

The accepted ways to identify hazards when providing first aid are:

Use common sense – this is the most important aspect

Use your sense of sight – look for things that could present a problem or danger. Look carefully in all directions. Be alert to smoke, fire and emerging issues

Use your sense of hearing – listen for escaping gas, crackling of flames or creaking of wood and metal

Use your sense of touch –vibrations or heat

Use your sense of smell –gas or smoke.

Also be prepared to listen to what people already at the scene may tell you about what they have identified as being hazards. They have the benefit of extra on-site experience with the casualty you will not have.

This means when you arrive at an accident scene you must first 'Assess the situation' (see DRABC below at 1.3) to identify any hazards.

The important point here is you must never rush in and start first aid without first assessing the hazards posed by the situation you are facing.

1.2 Minimize immediate risk to self and health and

safety of the casualty by controlling hazard/s

in accordance with accepted practice

Introduction

If any hazards have been identified as a result of the evaluation undertaken when arriving „on scene‟, you must take action to minimize risk to yourself, the casualty and others before rendering first aid.

What you may be able to do

The action you need to take to minimize risk will depend on the hazard you have identified.

Only act to address identified issues where they pose a risk.

Generally speaking, casualties should not be moved until they have been assessed as being safe to move BUT if there is a serious and immediate risk of extra injury to a casualty from an identified hazard it is standard practice to move them away from the hazard.


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If uninjured bystanders are near an identified hazard, they must be told to move away to a safe location.

Whenever there is identified danger from fire, gas leaks or smoke the emergency fire authorities must be called.

Where there is an identified hazard from electricity, the electricity supply company or someone from within the workplace with knowledge of how to turn off the power must be contacted.

Other action may include:

If there is a fire near the casualty – call the fire brigade, move the casualty out of the danger zone or fight the fire with nearby hoses, fire blanket or extinguisher

If the casualty‟s situation is being made worse by rain or sunshine – provide cover to the person

If gas is leaking from a damaged appliance – turn off the gas at the stop valve and make sure no one is smoking

If unstable items are near-by and posing a risk of – either move the items or casualty

If the casualty is in a position where they are likely to be run over by vehicles – move them or take action to stop traffic.

Protect the neck

If you ever have to move a casualty because they, or you, may be in danger, do whatever you can to protect the neck against movement. This is vitally important where the casualty is unconscious and you are unsure what injuries they have.

To help protect the neck:

Keep the casualty still – tell the casualty not to move

Kneel behind the head and place your hands on either side to support it – with the head, neck and spine in a straight line

Put rolled up towels, blankets, or clothing on each side of the casualty‟s head to keep it from moving.

Be prepared to use bystanders to help you

Always be alert to the possibility of asking others to assist you by:

Calling emergency services

Moving items

Helping to move the casualty

Using fire-fighting equipment.

This could include other staff, bystanders, customers, management, friends or family of the casualty. Remember others are often prepared and willing to help if they are told what to do.




Using the ‘Fireman’s Carry’ to move casualties

The „Fireman‟s Carry‟ is used to move unconscious people or casualties who are unable to walk.

Do not use the Fireman‟s Carry if the casualty has an injured arm, leg, ribs, neck, or back.

The steps for the Fireman‟s Carry are:

Place the casualty face down

Grab the person around the waist, and help bring him or her to a standing position, facing you

Keep one arm around his or her waist when you have him or her in the standing position

Grasp the casualty‟s right arm in your left hand and swing his or her arm around the back of your neck

Pull him or her across your shoulders by bringing his or her raised arm around your neck and over your shoulder. In this position, the injured person's legs will be over one shoulder, and his or her arm and head will be over the other shoulder

Reposition your hand from the person's waist to the back of his or her knee

Lift yourself with the injured person into a standing position.

Watch a video online of a different carry technique: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/139808_carry-injured-person-yourself-first.htm.

1.3 Assess casualty’s vital signs and physical

condition in accordance with accepted

practice

Introduction

This section introduces the concept of „DRABC‟.

DRABC is an acronym used to describe the procedures which should be used by first aiders when providing first aid to victims.

Following DRABC helps ensure further injury does not occur, and addresses the important casualty assessments that should be made before first aid is provided.

What is DRABC?

In brief, DRABC stands for:

D for Danger – Assess the situation

R for Response – Check consciousness, check on vital signs

A for Airway – Open airway

B for Breathing – Check respiration rates

C for Circulation – Give chest compressions.

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/139808_carry-injured-person-yourself-first.htm


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Danger – Assess situation and check for danger

Before you give first aid, you must assess to the best of your ability the situation you are facing as described in 1.1 and 1.2.

To re-cap, the important aspects are:

Check for danger to yourself, the casualty and others. Look for obvious, immediate, life-threatening hazards such as fire, the possibility of a gas explosion, and electrical hazards

If there is danger around, you will need to move yourself and your casualty to prevent further injury to anyone

If you think the casualty has a spinal injury, take care to stop more damage to the spine by stopping movement of the casualty's neck and back.

Response – Check to see if the person is conscious or

unconscious

„Response‟ is a step enabling you to determine if the casualty is conscious or unconscious.

Try and get a response from the casualty by gently tapping his or her shoulder and calling his or her name

Avoid shaking them as this may worsen an existing injury

Get a history – ask the casualty or any witnesses who saw the incident: What happened? Does the casualty have a neck or back injury? Does the casualty have an allergic reaction?

Identify how the casualty feels. Ask: „How do you feel?‟, „Do you feel dizzy or weak?‟, „Do you have pain? Where? For how long?‟

Check the physical condition of the casualty – take a look at them and around them. Is there evidence:

Of bleeding? Where from? How badly?

Bones are broken?

Of swelling, bites, burns, scalds?

Of possible neck or back injury?

They are suffering allergic reactions – perhaps to food, sting or bite?

The casualty is in shock – symptoms of shock include:

– Sweaty but cool skin, pale colour or bluish skin around the mouth

– Shallow, fast breathing

– Rapid pulse that becomes weaker




As shock progresses, you will see the casualty has:

– Anxiety – they will appear restless, agitated, worried

– Unusual thirst

– Yawning and sighing

– Nausea.

Airway – Check to make sure the airway is free of obstructions

If casualty is not breathing, open the airway by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilt the head back by lifting the chin

Remove any visible obstructions (vomit, mucus, saliva, false teeth, loose or broken teeth, food, tongue) from the mouth and nose to unblock the airways

If obstructions are present the casualty will not be able to breathe and the obstruction will also impede the provision of rescue breathing/mouth-to-mouth resuscitation also known as EAR (Expired Air Resuscitation).

Breathing – Check to determine if casualty if breathing

Check breathing by looking (to watch the rise and fall of chest), listening (to the sounds of inhaling and exhaling) and feeling for breathing (by placing your cheek next to their mouth and feeling for exhaled breath on your check) for up to 10 seconds. Is the casualty‟s breathing regular or irregular?

If casualty is not breathing, administer rescue breathing/mouth-to-mouth resuscitation/EAR – see 2.1

If casualty is breathing:

Continue to monitor it to ensure they continue to breathe

Apply rescue breathing if their breathing stops

Note their respiration rate so it can be communicated to professionals when they arrive.

Vital signs – respiration rate

„Respiration rate‟ is the rate at which the casualty is breathing.

To determine the respiration rate for a casualty, watch their chest or stomach rise and fall for 15 seconds counting how many times it rises.

Multiply this figure by four to obtain respirations per minute.

Write down your findings so they can be passed on to professional medical help when they arrive.


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Respiration rates

The normal range of respiration rates in an adult when resting is 12 to 20 respirations per minute

Respiration rate below 12 respirations per minute is called slow

Respiration rate above 20 respirations per minute is rapid

A breathing rate slower than 12 respirations per minute or faster than 20 respirations per minute may indicate a problem affecting the casualty's ability to get oxygen.

Circulation – Check to see if the person has a pulse

This will indicate whether or not their heart is beating

Without a pulse, there is no heart beating and there is no circulation

If you cannot detect a pulse, commence chest compressions

If casualty is not breathing and there is no pulse, administer CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) – see 2.1. This is a first aid technique combining rescue breathing and external chest compressions.

How to find the pulse

It is important to take the pulse of a casualty to determine if their heart is till beating or not. No pulse means their heart is not beating and chest compressions must commence.

If there is no pulse and there is no sign of breathing, CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) must commence – see below „Apply CPR‟.

A good point for taking the pulse is the neck (carotid arteries). Place the middle and index fingers on the casualty's larynx (voice box).

Move the fingers to the side until you feel the groove (between the bone and the muscle) next to the trachea (wind pipe), then press on the groove until you feel the pulse.

Place the tips of your index and middle fingers over the pulse site and press gently. Using a watch with a second hand. Count the pulse for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to obtain beats per minute.

Write down your findings.

Vital signs – pulse rate

A normal pulse rate for an adult when resting is 60 to 80 beats per minute.

The average is 72 beats per minute.

A resting pulse rate of more than 80 beats per minute is a higher than normal pulse rate.

This can be caused by shock, bleeding, heat, dehydration, fever, pain or exercise.




Using history, signs and symptoms

If the casualty is conscious and able to talk, speak to them to obtain whatever history is available relating to their condition.

By putting the history, signs and symptoms together, you will have a better assessment of the injury.

For example:

The casualty‟s chest pain came on quickly

The casualty has had chest pain for more than 10 minutes and is short of breath and sweating

The casualty is experiencing pain in the chest that is spreading down the arms. They also feels weak and dizzy

Assessment – it is possible the person has suffered a heart attack. Get professional medical help immediately. Call for an ambulance

If the casualty becomes worse, stop your assessment and treat the life-threatening condition.

While waiting for help to arrive, you should:

Give whatever first aid to the casualty you can

Keep watching the casualty to see if their condition changes and record those changes. This could relate to changes to respiration, heart beats or level of consciousness

Re-assure them they are going to be alright.


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Work Projects

It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer. You must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion of the project to your Trainer by the agreed date.

1.1 You have been called to attend a casualty who has collapsed in a room where there is believed to be a gas leak:

Identify physical hazards you might encounter in this situation

Describe the action you would take to minimize immediate risk to self, others and the casualty.

1.2. Develop and submit a pro forma document/form that:

Could be used by a first aid provider to record the vital signs and physical condition of a casualty when they arrive at the scene and while they are providing basic first aid

Gives direction on how to obtain heart rate and respirations per minute.




Summary

Assess the situation

When assessing the situation when providing basic first aid to casualties:

Protect yourself and others against injury

Protect the casualty against further injury

Look for physical and other hazards when you arrive on scene

Take action to guard against identified hazards

Never simply rush in and start providing first aid – assess the situation first

Never move a casualty until they have been assessed unless there is a risk of further injury to them

Be prepared to ask others for help

Call emergency services immediately

Implement DRABC

Check to determine if the casualty is conscious or not

Check to determine if the casualty is breathing or not

Check to determine if the casualty has a pulse or not

Apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, cardiac compressions or CPR as required

Take/observe vital signs and physical condition of the casualty and record observations

Maintain ongoing monitoring of casualty when providing first aid.


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Element 2:

Apply basic first aid techniques

2.1 Provide first aid management in accordance

with established first aid procedures and

available resources and equipment

Introduction

This section presents an assortment of accepted and effective first aid practices that can be used to provide first aid to casualties.

Applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

If the casualty is breathing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not required and you must manage bleeding and other injuries.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be given when diagnosis reveals the patient is not breathing.

Procedure for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Turn casualty onto their back and:

1. Kneel beside the casualty

2. Keep the casualty's head tilted back

3. Pinch the casualty's nostrils with your fingers

4. Lift the jaw forward with your other hand

5. Take a deep breath and open your mouth wide

6. Place your mouth firmly over their mouth making an airtight seal

7. Breathe into the casualty's mouth

8. Remove your mouth and turn your head to observe the chest fall and listen or feel for exhaled air.

Recovery position

When it has been determined the casualty is breathing, they should be placed into the „Recovery Position‟.

The steps are:

Kneel beside him or her

Place the furthest arm at right angles to the body

Place his or her nearest arm across the chest


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Lift his or her nearest leg at the knee so it is fully bent upwards

Roll casualty away from you on to the side while supporting head and neck and keeping the leg at right angles with the knee touching the ground.

Applying cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

If the casualty is not breathing and has no pulse, administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Where CPR is needed, it must take priority over treating other injuries.

To apply CPR to an adult:

Ask somebody to call an ambulance or summon assistance from on-site professionals

Start CPR:

Place one hand on the breastbone (centre of chest)

Place other hand on top of hand positioned on breastbone

Align your shoulders above your hands and straighten your elbows, using the weight of your upper body, with the heel of your hand, press down (4 – 5 cm)

Perform 30 compressions (presses) at a rate of 100 per minute

Count aloud at a steady and fast pace to achieve this rate

After every 30 chest compressions give two breaths – with casualty‟s head tilted back, pinch their nose, place your mouth over the mouth, and give two breaths – blowing steadily.

Check again for signs of circulation and breathing.

If the casualty does not have signs of circulation and does not begin breathing, continue CPR until signs of circulation and breathing return or until emergency medical help arrives.

If two first aid providers are present:

One should give chest compressions

One should give breaths

Count the compressions out loud.

Watch a video online at http://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/First-aid/First-aid-tips-and-videos/Resuscitation.




Managing bleeding

„Bleeding‟ is loss of blood.

Loss of blood can be external or internal.

First aid treatment relates to managing external bleeding.

The following guidelines apply:

Use disposable gloves to reduce the risk of cross-infection

If the wound is a clean cut (free of dirt), apply a dressing. Your main aim is to stop the flow of blood. If blood comes out of a dressing applied to an arm or a leg, apply a pressure dressing (a wad of material on top of the dressing and directly over the wound) then raise the injured arm or leg above heart level

If an object is stuck in the wound, stabilize the object with a bulky dressing made from the cleanest material available. Then apply a bandage over the dressing. Do not press on the object; do not try to remove object.

Watch the following online videos:

http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=75097

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-bleeding/MM00016.

Treating burns

Clothes on fire

If the casualty's clothing is on fire, cover the casualty with a fire blanket and roll them on the ground until the fire is put out.

If you cannot get to a fire blanket quickly, tell the casualty to drop to the ground and roll on the flame until it goes out.

Treatment of burns

To treat burns:

Place the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes

Cut and gently lift away any clothing covering the burned area

Leave any piece of clothing that sticks to the burned area in place

Remove any jewellery from the burned limb so you do not have to cut off the jewellery later when the limb swells

Apply a sterile dressing over the burn and raise the limb to reduce swelling

If the burned area is large, use the cleanest material available to cover the burned area

Do not try to clean the burned area before applying the dressing


http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-bleeding/MM00016


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Do not apply ointments or medications to the burned area

Do not break any blisters.

Fluid lost through burns is a cause of shock.

Respond appropriately to prevent shock or control shock. A casualty with serious burns should receive intravenous fluids and medical attention as soon as possible.

If the casualty is not in shock or suffering nausea, you can give small amounts of cool water to drink.

Watch a video online: http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=79556.

Treating electrical burns or electrocution

Electrocution occurs when electricity goes through the body.

If the casualty is lying on an electrical wire, the electrical wire is probably carrying electrical current and can be a danger to you as well as to the casualty.

Below are the steps you should follow:

Do not touch the electrical wire with your hands

Do not touch the casualty

Find the source of the electricity and turn it off. If you cannot turn off the electricity:

Protect yourself by standing on something dry and non-conductive like a wooden chair

Push the casualty away from the electricity, or push the source of the electricity away from the casualty with a non-conductive pole like a wooden broom handle

Check for breathing – use resuscitation techniques if he or she is not breathing

Find and dress the entry burn wound and the exit burn wound – the sole of the foot is a common location for the exit burn.

Applying basic first aid to bites and stings

Treating snakebites

To treat snakebites:

Apply a firm crepe or elastic bandage over the bite site, then the rest of the limb

Stop the arm or leg from moving

Do not allow the casualty to move around more than is necessary

Monitor the casualty‟s breathing

Watch the casualty for shock.

Bites from other animals can cause severe bruises and infection, and break the skin.





First aid should include:

Cleaning the bite thoroughly with soap or antiseptic

Washing the bite with water

Covering the bite with a sterile dressing

Immobilising an injured arm or leg

Taking the casualty immediately to a medical facility.

Treating insect bites/stings

First aid should include:

Removing any stingers by carefully scraping the skin with a clean fingernail or blunt knife

Washing the bite/sting site

Applying ice or cold compresses to the bite/sting site

Treating more serious reactions, including severe and rapid swelling, allergic symptoms, the same as a snakebite

Monitoring the casualty‟s breathing.

Insect bites/stings may cause severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, if a person is sensitive.

Symptoms include swelling of the mouth and throat, red face, hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, coughing, nausea or vomiting, convulsions, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Often allergic people carry identification, such as a MEDIC ALERT tag, or emergency insect bite treatment kits.

If the casualty is having an allergic reaction and has such a kit, follow the instructions that accompany the kit.

Treating anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis („anaphylactic shock‟) is a potential fatal event caused by an allergic reaction usually to food such as peanuts.

Anaphylaxis may be diagnosed as follows:

Friend or family member advises you the casualty is suffering from anaphylactic shock

Casualty is wearing a MEDIC ALERT-style tag

Casualty has difficulty breathing, becomes disoriented and confused, starts turning blue, complains of feeling itchy and displays skin irritation indicated by red blotches with hive-like appearance.

Rapid diagnosis and quick treatment are vital:

Call professional medical assistance and identify anaphylactic shock is suspected

Search casualty for „rescue medication'. This is medication carried by persons susceptible to anaphylaxis for use by first aid providers when treating them.


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Administer rescue medication:

EpiPen® - an injection system where epinephrine is injected into the casualty

The EpiPen® website (at http://www.epipen.com/) advises:

– Inject into the outer thigh

– Do not inject intravenously

– Do not inject into the buttock

Prepare yourself to administer CPR – as anaphylaxis can stop breathing and the heart.

Responding to choking situations

If a person has food stuck in their throat, they could be choking.

To treat choking:

Use the „heel of your hand‟, and give up to five blows between the shoulder blades

Check the casualty‟s mouth quickly after each blow and remove anything that is stuck in there

Give up to five abdominal thrusts, if the casualty is still choking. Place a clenched fist between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone and pull inwards and upwards

Check the casualty‟s mouth quickly after each abdominal thrust and remove anything that is stuck in there.

Watch a video online: http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=75052.

Applying basic first aid to fractures

A fracture is a broken bone.

It is standard practice to splint or immobilize an arm or leg, even if they are not broken as this will reduce the pain. The technique is as follows:

Remove any jewellery on the casualty's injured limb

Dress any open wounds on the injured limb before applying the splint or sling

Cover any exposed bone with a dressing

Do not try to push the bone back under the skin

Do not try to straighten or „put together‟ the injured limb

Place the fractured arm in a sling:

Place the triangular sling under the injured arm so the arm is in the centre, the base of the sling is beyond the elbow, and the top corner is over the shoulder of the injured side

Position the forearm with the hand slightly raised (about 10 degree angle)

Bring the lower portion of the material over the injured arm and over the shoulder of the uninjured side

http://www.epipen.com/





Tie the two corners in a knot on the side of the neck on the uninjured side

Twist the pointed end of the sling and tuck it in at the elbow.

To splint a fractured leg or arm

Place one splint on each side of the arm or leg

The aim of splinting is to immobilize the joints above and below any fracture so ensure splints go above and below the fracture

Secure each splint in place above and below the fracture site with little movement to the injured areas

Use the chest wall to immobilize a fractured arm and use the good leg to immobilize the fractured leg if nothing is available.

Watch the online video „Putting a splint on the lower leg‟ at http://www.expertvillage.com/video/52570_splint-first-aid-lowerleg.htm.

Treating sprains

A sprain is injury to the soft part in the ankle, knee, or wrist.

Use the RICE procedure to treat sprains:

Raise the limb

Ice – apply ice or a cold pad to the injured area

Compress the injury using a bandage or soft padding

Elevate the injured limb.

Watch a video online on treating strains and sprains: http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=75200.

Managing possible head or spine injuries until professional help arrives

Do not move the casualty if you think they have a spinal injury, unless you believe there is immediate danger.

If you must move the casualty to save his or her life, keep the movement of their back and neck to a minimum.

The steps are:

Send someone to get medical help immediately

Keep the casualty still – tell the casualty not to move

Kneel behind the head and place your hands on either side to support it, with the head, neck and spine in a straight line

Put rolled up towels, blankets, or clothing on each side of the casualty‟s head to keep it from moving

Cover the casualty with a blanket.

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/52570_splint-first-aid-lowerleg.htm



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Treating shock

A casualty with burns or bleeding can have shock. Signs of shock include:

Sweaty but cool skin, pale colour, or bluish skin around the mouth

Shallow, fast breathing

Rapid pulse that becomes weaker.

As shock progresses, you will see the casualty has:

Anxiety: they will appear restless, agitated, worried

Unusual thirst

Yawning and sighing

Nausea.

Treat shock by:

Calling an ambulance or summoning professional medical attention

Treating major wounds and stopping heavy bleeding

Positioning the casualty on their back with a blanket to keep warm

Keeping the casualty calm – confidently and calmly tell the casualty that you are helping and they are fine

Making sure fractured legs are splinted before you elevate the legs

Raising casualty's legs so feet are slightly higher than the level of the heart. Place a rolled up towel or other stable object under the casualty‟s feet or ankles

Not elevating the legs if you think that a casualty has a broken back

Placing unconscious casualties in the Recovery Position

Loosening any tight clothing, including boots

Keeping the casualty from being too warm or too cold.




2.2 Monitor casualty’s condition and respond to

the casualty’s condition in accordance with

accepted first aid principles and enterprise

guidelines

Introduction

When you have rendered all the first aid you can, you should monitor the condition of the casualty.

Try to record the casualty‟s condition and any changes that may occur.

This information should be provided to professional medical help when it arrives.

See also 3.2 for more information.

What is involved?

Monitoring the casualty

When you have rendered all the first aid you can, you should monitor the condition of the casualty.

Take written notes of any observations rather than rely on memory. Make sure you record the time of the note being made.

Things to note at this stage may include:

Their pulse and respiration and any changes in them

Colour of and any changes in the colour of the casualty‟s skin

Mention made by the casualty of pain including location of the pain, type of pain and degree of pain

Requests for anything – warmth, liquids, pain relief

How long casualty was unconscious

Comments made relating to cause of the injury.

Responding with accepted first aid principles

When monitoring a casualty and waiting for professional help to arrive:

Reassure the casualty they are doing fine

Double-check someone has called for professional medical personnel to attend

Do not allow them to smoke

Do not give them alcohol

Do not give them food

Generally speaking, avoid giving liquids – with the exception of water to wet the lips


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Keep on-lookers away

Keep them still

Protect them from the natural elements including sun, rain and wind.

2.3 Seek first aid assistance from others in a

timely manner as appropriate

Introduction

In all first aid situations there can be a need to call on others who are not professional medical people to help you provide the basic first aid necessary.

Factors to consider

In addition to volunteers, assistance at the scene may be sought from:

Other staff and colleagues

Members of the public

Friends or family members of casualty.

When seeking first aid assistance from others, consider the following:

Never be afraid to ask for help

Most people are prepared to help even if they do not know what to do. They will do what you ask them to do

A vital thing they can do is to confirm professional medical help is on the way

They can be asked to:

Give information about causes of the incident and injury

Provide directions to emergency services to help them get quickly to the scene

Contact friends or relatives of the casualty, so they can attend and perhaps provide history about the casualty

Help move the casualty

Help protect the casualty from further injury

Communicate with emergency services to provide them with updates

Communicate with emergency services to obtain advice

Record verbal information you give them – vital signs and condition of casualty

Obtain first aid requisites for you including fetching bandages or slings from the first aid room/main office

If one person refuses to help, ask someone else. Never assume just because one person has refused, everyone will refuse.




Timing

Identify possible helpers immediately

Always identify potential helpers as soon as possible when you arrive on scene.

Ask questions such as:

“Does anyone have first aid experience or qualifications?”

“Can anyone here help me if I need help?”

“Does anyone have a cell phone?”

It is best to have people ready to help and not need to use them than it is to not have identified possible helpers, and then find you do need them.

When you have identified helpers:

Thank them

Ask them to stand where you can communicate readily with them

Give them a job – get them to hold something, take notes, control the crowd or provide shade.

‘Timely manner’

Obtaining assistance for others must be done in a „timely manner‟.

This means you must do it as soon as you identify a need for help from others.

For example, you may be dealing quite competently with a casualty but suddenly find changes in the environment or condition of the casualty.

As soon as this is identified, action must be taken to obtain help from others immediately.

Do whatever is needed – call out, ask bystanders or use your cell phone to call for help.


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2.4 Record accidents and injuries in accordance

with enterprise procedures

Introduction

All venues will require you to complete a record of any incident where you were required to provide first aid to a staff member or customer.

Incident Report

After an incident you may be required to complete an Incident Report.

The purpose of an incident report is to provide details about the event to enable action to be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Information in the Incident Report may include:

Date, time and location of the accident or injury

Who was involved – names of casualties, numbers involved, identification of gender

Names of staff involved – as first aid responders and care givers

Action taken – describing the first aid delivered and contact of professional medical assistance

Involvement of Emergency services – when they were called, when they arrived and the action they took

Why you believe the injury or incident occurred – to prevent recurrences

Names and contact details of witnesses.

A sample Incident Report follows on the next pages.




Sample Incident Report form

Part A: To be completed by the injured worker

Details of injured/ill staff member Staff number:

Surname: Given names:

Home address:

Job title Phone number:

Staff member's normal working hours: _______am/pm to: ______am/pm

Has the injured/ill staff worker returned to work since the injury? (please check one)

Yes (go to injury/illness details) No

Date and time work ceased: Date: ____ / ____ / _____ Time:______ am/pm

Has the injured/ill staff worker returned to work since the injury? Yes No

Injury/illness details. Type of injury (please check where applicable)

fracture/dislocation skin disorder damage to artificial aids

burn/scald contusion/crush bite/sting

cut/abrasion (first-aid only) poison strain/sprain

open wound (medical treatment)

amputation other

Location of injury/illness (e.g., left arm, right hand, leg, back, head & neck):


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First aid/medical treatment

If any first aid or medical treatment was required, please state name and phone number of first aid/medical attendant:

Name: Phone number:

Please list all items used from first aid kit (including multiple use/non-disposable items)

Details of incident

Date of incident: ____ / ____ / _____ Time of incident: _____________am/pm

Date incident reported: ____ / ____ / _____

Location of incident:

Primary reason for injury/illness/dangerous occurrence. (please check where applicable)

slip, trip or fall body stress (exertion to muscles, tendons, ligaments & bone)

noise or vibration hitting objects with part of the body

struck by a moving object biological exposure (germs, viruses & bacteria)

other:




Brief description of incident:

If any witnesses, please state name and phone number

1. Name: Phone number:



Any further comments:

Part B: To be completed by the Supervisor

Action (if any) taken to prevent the incident from occurring in the future:


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Injury Register

Employers should have an Injury Register where accidents and injuries involving staff must be recorded.

The injured staff member may be required to record the details of the incident or if the person is unable to do that, the First aid provider may be required to do so.

The remaining notes are taken from WorkSafe Victoria (the Victorian WorkCover Authority) sourced from http://www1.worksafe.vic.gov.au/vwa/claimsmanual/default.htm.

The following information needs to be recorded in the register:

Worker‟s name

Worker‟s occupation or job title

Time and date of injury

Worker‟s exact location at the time of the injury

Exact description of how injury was sustained

Nature of injury and the body part(s) affected

Witnesses to the injury, if any

Date of entry in register

Name of person making the entry.

Enterprise procedures

Enterprise procedures regarding the recording of accidents and injuries can vary between employers and venues but commonly include:

A written record is required

It must be completed „as soon as possible‟

It must be in a form approved by the organization – by using the designated form or register

Names of those injured, witnesses and responders must be recorded

Times and dates must be recorded

Locations must be identified

Action taken on behalf of the organization must be recorded

Causal factors should be identified

Reports must be forwarded to nominated person within designated time.

http://www1.worksafe.vic.gov.au/vwa/claimsmanual/default.htm




Work Projects


2.1 Prepare a list of first aid resources and equipment available in your workplace and for each item:

Identify the potential use for each item

Explain how to use each item for every identified possible use.

2.2. Record yourself performing simulated CPR on an adult.

2.3. List the options available to you in your workplace to obtain first aid assistance from others in the event of a medical emergency.

2.4. Provide a copy of a workplace document used to record:

Injury or accident involving a staff member and the action taken (for example, Injury Register)

Injury or accident involving a customer and the action taken (for example, Incident Report).


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Summary

Apply basic first aid techniques

When applying basic first aid procedures:

Follow DRABC

Ensure professional medical assistance has been summoned

Apply rescue breathing if casualty is not breathing

Place conscious casualties into the Recovery Position

Apply CPR where there is no pulse

Wear disposable gloves when treating bleeding

Run burns under cold water and remove jewellery if possible

Do not break burn blisters

Check casualty‟s to determine if they have a MEDIC ALERT tag or similar

Dress burns or wounds before applying splints

Do not try to straighten broken limbs

Use RICE procedures to treat sprains

Do not move a casualty with suspected neck or spinal injuries

Take and record the vital signs and physical condition of the casualty

Be prepared to ask others for help

Complete internal records following the provision of first aid to customers or colleagues.




Element 3:

Communicate details of the incident

3.1 Request appropriate medical assistance using

the most relevant and appropriate

communication mechanism

Introduction

Whenever there is a need for you to provide first aid, it should be standard practice to also involve professional medical authorities.

Your role should only be as a „first responder‟ to provide emergency help.

Your job is not to deliver professional medical assistance.

This should apply whether the casualty is a customer, member of staff or member of the public.

The importance of obtaining professional medical assistance

It is more important to get suitably-qualified professional assistance moving in your direction than it is to render first aid.

This means professional medical assistance must be summoned when you are advised there is a need to attend a casualty to provide first aid.

Never wait until you have started treating the casualty before contacting professional medical assistance. Contact the ambulance or other suitable people as soon as possible.

You do not need to have attended the casualty before requesting help. Contact the ambulance and give them the information you have to begin with and get them moving towards you. You can always phone back later and give them an update.

If you have to choose between providing first aid, and summoning professional medical help always choose to contact the ambulance or professional assistance first.

Why do this?

The objective is to get professional help moving towards you as soon as possible.

This will reduce the amount of time you have to spend alone with the casualty, and means the casualty will receive professional medical assistance at the soonest possible opportunity.


40


Doing this is best practice because:

It increases the likelihood of survival of the casualty

It allows necessary drugs and medications to be administered to the casualty at the earliest opportunity

It enables professional care to be provided as soon as possible

It means the casualty can be hospitalized as soon as possible, where there is a need for this

It reduces the possibility of the casualty suing the venue for breach of „duty of care‟.

How can I summon help?

Common sense must be used when contacting professional medical assistance.

Options include:

Asking someone else to call for help whether it is a colleague, management, bystander or member of the public. This can be done while you go to the casualty or while you are rendering first aid

Yelling out for help or for someone to ring an ambulance

Flagging down a passing vehicle and asking them for help or to ring an ambulance

If you cannot make telephone contact – activating a „Fire‟ alarm.

Never waste time thinking about whether or not to summon medical assistance – always summon medical assistance.

If you have to choose, delay rendering first aid until you have called for assistance.

Facilitate arrival of authorities

You should take whatever action you can to facilitate the arrival of emergency services or professional medical help to the casualty‟s location.

This may involve:

Opening gates or arranging for them to be opened

Moving vehicles which may impede access

Asking others to position themselves in locations to signpost the location of the casualty as emergency service workers arrive on scene.




3.2 Convey details of casualty’s condition and

first-aid management activities accurately to

emergency services or relieving personnel

Introduction

When professional medical assistance or a relieving first aid provider arrives, you must communicate to them all knowledge you have about the casualty, changes in their vital signs, action taken and, where appropriate, the incident giving rise to the injury.

Communicating details of the incident

Summoning assistance

When making initial contact with Emergency Services to obtain help they will require information about the incident before they send assistance:

Be guided by them – let them ask questions and answer them as required

Speak clearly and calmly

Never hang up the telephone until directed to do so.

Emergency service telephone operators will want information about:

The exact location of the casualty

The number of casualties

The age and gender of casualties

Descriptions of injury, illness and symptoms

Details of any first aid which may already been given

Whether or not the situation is life threatening and if you need over-the-telephone assistance in rendering more first aid.

While the authorities will prefer to have all of the above information, never delay calling them just because you are missing some of the information they will ask you about.

Always contact them and get them moving towards you.

When assistance arrives

When professional medical assistance arrives:

Identify yourself – then be quiet!

Allow them to take the lead and ask questions

Provide accurate information. Advise them regarding:

What you discovered on arrival at the scene

The treatment you provided


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Details of any movement of the casualty you were forced to make

Relevant information about the casualty provided by others. For example, the family of the casualty may have advised you the casualty is deaf, a diabetic, or has just been released from hospital following a certain medical condition

Refer to notes taken at the time when assessing and monitoring the casualty – about respirations, pulse rates. Highlight changes in vital signs and other physical conditions of the casualty

Add any relevant information you believe exists in relation to the casualty or the treatment you have provided

Follow their instructions – about what to do, hold, move or apply

Supply any local/venue-specific information you believe is useful or will facilitate the treatment and/or removal of the casualty.

3.3 Prepare reports to supervisors in a timely

manner, presenting all relevant facts

according to enterprise guidelines

Introduction

It is standard industry practice for you to be required by your employer to complete a report following a need to provide workplace first aid.

This requirement commonly applies regardless of the reason the first aid was required, and regardless of whether it was provided to a customer or to a staff member.

The report may only be a verbal report but there is often a need for a comprehensive written report.

Preparing a report

When preparing a report:

Observations taken at the time should be referred to. This may include vital signs or actions taken

Any record prepared (see 2.4) should be used

Ensure „facts‟ are distinguished from „beliefs‟ – it is important for the report to be fact-based. Facts may relate to:

Time you were advised of the incident

Time of your arrival at the scene

Date

Location of the incident




Name of casualty or casualties

Time professional medical help or emergency services were called - and name of person who called them

Time professional assistance arrived on scene – and name of emergency services or professional help that responded

Description of the casualty when you arrived – position, vital signs, original diagnosis and reasons for same

First aid action taken – detailing what was done and the sequence in which it was done

Details of any action taken as a result of the understanding the casualty was in danger and there was a need to move the person

Details of any action taken to mitigate further injury, or injury to other persons

Record what happened to the casualty – „Taken by ambulance to XYZ hospital‟

Assist the employer by:

Identifying what you believe may have been the cause of the – such as „Casualty appears to have slipped on wet floor in toilet‟, or „Casualty was burned as a result of touching top of bain marie in dining room‟

Making suggestions as to what could be done to prevent a recurrence of the incident

Sign and date the report providing your contact details.

Enterprise guidelines

These Reports should be:

Completed as soon as possible after the incident – same day is essential

Completed individually – reports should be made by each staff member involved without discussion between those staff members

Completed in writing – a verbal de-brief may also occur but there should always be a written report

Forwarded to designated managers or officers (first aid supervisors, Occupational Health and Safety officials, insurers) by the designated time

Filed for future reference.


44


Work Projects


3.1 An elderly, male customer has been discovered lying on the footpath in front of your workplace and it appears they may have suffered a heart attack.

Provide a written description or a recording, of how you would:

Summon professional medical assistance

Convey details of the casualty‟s condition.

3.2. Submit a report presenting all relevant facts about a fictitious situation of your own choosing, where you were required to provide basic first aid treatment to a customer in your workplace. Ensure the report addresses:

Details of the customer

Details of the situation, context and location of the casualty

Description of the injury

Description of the action taken in response to the identified situation.




Summary

Communicate details of the incident

When communicating details of a first aid incident:

Ensure professional emergency services or medical authorities have been summoned

Allow emergency services telephone operators to ask for information as opposed to giving them details

Use whatever local facilities or options exist to call for help

Be proactive in seeking assistance

Take action/give direction to facilitate the arrival of emergency services

Convey information you have recorded to emergency services regarding casualty vital signs and physical conditions

Complete detailed internal reports as required to describe the incident and help prevent a recurrence.


46


Presentation of written work




1. Introduction

It is important for students to present carefully prepared written work. Written presentation in industry must be professional in appearance and accurate in content. If students develop good writing skills whilst studying, they are able to easily transfer those skills to the workplace.

2. Style

Students should write in a style that is simple and concise. Short sentences and paragraphs are easier to read and understand. It helps to write a plan and at least one draft of the written work so that the final product will be well organized. The points presented will then follow a logical sequence and be relevant. Students should frequently refer to the question asked, to keep „on track‟. Teachers recognize and are critical of work that does not answer the question, or is „padded‟ with irrelevant material. In summary, remember to:

Plan ahead

Be clear and concise

Answer the question

Proofread the final draft.

3. Presenting Written Work

Types of written work

Students may be asked to write:

Short and long reports

Essays

Records of interviews

Questionnaires

Business letters

Resumes.

Format

All written work should be presented on A4 paper, single-sided with a left-hand margin. If work is word-processed, one-and-a-half or double spacing should be used. Handwritten work must be legible and should also be well spaced to allow for ease of reading. New paragraphs should not be indented but should be separated by a space. Pages must be numbered. If headings are also to be numbered, students should use a logical and sequential system of numbering.


48


Cover Sheet

All written work should be submitted with a cover sheet stapled to the front that contains:

The student‟s name and student number

The name of the class/unit

The due date of the work

The title of the work

The teacher‟s name

A signed declaration that the work does not involve plagiarism.

Keeping a Copy

Students must keep a copy of the written work in case it is lost. This rarely happens but it can be disastrous if a copy has not been kept.

Inclusive language

This means language that includes every section of the population. For instance, if a student were to write „A nurse is responsible for the patients in her care at all times‟ it would be implying that all nurses are female and would be excluding male nurses.

Examples of appropriate language are shown on the right:

Mankind Humankind

Barman/maid Bar attendant

Host/hostess Host

Waiter/waitress Waiter or waiting staff

Recommended reading



Recommended reading

Australian Red Cross, 2005, First aid: responding to emergencies, Revised edn., Australian Red Cross, Carlton, Victoria, Australia

Fermie, P., Keech, P. & Shepherd, S., The illustrated practical book of first aid & family health : from treating cuts, sprains and bandaging in an emergency to making decisions on headaches, fevers and rashes ..., Lorenz, London

Haines, J., 2010, Emergency first aid, Medic Media, Upwey, Victoria, Australia

Keech, P., 2003, Practical guide to first aid: fast and effective emergency care, Lorenz Books, London

St. John Ambulance Australia, 2007, Australian first aid: an authorised manual of St John Ambulance Australia, St. John Ambulance Australia, Forrest, A.C.T

Tyler, E., 2002, CPR: with step-by-step instructions, Tyrrells Building Consultancy for the First Aid Trust, Rydalmere, N.S.W

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