First Aid Refresher course and exam

I was on the 2-day course yesterday and today - glad that I passed the test. I thought I have got all correct for the first aid theory but it seemed that I got 27 - wonder which 3 I got wrong? I think one of them was that I should use a large arm sling for lower arm fracture but instead I chose elevation sling which is for lower arm bleeding. The elevation sling should only be used for dislocated shoulder, ribs or collar bone fractures.The questions are more difficult than the last one I took - at least I had the highest score and there were some who had to retake the theory paper.

I must say that the course really refresh our first aid skills - esp now they have used crepe bandage instead of triangular bandage for bleeding. It makes more sense as in reality, we have been using the crepe bandage to treat open wounds. Of course, it is a must for the YOs to have the first aid cert so that the unit can also be credited with more points for the EUA.

Also learnt from Mr Thiru, our trainer, that for pregnant woman, instead of recovery position, we can support the neck and the right hand with the waist and tilt it to the left.

Mr Thiru also told us that for heart attack cases, the casualty should be seated on the floor (in case he loses consciousness) and an ambulance must be called. In the mean time, if the casualty has his medicine, we can put one under his tongue. However, we must ensure that the medicine is his and that it is not expired.

The examiner pointed out some questions which most of the participants got wrong or had difficulties with:

• Hematoma occurs when bleeding gets into the tissue.
• Hypoglycamia occurs when the sugar level is too low - glucouse or sugar water should be given.
• Asthmatic patients should be place in a comfortable position and not lay down on the floor.
• Broken glass can cause incised wound - in some severe cases, the flesh is sliced off and avulsion occurs
• For sprain, RICE is applied - the R stands for Rest and E stands for elevate
• Sign of heat exhaustion is profuse sweating and not restlessness and confusion/ dry skin with high temperature above 40 degrees (heat stroke)
• Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsiveness to check for responsiveness

For the practical test, we are tested on bandaging and CPR.

The part on bandaging was quite interesting as the examiner gave us the different scenarios - some of which I could remember:
1. Fall from the escalator - dislocation of the jaw and bleeding on the back of the hand.
2. Being hit in the market and fell - left elbow fracture and left check got cut.
3. Was hit by glass in a football game - eye injury and right wrist bleeding.
4. Was carrying some items when the item crashed on the hand - wrist fracture and bleeding on the hand.
5. Carrying some items and was pushed from behind - the eye hit against the ground and was swollen, there is bleeding on lower arm
6. Saw a casualty leaning against the wall looking very confused and could not move his arm - shoulder dislocated, finger fractured as well
7. Fight in the hawker centre - cut on the head and elbow cannot bend (fracture)
8. Fell down in an amusement park -lower arm broken with bleeding on the face.

I was also quite nervous for the CPR as during the practice, Mr Thiru pointed out that my marking for the hand for the compression was too low. Thank God I got all right for the practical test - thanks to Mr Thiru!

The CPR test was quite straight forward, unlike the test which Mr Thiru would add in surprise elements or the component on choking.

1. Check for Danger
2. Call for help - call ambulance 995
3. Knee down with legs in between shoulder and then tap on the casualty asking him 'hello are you ok? to check for Response.
4. Open the Airway with head tilt chin lift - must ensure that one hand is on the forehead and the 2 fingers (index and middle fingers) on the chin nearer to you to lift it up as well as that the elbow is on the ground.
5. Next, using the thumb on the jaw to open up the mouth to check for foreign objects.
6. Put face near victim's face and look towards the chest to check for Breathing. Look, hear and feel for 10 secs.
7. No breathing - give 2 blows. Must remember to pinch the nose and blow fully into the mouth.
8. commence CPR - using the 2 fingers to locate the marking - from the rib cage to the centre and place the 2 fingers above it. Then move the other hand which was on the forehead above that marking.
9. Lock the hand and the elbow and start the 30 compressions ....1and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 10.......
10. Repeat the 2 blows and then 30 compressions.
11. Stop only when the casualty has breathings, when help arrive or you are exhausted.
12. Check for external injuries and then place casualty on recovery position.

I am now so exhausted - from the MOE healthy lifestyle activity and then this course and exam.