❤️‍🩹First Aid Unit 20 – Practical Skills Assessment and Course Review

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Familiarize yourself with essential first aid terms (triage, CPR, AED, shock, hemorrhage)
• Understand the ABCs of first aid: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation
  • Airway ensures the patient's airway is open and unobstructed
  • Breathing involves checking for normal breathing and providing rescue breaths if needed
  • Circulation focuses on maintaining blood flow and preventing blood loss
• Differentiate between primary and secondary surveys in patient assessment
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of common medical emergencies (heart attack, stroke, anaphylaxis)
• Comprehend the principles of wound care, including cleaning, dressing, and bandaging
• Grasp the concept of the "Golden Hour" in emergency care, emphasizing the importance of prompt action
• Learn the proper techniques for performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on adults, children, and infants

Assessment Criteria and Expectations

• Demonstrate proficiency in performing a primary survey (DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
• Exhibit the ability to conduct a secondary survey, assessing the patient from head to toe for injuries or abnormalities
• Showcase proper technique when providing rescue breaths and chest compressions during CPR
• Illustrate the correct use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario
• Display competence in wound care, including cleaning, dressing, and bandaging various types of injuries
• Demonstrate the ability to manage common medical emergencies (seizures, diabetic emergencies, allergic reactions)
  • For seizures, protect the patient from injury and position them on their side to maintain an open airway
  • In diabetic emergencies, provide sugar or glucose if the patient is conscious and able to swallow
  • For allergic reactions, administer an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if prescribed and monitor the patient's condition
• Exhibit effective communication skills when interacting with patients, bystanders, and emergency services

Hands-On Skills Practice

• Engage in supervised practice sessions to refine your CPR technique on adult, child, and infant manikins
• Participate in simulated scenarios to develop proficiency in using an AED
• Practice wound care techniques on various mock injuries (lacerations, abrasions, burns)
• Role-play common medical emergency scenarios to improve assessment and management skills
  • Simulate a cardiac arrest situation and practice performing CPR and using an AED
  • Engage in a mock scenario involving a patient with a suspected stroke, focusing on assessment and early intervention
• Refine your patient assessment skills through repeated practice of primary and secondary surveys
• Develop your splinting and immobilization techniques using various materials (SAM splints, triangular bandages, improvised splints)
• Practice patient positioning and transfer techniques to ensure safe and efficient movement of injured individuals

Common Scenarios and Case Studies

• Review case studies involving cardiac arrest and discuss the appropriate steps for CPR and AED use
• Analyze scenarios depicting various types of wounds (punctures, avulsions, amputations) and determine the best course of action for each case
• Examine case studies involving anaphylaxis and discuss the recognition and management of this life-threatening condition
• Study scenarios involving fractures and dislocations, focusing on proper immobilization techniques and patient care
• Evaluate case studies depicting heat-related emergencies (heat exhaustion, heat stroke) and discuss prevention and treatment strategies
• Assess scenarios involving choking in adults, children, and infants, and review the appropriate techniques for managing these situations (abdominal thrusts, back blows, chest thrusts)
• Analyze case studies involving multiple casualties and discuss the principles of triage in mass-casualty incidents

Equipment and Resources Review

• Familiarize yourself with the contents of a typical first aid kit and understand the purpose of each item
  • Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, and medical tape for wound care
  • Scissors and tweezers for cutting bandages and removing splinters or debris
  • Disposable gloves for personal protection and to prevent cross-contamination
• Review the proper use and maintenance of an AED, including pad placement and battery replacement
• Understand the different types of splints (rigid, soft, improvised) and their applications in immobilizing fractures and dislocations
• Familiarize yourself with various types of dressings (non-adherent, occlusive, pressure) and their uses in wound care
• Review the use of a tourniquet in controlling severe bleeding from extremities
• Understand the purpose and proper use of a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device for providing ventilation during CPR
• Familiarize yourself with the use of an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) for managing anaphylaxis

Troubleshooting and Error Prevention

• Identify common errors in CPR technique (incorrect hand placement, inadequate depth of compressions, overventilation) and how to correct them
• Recognize the signs of improper AED use (incorrect pad placement, failure to follow prompts) and discuss ways to prevent these mistakes
• Discuss the potential consequences of applying a tourniquet incorrectly or leaving it in place for too long
• Identify common errors in wound care (applying a dressing too tightly, failing to clean the wound properly) and how to avoid them
• Recognize the signs of inadequate patient assessment (overlooking a significant injury, failing to monitor vital signs) and discuss strategies for preventing these oversights
• Identify common mistakes in managing medical emergencies (delaying EpiPen administration in anaphylaxis, failing to monitor a diabetic patient's response to treatment) and how to avoid them
• Discuss the importance of maintaining composure and avoiding panic in emergency situations, as this can lead to errors in judgment and treatment

Final Assessment Preparation

• Review all key concepts, terminology, and skills covered throughout the course
• Practice hands-on skills (CPR, AED use, wound care, splinting) to ensure proficiency and confidence
• Participate in mock practical assessments to familiarize yourself with the format and expectations
• Identify areas where you need additional practice or clarification and seek guidance from your instructor
• Review case studies and scenarios to reinforce your understanding of assessment and management strategies
• Practice effective communication skills, as these will be evaluated during the practical assessment
• Ensure that you are well-rested and mentally prepared for the final assessment, as stress and fatigue can impact performance
• Arrive at the assessment location early to allow time for any necessary preparations or equipment checks

Practical Application and Next Steps

• Understand the importance of maintaining your first aid skills through regular practice and refresher courses
• Identify opportunities to volunteer or work in settings where first aid skills are frequently used (outdoor recreation, sports events, community organizations)
• Consider pursuing more advanced training in emergency medical care (Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic) if interested in a career in this field
• Recognize the importance of staying current with updates and changes in first aid guidelines and protocols
• Encourage others to learn first aid skills and promote the importance of bystander intervention in emergency situations
• Consider carrying a personal first aid kit and an AED (if trained) in your vehicle or at your workplace to be prepared for emergencies
• Understand the legal and ethical considerations surrounding first aid, including the Good Samaritan laws in your jurisdiction and the importance of obtaining consent when providing care
• Reflect on your own experiences with providing first aid and identify areas for personal growth and improvement in future emergency situations