Medical First Aid for Close Protection Flashcards

What is 'environmental hazard' assessment before providing first aid?

Answer: Checking the scene for ongoing threats, fire, toxic agents or structural instability before approaching a casualty

In a CP context, a first aid provider must confirm the scene is safe before approaching; rushing to a casualty in an unsafe environment creates additional casualties including the responder.

What is 'crush injury' and what specific risk is associated with its treatment?

Answer: Injury caused by prolonged compression of muscle; releasing the compression can cause crush syndrome where toxic substances enter the bloodstream

Crush syndrome occurs when myoglobin and potassium from damaged muscle enter the bloodstream on release; this can cause cardiac arrest and kidney failure — medical evacuation is urgent.

What is 'CPR with an AED' and how does the AED change the sequence?

Answer: CPR is started immediately; when the AED arrives it is applied without stopping CPR; the AED guides whether a shock is needed and when

CPR should begin immediately and continue; the AED is applied as soon as it arrives (with minimal pause), it analyses rhythm and either advises a shock or to continue CPR.

What is an 'improvised tourniquet' and when would it be used?

Answer: A tourniquet made from available materials (belt, clothing) used when a manufactured tourniquet is unavailable

If a manufactured tourniquet is unavailable, an improvised one — using a wide belt or strips of clothing tightened with a stick as a windlass — provides a life-saving alternative, though it is less reliable.

What is 'direct pressure' and why is it the first line of treatment for most bleeding wounds?

Answer: Applying firm, sustained pressure to a wound; it works because mechanical pressure slows and eventually stops blood flow by supporting clot formation

Direct, sustained pressure is the most universally available and effective way to slow bleeding; it is safe, requires no equipment and is effective across a wide range of wound types.

What does 'AVPU' stand for in consciousness assessment?

Answer: Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive

AVPU is a rapid consciousness assessment: Alert (fully conscious), responds to Voice, responds to Pain, or Unresponsive — it provides a quick, consistent measure of neurological function.