Bronze Medallion First Aid Study Guide

3 Ps of First Aid

Preserve Life, Prevent Worsening, Promote Recovery

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Use gloves and other barriers to protect yourself and the victim from infection.

Area Check

Look for hazards such as fire, wire, gas, glass, traffic, and ice.

Why Gloves?

To prevent contact with blood and bodily fluids.

Instruct Bystander

"Please call 911, and bring a first aid kit and a towel."

Conscious Victim

Introduce Yourself: "Hi, I'm trained in first aid. May I help you?"

Consent

Obtain verbal or implied consent before providing care.

Active Assessment

History, Vital Signs: Breathing, pulse, Level of Consciousness (LOC), skin condition.

Head-to-Toe Assessment using WAVE

Watch: Observe the victim. Ask: Inquire about symptoms. Vitals: Check breathing, pulse, LOC, and skin. Examine: Look for injuries from head to toe.

Levels of Consciousness (LOC)

Alert, Verbal response, Pain response, Unresponsive.

ABCs

A - Airways: Ensure the airways are open. B - Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing (5-10 seconds). C - Circulation: Check for pulse and severe bleeding.

SAMPLE History

Signs & Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Last Meal, Intake/Output, Events Leading Up to the Incident.

Vital Signs

Level of Consciousness(LOC): Assess alertness. Breathing: Rate and rhythm. Skin colour, temperature, and moisture. Pulse: Rate, rhythm, strength.

Choking Conscious

Encourage coughing. Deliver 5 back blows. Perform abdominal thrusts. Repeat until the object is expelled or the victim becomes unresponsive.

Shock: WARTS

Warmth: Maintain body temperature. Airway, Breathing, Circulation: Monitor vital functions. Rest & Reassure: Keep the victim calm and still. Treatment: Address underlying causes. Semi-prone Position: If vomiting or unconscious, but breathing.

EMS Arrival & Standard of Care

Continue care within your training level. Assist EMS personnel as directed.

Asthma Signs

Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness.

Asthma Assistance

Help administer prescribed inhaler. Loosen tight clothing. Encourage pursed lip breathing. Call 911 if symptoms worsen.

Hyperventilating Signs

Rapid, shallow breathing, dizziness, tingling.

Hyperventilating Assistance

Coach slow, deep breaths. Encourage pursed lips breathing. Seek medical help if the condition persists.

Respiratory Distress Signs

Difficulty breathing, cyanosis, altered LOC.

Respiratory Distress Assistance

Call 911 immediately. Monitor ABCs. Assist with prescribed medications if available.

Heart Conditions: Angina vs. Heart Attack

Angina: During exertion or stress, short-lived (5-10 minutes), relieved by rest and medication. Heart Attack: Anytime, longer-lasting (>10 minutes), not relieved by rest or medication.

Stroke - FAST

Face: Is it drooling? Arms: Can they raise both? Speech: Is it slurred or strange? Time.

Puncture Wound

Deep, small entry wound. DO NOT REMOVE embedded objects. Bandage around & stabilize.

Amputations Assistance

Control bleeding. Wrap the part in moist sterile gauze, seal, and keep cool.

Bleeding Types

Arterial - Bright red, spurting. Venous - Darker, steady flow. Capillary - Oozing.

Burns Medical Help

Seek medical help if: Face/genitals/large area, blistering, vomiting, fever, electrical/chemical burns.

Internal Bleeding Signs

Bruising, swelling, pale, shock. Treat for shock, call 911.

Facial Injuries Assistance

Dental: Save the tooth in milk or saliva. Mouth: Lean forward, control bleeding. Nosebleeds: Pinch nostrils, lean forward. Eyes: Cover both eyes, no pressure.

AED Rhythms - Shockable or Not?

Normal Sinus: Normal heart (No shock). Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): Chaotic, no pulse (Shock). Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Fast, no pulse (Shock). Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA): Organized rhythm, no pulse (No shock). Asystole: Flatline (No shock).

In-Water Rescue Principles

Approach with aid between you and the victim. Use the reverse and ready, or front approach. Non-contact rescues when possible. Victim management: Reassure, monitor ABCs, get help.

Out-of-Water Care

Remove wet clothes. Warm victim. Monitor ABCs, vital signs. Treat for shock. Support the head if a suspected spinal injury.

CPR Review (Adult)

30 compressions (2 inches deep) → 2 breaths. 100-120 compressions per minute. Use an AED as soon as available.