The definitive first aid course. This course takes a deeper dive into vital signs and anatomy & physiology, then includes all four modules: Occupational First Aid, Paediatric First Aid, Elder Care First Aid, and Outdoor Recreation First Aid; and culminates with an exploration of triage and mass casualty incident management.

Faculty: First Aid
Course Name: Advanced First Aid
Course Code:  FA
Duration: 40 Hours
Mode: Face-to-face
Level: Layresponder

Prerequisites: Participants must be at least 12 years of age.
Minors must have parental consent.

Packaging: This course is delivered over five (5) days.

Instructional Strategies: This course combines lecture-based instruction with practical application. Instructional strategies include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, practical application, simulation, and presentations.

Effort Breakdown: 18 lecture hours, 18 practical hours, 4 assessment hours.

Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive an internationally recognised certification from Austere & Emergency Medicine International in Advanced First Aid (FA-A), valid for three years. Re-certification can be achieved by attending a refresher course.

MANDATORY UNITS:

1. Introduction to First Aid
   • The Chain of Survival
   • Common cause of Death
2. Basic Anatomy & Physiology
   • Introduction to the Cardiovascular System
   • Introduction to the Respiratory System
   • Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System
   • Coronary Heart Diseases and Risk Factors
3. Safe Approach to Emergency Situations
4. The Scene Assessment
5. The Primary Assessment
6. Bleeding Control
7. The potentially spine injured patient
8. How and when to call for help
9. Safe & Effective CPR
10. Safe use of AEDs
11. Choking Management
12. Heart Attack Management
13. Stroke Management
14. Anaphylaxis Management
15. The Secondary Assessment
16. Identification and Management of Shock
17. Differentiation between head injury, brain injury, and increased intracranial pressure
18. Management of Musculoskeletal Injury
19. Management of Wounds & Burns
20. Vital Signs
21. Occupational First Aid
22. Paediatric First Aid
23. Elder Care First Aid
24. Outdoor Recreation Firt Aid
25. Mass Casualty Incident Management

On successful completion of the course, participants should be able to: Standard First Aid

1. Introduction to First Aid
   • Understand the importance of first aid in emergency situations.
   • Identify the legal and ethical considerations of providing first aid.
2. The Chain of Survival
   • Understand the four key steps in the chain of survival.
   • Recognize the importance of early access, early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced care in improving survival rates.
3. Common Cause of Death
   • Identify common causes of death in emergency situations.
   • Understand how prompt first aid intervention can prevent fatalities.
4. Basic Anatomy & Physiology
   • Understand basic human anatomy and physiology relevant to first aid.
   • Identify key body systems and their functions.
5. Introduction to the Cardiovascular System
   • Understand the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
   • Identify common cardiovascular emergencies and their symptoms.
6. Introduction to the Respiratory System
   • Understand the structure and function of the respiratory system.
   • Identify common respiratory emergencies and their symptoms.
7. Introduction to the Musculoskeletal System
   • Understand the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system.
   • Identify common musculoskeletal injuries and their management.
8. Coronary Heart Diseases and Risk Factors
   • Identify risk factors for coronary heart diseases.
   • Understand the importance of lifestyle modifications in preventing heart diseases.
9. Safe Approach to Emergency Situations
   • Learn the steps to approach an emergency scene safely.
   • Identify potential hazards in the environment.
10. The Scene Assessment
    • Learn how to conduct a systematic assessment of an emergency scene.
    • Identify priorities in the assessment process.
11. The Primary Assessment
    • Learn how to conduct a primary assessment of a patient.
    • Identify life-threatening conditions that require immediate intervention.
12. Bleeding Control
    • Learn how to control different types of bleeding.
    • Identify when to apply direct pressure, elevation, and pressure points.
13. The Potentially Spine Injured Patient
    • Understand the importance of spinal immobilization.
    • Learn how to assess and manage a patient with a potential spine injury.
14. How and When to Call for Help
    • Learn when and how to call for emergency medical services.
    • Understand the information needed to provide to the dispatcher.
15. Safe & Effective CPR
    • Learn the steps of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
    • Practice performing CPR on adult, child, and infant manikins.
16. Safe Use of AEDs
    • Understand the importance of early defibrillation in cardiac arrest.
    • Learn how to safely use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
17. Choking Management
    • Learn how to recognize and manage a choking victim.
    • Practice abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on manikins.
18. Heart Attack Management
    • Understand the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
    • Learn how to assist a person experiencing a heart attack.
19. Stroke Management
    • Understand the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
    • Learn how to assess and assist a person suspected of having a stroke.
20. Anaphylaxis Management
    • Understand the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
    • Learn how to administer epinephrine using an auto-injector.
21. The Secondary Assessment
    • Learn how to conduct a secondary assessment of a patient.
    • Identify non-life-threatening conditions that require further evaluation.
22. Identification and Management of Shock
    • Understand the different types of shock.
    • Learn how to recognize and manage shock in a patient.
23. Differentiation between Head Injury, Brain Injury, and Increased Intracranial Pressure
    • Understand the differences between head injury, brain injury, and increased intracranial pressure.
    • Learn how to assess and manage these conditions.
24. Management of Musculoskeletal Injury
    • Learn how to assess and manage common musculoskeletal injuries.
    • Practice splinting techniques for fractures and sprains.
25. Management of Wounds & Burns
    • Learn how to assess and manage different types of wounds and burns.
    • Practice wound cleaning, dressing, and burn care techniques.

Occupational First Aid

1. Supplemental Oxygen Administration
   • Understand the indications for supplemental oxygen therapy.
   • Learn how to safely administer supplemental oxygen using various delivery devices.
2. Occupational Health & Safety
   • Identify common workplace hazards and their potential impact on health and safety.
   • Understand the importance of implementing safety measures to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
3. Emergency Response Planning
   • Learn how to develop an effective emergency response plan.
   • Understand the importance of training and drills in preparing for emergencies.
4. Incident Management
   • Learn how to effectively manage emergencies and critical incidents.
   • Understand the roles and responsibilities of key personnel in incident management.
5. Industrial Mechanisms of Injury
   • Identify common mechanisms of injury in industrial settings.
   • Understand how to prevent injuries through proper safety practices and equipment.
6. Emergency Evacuation
   • Learn how to conduct an emergency evacuation procedure.
   • Understand the importance of communication and coordination during evacuations.

Paediatric First Aid

1. Drowning:
   • Recognize the signs of drowning in paediatric patients.
   • Perform initial assessment and provide first aid for a drowning paediatric patient, including basic life support techniques.
   • Demonstrate knowledge of water safety principles to prevent drowning incidents involving paediatric patients.
2. Febrile Convulsions:
   • Identify the signs of febrile convulsions in paediatric patients.
   • Provide appropriate first aid for a paediatric patient experiencing a febrile convulsion.
   • Educate caregivers on the management and prevention of febrile convulsions in paediatric patients.
3. Objects in Ears, Nose, Throat:
   • Identify common objects that may become lodged in the ears, nose, or throat of paediatric patients.
   • Perform appropriate first aid measures to safely remove objects from the ears, nose, or throat of paediatric patients.
   • Recognize when professional medical intervention is necessary for objects lodged in paediatric patients' ears, nose, or throat.
4. Eye Injuries:
   • Recognize common eye injuries in paediatric patients.
   • Provide appropriate first aid for eye injuries in paediatric patients, including irrigating the eye and protecting it from further damage.
   • Know when to seek medical attention for paediatric patients with eye injuries.
5. Appendicitis:
   • Identify the signs and symptoms of appendicitis in paediatric patients.
   • Understand the importance of early recognition and timely referral for paediatric patients suspected of having appendicitis.
   • Provide appropriate first aid and comfort measures for paediatric patients with suspected appendicitis.
6. Croup:
   • Recognize the signs and symptoms of croup in paediatric patients.
   • Provide first aid measures to relieve symptoms and comfort paediatric patients with croup.
   • Educate caregivers on the management and prevention of croup in paediatric patients.
7. Chickenpox:
   • Identify the signs and symptoms of chickenpox in paediatric patients.
   • Provide appropriate first aid and comfort measures for paediatric patients with chickenpox.
   • Educate caregivers on the management and prevention of chickenpox in paediatric patients.
8. Poisoning:
   • Identify common substances that may cause poisoning in paediatric patients.
   • Know when to seek emergency medical assistance for paediatric patients with poisoning.
9. Sepsis & Meningitis:
   • Recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis and meningitis in paediatric patients.
   • Understand the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment for paediatric patients with sepsis or meningitis.
   • Provide appropriate first aid and comfort measures for paediatric patients suspected of having sepsis or meningitis, and facilitate prompt referral to medical services.

Elder Care First Aid

1. Supplemental Oxygen Administration
   • Understand the indications for supplemental oxygen therapy.
   • Learn how to safely administer supplemental oxygen using various delivery devices.
2. Emergency Response Planning
   • Learn how to develop an effective emergency response plan.
   • Understand the importance of training and drills in preparing for emergencies.
3. Incident Management
   • Learn how to effectively manage emergencies and critical incidents.
   • Understand the roles and responsibilities of key personnel in incident management.
4. Industrial Mechanisms of Injury
   • Identify common mechanisms of injury in industrial settings.
   • Understand how to prevent injuries through proper safety practices and equipment.
5. Emergency Evacuation
   • Learn how to conduct an emergency evacuation procedure.
   • Understand the importance of communication and coordination during evacuations.
6. Senescence:
   • Define senescence and its impact on the aging process.
   • Identify common age-related changes in the body and their implications for elder care.
   • Discuss strategies for promoting healthy aging and quality of life in older adults.
7. Falls and Mobility:
   • Identify common risk factors for falls in older adults.
   • Discuss strategies for preventing falls and promoting mobility in older adults.
   • Demonstrate proper techniques for assisting older adults with mobility challenges.
8. Medication Management:
   • Identify common medications used by older adults and their potential side effects.
   • Demonstrate proper techniques for assisting with medication administration.
   • Explain the importance of medication adherence and safety in elder care.
9. Cognitive Impairment:
   • Define dementia and Alzheimer's disease and their impact on cognitive function.
   • Demonstrate effective communication strategies when interacting with individuals with cognitive impairment.
   • Discuss ways to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals with cognitive impairment.
10. Nutrition and Hydration:
    • Identify common nutritional needs and hydration issues in older adults.
    • Explain the importance of proper nutrition and hydration in maintaining health and well-being in older adults.
    • Discuss strategies for promoting healthy eating and hydration habits in older adults.
11. Skin Care:
    • Explain the importance of skin health in older adults.
    • Demonstrate proper techniques for preventing pressure ulcers and managing wounds.
    • Discuss the role of regular skin assessments in maintaining skin health in older adults.
12. Incontinence Care:
    • Discuss common causes of incontinence in older adults.
    • Demonstrate proper techniques for providing respectful and dignified care for individuals with incontinence.
    • Explain the importance of maintaining skin health in individuals with incontinence.
13. End-of-Life Care
    • Define palliative care and its goals in end-of-life care.
    • Discuss the importance of providing emotional support to families during end-of-life care.
    • Explain the role of the caregiver in ensuring a comfortable and dignified end-of-life experience.
14. Elder Abuse Awareness:
    • Define elder abuse and its different forms.
    • Identify signs and symptoms of elder abuse.
    • Discuss the importance of reporting suspected cases of elder abuse and the steps involved in reporting.

Outdoor Recreation First Aid

1. Exposure Illness:
   • Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and hyperthermia.
   • Demonstrate appropriate first aid management for individuals experiencing exposure-related illnesses.
   • Identify strategies to prevent exposure-related illnesses in outdoor settings.
2. Lightning:
   • Understand the risks associated with lightning strikes during outdoor activities.
   • Describe the signs and symptoms of a lightning strike injury.
   • Demonstrate appropriate first aid responses for lightning strike victims.
3. Drowning:
   • Identify the signs of drowning and near-drowning incidents.
   • Demonstrate proper techniques for rescuing a drowning victim.
   • Explain the steps for providing first aid to a drowning victim.
4. Intake Mediated Concerns:
   • Recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration, exercise-associated hyponatremia, hypoglycaemia, and hyperglycaemia.
   • Understand the causes and risk factors associated with each condition.
   • Demonstrate proper first aid responses for individuals experiencing dehydration, exercise-associated hyponatremia, hypoglycaemia, or hyperglycaemia in outdoor settings.
   • Identify preventive measures to reduce the risk of these conditions during outdoor activities.
5. Bites & Stings:
   • Identify common types of bites and stings that can occur in outdoor environments.
   • Describe the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions to bites and stings.
   • Demonstrate proper first aid treatment for individuals bitten or stung by insects or animals.
6. Envenomation & Intoxification:
   • Understand the effects of venomous bites and stings on the body.
   • Describe the signs and symptoms of envenomation.
   • Demonstrate appropriate first aid responses for individuals experiencing envenomation or intoxication.
7. Emergency Response Planning:
   • Learn how to develop an effective emergency response plan.
   • Understand the importance of training and drills in preparing for emergencies.
8. Incident Management:
   • Learn how to effectively manage emergencies and critical incidents.
   • Understand the roles and responsibilities of key personnel in incident management.
9. Emergency Evacuation:
   • Learn how to conduct an emergency evacuation procedure.
   • Understand the importance of communication and coordination during evacuations.

Advanced First Aid

1. Vital Signs:
   • Define the four primary vital signs: heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature.
   • Demonstrate the proper technique for measuring each vital sign using appropriate equipment.
   • Identify normal ranges for vital signs in adults and recognize abnormal readings.
   • Discuss the significance of vital signs in assessing the overall health and stability of a patient.
2. Mass Casualty Incident Management (including 10-second triage):
   • Describe the key principles of mass casualty incident (MCI) management, including scene safety, triage, and resource management.
   • Demonstrate the 10-second triage process for rapidly assessing and prioritizing patients in an MCI setting.
   • Explain the concept of triage categories (e.g., immediate, delayed, minimal, expectant) and their implications for patient care.
   • Discuss strategies for coordinating a multi-agency response to a mass casualty incident.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. 1. Attendance Requirement: 100% attendance is mandatory to pass the course. Reasonable adjustments will be made where practicable.

   2. Written Exam: The written exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A pass mark of 80% is required to successfully complete the written component.

   3. Practical Assessments: Formative and summative practical assessments are conducted throughout the course. Summative assessments include patient care scenarios and skills evaluation.

   4. Exam and Class Outcome: It is possible to pass the written exam and fail the class if practical competency is not achieved. Conversely, it is possible to fail the written exam and pass the class if exceptional practical performance is demonstrated, and adequate knowledge of the curriculum can be demonstrated through other assessment activities.

   5. Re-exam Opportunity: If a participant fails the written exam, a verbal re-exam will be provided to offer an opportunity to showcase their knowledge.

   6. Special Accommodations: Participants with language difficulties or divergent learning needs can request a verbal or alternative style of exam. Reasonable accommodations will be made to facilitate a fair assessment process.

Note: The assessment criteria aim to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of both theoretical and practical competencies, promoting a well-rounded and capable Advanced First Aider.