SIA CP Medical First Aid for Close Protection

Question 1

Why is first aid training especially critical for close protection operatives?

Accepted Answer

CPOs may be the first and only trained person present during a traumatic or medical emergency affecting the principal

Answer

In a CP scenario, the principal may be injured in a remote location, a hostile environment or a situation where emergency services cannot access immediately; the CPO may be the principal's only hope for survival.

Question 2

What is the CP-specific mnemonic 'THREAT' used for?

Accepted Answer

Threat suppression, Haemorrhage control, Rapid Extrication, Assessment, Treatment — a tactical medicine framework

Answer

The THREAT protocol is adapted from tactical combat casualty care: suppress the threat, control haemorrhage, perform rapid extrication, assess and treat — prioritising safety before treatment.

Question 3

What is 'haemorrhage control' and why is it a priority in CP first aid?

Accepted Answer

Stopping catastrophic bleeding, which is the most preventable cause of death from traumatic injury

Answer

Catastrophic haemorrhage (massive uncontrolled bleeding) kills faster than airway or breathing problems; controlling it immediately with direct pressure or a tourniquet is therefore the highest priority in traumatic injury.

Question 4

When should a tourniquet be applied to a limb injury?

Accepted Answer

When direct pressure fails to control life-threatening limb haemorrhage

Answer

A tourniquet is applied when direct pressure and wound packing cannot control life-threatening limb bleeding; while once considered a last resort, current guidance supports earlier use to save lives.

Question 5

What is 'wound packing' and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

Tightly packing a deep wound with haemostatic gauze or clean material to control bleeding that cannot be controlled by surface pressure alone

Answer

Wound packing is used for deep wounds such as gunshot or stab injuries where surface pressure cannot reach the bleeding point; packing the wound tightly applies pressure directly at the source.

SIA Close Protection Practice Test

SIA Close Protection Practice Test

SIA CP Medical First Aid for Close Protection