Basic First Aid and CPR
From WildWiki
Contents |
First Aid/ABC’s
Educational Goals:
Students must know the ABC’s of patient assessment: airway, breathing, circulation as well as the basic first aid responses of “Check”, “Call”, “Care.” Obviously, in the backcountry, these responses are very different than in the frontcountry. We are not trying to teach them a mini-WFR course- just the very basics of how to respond in an emergency situation in the event that a trained instructor is not present.
Key Points
Begin by talking about how it is important that we all know how to take care of each other in the backcountry in terms of basic first aid. Also emphasize that more complex first aid issues will be dealt with by instructors up to their level of training. Make sure participants know what you are capable of providing and what you are not.
Safety of the rescuer is a priority. Talk about how to determine if a scene is secure. After determining that the scene is secure, conduct a primary survey to determine if there are any immediate threats to life: airway, breathing, circulation, or bleeding. Knowing how to handle these emergencies quickly may save a patient’s life. Have students practice on CPR dummies. Emphasize simple concepts and be sure to include procedures for choking.
Teaching Considerations:
This class is best kept simple and practical. Students should perform basic steps of CPR and choking alleviation.
