BECOMING A FIRST

AIDER
ASSESSING A CASUALTY

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The presentation slides contain herein are proprietary to the St. John
Ambulance, Singapore and are for use only in the FIRST AID training courses
conducted by St. John. Reproduction in any form prohibited. NOT FOR SALE
St. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE

FIRST AID TEACHING SLIDES

Compiled by: T. K. KHOO (2010)

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WHAT IS A FIRST AIDER

FIRST AID refers to the
actions taken in response to
someone who is injured or
suddenly taken ill.
A FIRST AIDER is a person
who takes this action.

SJAA Becoming A First Aider

Responding To An Emergency
Key steps to becoming an effective
first aider are:
Be calm in your approach.
Be aware of risks to yourself and others.
Build and maintain trust.
Give early treatment.
Call appropriate help.
Remember your own needs.

SJAA Becoming A First Aider

FIRST AID PRIORITIES

Assess a situation quickly and calmly
Protect yourself and casualty from
danger.
Prevent cross-infection.
Comfort and reassure
the casualties.

SJAA Becoming A First Aider

FIRST AID PRIORITIES contd

Give early treatment, most serious (lifethreatening) conditions first.
Arrange for appropriate help:
Call ambulance 995; or
Transfer to the care of a
healthcare professional, or home.

SJAA Becoming A First Aider

Minimising Risks of Cross-Infection

Wash your hands and wear
disposable gloves
Cover cuts and grazes with
water-proof dressings.
Wear plastic apron and plastic
glasses for eye protection.
If available, use a face shield or
pocket mask when giving
rescue breaths.

SJAA Becoming A First Aider

Minimising Risks of Cross-Infection contd

Dispose all waste safely.
Do not touch a wound or
the part of dressing that
will touch a wound.
Do not breathe, cough or
sneeze over a wound.
If you accidentally prick or cut
your skin, or splash your eye,
wash the area thoroughly and
seek medical help immediately.
SJAA Becoming A First Aider

CALLING FOR AMBULANCE

Dial 995
State:
your telephone no.;
the exact location of the incident;
type and gravity of the
emergency;
number, gender and age
of casualties;
details of any hazards.
SJAA Becoming A First Aider

ASSESSING A CASUALTY
Approach each casualty and assess
using a methodical 2-stage system:
First check and treat life-threatening
conditions (Primary Survey).
Then do a detailed assessment
(Secondary Survey). Treat as appropriate.

SJAA Assessing A Casualty

ASSESSING A CASUALTY contd

Primary Survey (For life-threatening conditions)

D R A B C
Look out for Danger.
Check casualtys Response.

SJAA Assessing A Casualty

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ASSESSING A CASUALTY contd

Primary Survey
Follow the

Airway
Breathing
Circulation

of resuscitation.

(If there is severe bleeding it must be treated.)

SJAA Assessing A Casualty

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ASSESSING A CASUALTY
Control Severe Bleeding
Injuries that result in severe bleeding
cause blood loss from the circulatory
system so must be
treated immediately.

SJAA Assessing A Casualty

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ASSESSING A CASUALTY contd

Secondary Survey (For other injuries)
When life-threatening conditions are
stabilised or absent, look for other
injuries or conditions. Carry out a headto-toe examination.

SJAA Assessing A Casualty

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ASSESSING A CASUALTY contd

Secondary Survey (For other injuries)
Find out:
History what actually happened, relevant
medical history.
Symptoms abnormal sensations the
casualty feels, e.g. pain,
nausea, giddiness.
Signs injuries or abnormal conditions
the first aider detects, e.g.
swelling, bleeding, pallor.
SJAA Assessing A Casualty

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SJAA Becoming A First Aider, Assessing A Casualty

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