These notes are designed for students undertaking the Proficiency in
Medical Care course to assist with pre course preparation.
Course notes will be issued at enrolment.
BASIC FIRST AID
Objectives and Priorities of First Aid
Incident Management
Resuscitation
Shock
Bleeding
Heat Burns
Page 1 of 10
©wma/medical/CG/Feb2018
, FIRST AID PRIORITIES OF FIRST AID
First aid is defined as helping behaviours and initial care provided The priorities can be remembered by using DR AB(C)
for an acute illness or injury. It can be initiated by anyone in any
situation including self-care. D – is there any danger to you or the casualty?
R – does the casualty respond when you talk to them?
GOAL
A – is the airway open?
To recognise when help is needed and how to get it.
B – can the casualty actually breath?
OBJECTIVES
A third letter C is sometimes used to remind the rescuer of the next
The objectives of first aid can be encompassed in three short stage. This refers to circulation and can be interpreted in the
phrases. following ways.
Preserve life If the casualty is not breathing C = chest compressions
required
Prevent further harm
If the casualty is breathing C = is there catastrophic
Promote recovery bleeding?
They are often referred to as the three “P’s”. These objectives
To assess the quality of the circulation C = check pulse
should be demonstrated at all times while you are dealing with a
casualty and not just initially.
Page 2 of 10
©wma/medical/CG/Feb2018
Medical Care course to assist with pre course preparation.
Course notes will be issued at enrolment.
BASIC FIRST AID
Objectives and Priorities of First Aid
Incident Management
Resuscitation
Shock
Bleeding
Heat Burns
Page 1 of 10
©wma/medical/CG/Feb2018
, FIRST AID PRIORITIES OF FIRST AID
First aid is defined as helping behaviours and initial care provided The priorities can be remembered by using DR AB(C)
for an acute illness or injury. It can be initiated by anyone in any
situation including self-care. D – is there any danger to you or the casualty?
R – does the casualty respond when you talk to them?
GOAL
A – is the airway open?
To recognise when help is needed and how to get it.
B – can the casualty actually breath?
OBJECTIVES
A third letter C is sometimes used to remind the rescuer of the next
The objectives of first aid can be encompassed in three short stage. This refers to circulation and can be interpreted in the
phrases. following ways.
Preserve life If the casualty is not breathing C = chest compressions
required
Prevent further harm
If the casualty is breathing C = is there catastrophic
Promote recovery bleeding?
They are often referred to as the three “P’s”. These objectives
To assess the quality of the circulation C = check pulse
should be demonstrated at all times while you are dealing with a
casualty and not just initially.
Page 2 of 10
©wma/medical/CG/Feb2018
