SIA CP Emergency First Aid 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a catastrophic haemorrhage and how should it be treated?
- A minor cut — apply a plaster
- Life-threatening bleeding that requires immediate intervention such as a tourniquet or haemostatic dressing (Correct answer)
- A nosebleed — tilt the head back
- Internal bleeding — there is no treatment available
Correct answer: Life-threatening bleeding that requires immediate intervention such as a tourniquet or haemostatic dressing
A catastrophic haemorrhage is severe, life-threatening external bleeding (often from limb injuries). Treatment includes applying a tourniquet above the wound, using haemostatic dressings, and calling emergency services immediately.
Question 2: When using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), what should you do if the machine advises 'no shock advised'?
- Switch the AED off
- Immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes, then allow the AED to re-analyse (Correct answer)
- Remove the pads and start rescue breaths only
- Assume the casualty has recovered
Correct answer: Immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes, then allow the AED to re-analyse
If the AED advises no shock, immediately resume CPR (30 compressions to 2 breaths) for 2 minutes, then allow the AED to re-analyse the heart rhythm. Continue this cycle until help arrives.
Question 3: What are the signs of a stroke? Which acronym helps you remember them?
- ABCDE — Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
- FAST — Face, Arms, Speech, Time (Correct answer)
- RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- SAMPLE — Signs, Allergies, Medications, Past, Last, Events
Correct answer: FAST — Face, Arms, Speech, Time
FAST: Face (has it fallen on one side?), Arms (can they raise both?), Speech (is it slurred?), Time (call 999 immediately). Early recognition and treatment of stroke significantly improves outcomes.
Question 4: How should a suspected spinal injury casualty be managed?
- Move them to a comfortable position immediately
- Keep them still, support the head and neck in a neutral position, and call emergency services (Correct answer)
- Roll them onto their side regardless
- Ask them to stand up and walk
Correct answer: Keep them still, support the head and neck in a neutral position, and call emergency services
A suspected spinal injury requires the casualty to be kept completely still. Support the head and neck in a neutral position (in line with the body), avoid any unnecessary movement, and call for emergency services.
Question 5: What is the correct first aid treatment for a burn?
- Apply butter or cream to the burn
- Cool the burn with running cool water for at least 20 minutes, cover with cling film, and seek medical help (Correct answer)
- Apply ice directly to the burn
- Pop any blisters that form
Correct answer: Cool the burn with running cool water for at least 20 minutes, cover with cling film, and seek medical help
Cool the burn under running cool (not ice cold) water for at least 20 minutes. Cover loosely with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing. Do not apply creams, pop blisters, or use ice.
Question 6: In close protection, why is first aid training particularly important for the team?
- To replace paramedics entirely
- Because the team may be the first to respond to a medical emergency involving the principal, before ambulance services arrive (Correct answer)
- To diagnose medical conditions
- To prescribe medication
Correct answer: Because the team may be the first to respond to a medical emergency involving the principal, before ambulance services arrive
The close protection team is often closest to the principal and will be first on scene in a medical emergency. Their first aid skills could be life-saving in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
SIA CP Emergency First Aid 2
What is a catastrophic haemorrhage and how should it be treated?