Medical First Aid for Close Protection Flashcards

What is the correct position for treating a conscious person in hypovolaemic shock?

Answer: Lay flat and raise legs if no injury prevents it, keep warm and arrange urgent evacuation

Laying the casualty flat with legs elevated (if no contraindication) helps return blood to the vital organs; keeping them warm prevents hypothermia; urgent evacuation to surgery is essential.

What is the difference between 'haemorrhagic' and 'non-haemorrhagic' shock?

Answer: Haemorrhagic shock is caused by blood loss; non-haemorrhagic includes distributive (anaphylaxis, sepsis) and obstructive (tension pneumothorax) causes

Recognising the type of shock guides treatment: haemorrhagic shock requires haemorrhage control; anaphylactic shock requires adrenaline; tension pneumothorax requires needle decompression.

What is 'pre-hospital trauma care' and why is it relevant to CP operatives?

Answer: Life-saving interventions delivered between the point of injury and the hospital; CPOs may be the only trained persons present for a critical period

In CP operations, especially in remote or hostile environments, the CPO may need to provide life-saving pre-hospital care for an extended period before any professional medical help arrives.

What is 'medical intelligence' in a CP context?

Answer: Gathering information about the principal's medical history, local medical facilities, blood type and known allergies to prepare for emergencies

Medical intelligence ensures the CP team knows what conditions the principal has, what medications they take, what blood type they are and where the nearest appropriate medical facilities are in every location.

What is the correct treatment for a suspected anaphylactic reaction in the principal?

Answer: Administer adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) to the outer thigh, call 999 and prepare a second dose if needed

Adrenaline is the only life-saving drug for anaphylaxis; it must be given without delay to the outer thigh even if the diagnosis is uncertain; a second dose may be needed; 999 is called immediately.

Why should a CPO maintain a 'medical kit' appropriate to the operating environment?

Answer: The threats and resources available vary by environment; a kit appropriate to the location ensures the CPO can respond to likely medical scenarios they will actually face

A rural or overseas operation may require haemostatic gauze, tourniquets and chest seals; a domestic urban operation may primarily need basic first aid; the kit must reflect the risks and resources of the specific environment.