What is Asked During a First Aid and CPR Test? | Coast2Coast (2024)

• Levels of First Aid and CPR Training
• Practical Examination
• Multiple Choice Test
• Summary of Important Concepts in First Aid and CPR Course
• Conclusion

Choosing the right First Aid and CPR class is vital to ensure that your level of training matches you or your employer’s requirements. During your training, all the topics required are covered and you will receive hands-on training.

To pass the First Aid and CPR course, you are asked to take and pass a test. There are two sections to the test; the first is a written one with multiple-choice questions and the second is the practical examination.

Are you worried about what is asked during a First Aid and CPR test? Read on to feel confident!

Levels of First Aid and CPR Training

There are multiple levels of First Aid and CPR training. Each level has a specific test that goes along with it as they each provide different life-saving skills. Some of the course material does overlap between courses. For example, all of the material taught in CPR/AED Level C is also taught in Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid. As you increase your level of training, you learn more skills. Here are the levels of training we provide at Coast2Coast:

• CPR/AED Level A – learn how to assist adults only. This includes CPR, AED, shock, choking, stroke, life-threatening bleeding and more.
• CPR/AED Level C – learn how to assist adults, children and infants. This includes CPR, AED, shock, choking, stroke, life-threatening bleeding and more.
• Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C – the lowest level of First Aid available at Coast2Coast, typically for people in low-hazard environments. Includes all of the information of CPR/AED Level C as well as wound care.
• Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C – the most popular level of First Aid available. This 16-hour course covers all information from Emergency FIrst Aid & CPR/AED Level C, but also includes environmental illness, poisons and more.
• Marine Basic First Aid – this is the highest level of First Aid training that is offered at Coast2Coast. It covers all of the material in Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, but includes additional information regarding marine safety. This course is typically taken by students who work in the marine industry.

Coast2Coast has 24+ locations across Canada; for instance, if you are in the GTA area, you can attend a class in Mississauga, Brampton, Etobico*ke, etc. We make sure to have a facility next to your area to stay closer to our community.

Practical Examination

The practical portion may seem intimidating, but if you pay attention to your instructor, you should have no issues! During a First Aid & CPR training course, there are many topics which are discussed. The practical examination is scenario-based. Here, candidates are told by the examiner what the problem with the person is, and they must perform various life-saving skills such as CPR, AED, bandaging and more. Candidates are graded throughout the day according to, for example, the way CPR is performed, the timing, and how the various techniques are executed. Examiners also note if the candidates perform the emergency action steps of Check, Call, and Care.

Students are also tested on how well they perform other skills such as choking. Can you demonstrate the various methods used to assist someone who is choking? Understand the use of back blows, abdominal thrusts and chest thrusts according to the Canadian Red Cross recommendations. This includes infant choking. The care you provide for a choking infant is different from an adult or child.

In addition to CPR and choking, many students must demonstrate wound care and splinting. Showing how to use triangular bandages for broken arms to life-threatening external bleeding is an important part of First Aid training.

To ensure you pass the practical examination, be sure to pay close attention. The practical portion may seem intimidating, but your instructor will walk you through everything. If you are ever confused, please ask questions! Instructors are there to help you. Their goal is to provide you with the skills and knowledge to leave feeling confident to save a life if needed.

Multiple Choice Test

At the end of your course, you will need to complete a multiple-choice test. The questions in the multiple-choice test depend on the course as followed:

• CPR/AED test candidates are asked approximately 10 questions
• Emergency First Aid test candidates are asked approximately 20 questions
• Standard First Aid test candidates are asked approximately 30 questions

Participants require a score of 75 percent to pass the First Aid course.

Multiple-Choice Questions

Being prepared for certification testing requires some preparation. This is done by carefully studying the course material and paying attention during the course. These are examples of the things asked during the multiple-choice exam:

Acronyms

What is RICE?

Rice is the popular acronym for treating sprains, strains, dislocations or fractures. If you notice swelling, bruising, bones sticking out of the skin, etc., then you may need to apply the RICE method.

• Rest – ensure the person rests in a comfortable position
• Immobilize – try not to move the injured area as much as possible
• Cool – it is important to keep the injured area cool for about 20 minutes every hour
• Elevate – keep the injured area elevated unless it increases the pain

What is SAMPLE?

This is the acronym given to the steps commonly used to question a patient offering the first aid worker a better understanding of what is going on. It is important to gather this information so you can treat the patient accordingly. This is part of your secondary assessment and should be done after life-threatening conditions have been taken care of.

• Signs/symptoms
• Allergies
• Medication
• Past Medical History
• Last oral intake (this is food or water)
• Events leading up to the incident

Once you finish asking SAMPLE questions, you can check the patient’s vital signs. This includes level of responsiveness, how they are breathing and how their skin is reacting (wet, dry, colour, temperature). After completing vitals, you may perform an injury check. This is where you can identify injuries that were not found during your primary assessment.

ABC

In the world of first aid and CPR, ABC is the most popular acronym.

• Airway – ensure the patient’s airway is open. If they are unresponsive, you can perform a head-tilt/chin-lift. If they are speaking, crying, or moaning, then their airway is open.
• Breathing – watch their breathing for about 10 seconds. You can do this by placing your head near their mouth (to hear or feel breaths) and looking down towards their chest (to see if their chest rises and falls).
• Circulation- check head to toe for any life-threatening bleeding.

If the person is occasionally gasping for air, they may be experiencing a reflex called “agonal respiration.” This is irregular and you should provide care as if the person is not breathing.

FAST

The acronym “FAST” is used to determine if someone is suffering/has suffered from a stroke.

• Face – is there numbness or weakness (specifically on one side) in the face?
• Arm – is there numbness or weakness (specifically on one side) in the arms?
• Speech – trouble speaking or understanding others, loss of speech, etc.
• Time – call 911/ems as soon as possible (and get an AED)

Level of Consciousness

LOC or Level of Consciousness assessment is important in emergencies because it helps responders take the right course of action required during an emergency.

Get Prepared to Save a Life! Your knowledge is valuable when it comes to assisting others with emergencies. Be prepared for anything.

Ratio of CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is vital for people not breathing normally. Test participants are quizzed on how it is administered and whether it must be applied before or after calling emergency services. They are also questioned on the ratio of chest compressions, and how they differ if there is two-person or one-person CPR for adults, children and infants.

When providing CPR, the ratio of compressions to breaths is 30:2. Continue providing CPR until help arrives or until you are too tired to continue. If you are alone, call 911 and get an AED before starting CPR. If someone else is with you, ask them to call 911 and get an AED while you begin your assessment and CPR.

CSM

Assessing pain and pressure areas in a patient, even if they cannot communicate this, can be assessed by noticing several behavioural patterns.

• Circulation
• Sensation
• Movement

Summary of Important Concepts in First Aid and CPR Course

Chapter 1 The Red Cross

Regarding the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross, several key values align with the core of their noble mission: “Imagine a powerful force of compassion, unity, and aid, working tirelessly to provide help where it’s needed most.”

Principles

While studying the first chapter of the Red Cross Comprehensive Guide, make sure to go through the seven principles;

1. Humanity: At the heart of the Red Cross movement is an unwavering belief in the inherent worth of all human beings. It is the realization that, regardless of our differences, we all have a common bond as part of the global family. The movement seeks to alleviate suffering and promote dignity through acts of kindness and compassion.
2. Impartiality: Imagine a world where help is provided without prejudice or discrimination. That’s what the Red Cross movement stands for. It is based on the principle of equity and ensures that assistance is provided solely based on need without favour or bias. This is a potent reminder that compassion knows no boundaries and treats everyone equally regardless of background.
3. Neutrality: In a world filled with conflict and division, the Red Cross movement embodies the value of neutrality. As guardians of peace and goodwill, it remains impartial on political, religious and ideological matters. Moreover, neutrality allows the movement to act in difficult situations, promoting trust and respect while reaching out to those in need.
4. Independence: Imagine an organization free from outside influence and guided only by its humanitarian mission. This independence allows the Red Cross to act on its principles without being swayed by external pressures. This is a critical aspect of ensuring that the organization can autonomously serve humanity and make decisions in the best interests of those it serves.
5. Voluntary Service: The Red Cross thrives on the spirit of voluntary service in which individuals selflessly give their time, skills and energy to help others. Volunteers are the movement’s lifeblood, playing a vital role in providing first aid and resuscitation, supporting communities in crisis, and spreading the message of humanity.
6. Unity: Imagine a global network of individuals, organizations, and societies united under a common mission. The Red Cross expresses this remarkable unity by bringing together different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. Through collaboration and cooperation, its impact is amplified and acts as a powerful force for good in a world that craves solidarity.
7. Universality: The International Red Cross sustain that all societies have equal status and share similar responsibilities and duties in helping others.

These core principles guide the International Red Cross and shape its actions, inspiring millions to join its humanitarian causes. They represent the essence of compassion and remind us that together we have the power to change the lives of others positively.

Symbols

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has three official symbols: Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal. All three symbols have the same meaning and are considered equivalent under international law. Each country chooses one of these symbols to represent their activities and help identify military medical services in armed conflicts. The emblems protect Red Cross personnel who provide assistance and protection in wars.

Chapter 2 Responding to Emergencies:

Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Guide for First Aid and CPR by the Red Cross focuses on responding to emergencies and cover some important topics for you to know before sitting for the First Aid/CPR test.

This chapter presents the foundation for understanding the ethical and practical aspects of providing effective and timely first aid.

Obtaining Permission

As a First Aider, obtaining permission to provide assistance is crucial. You must remember that every person has autonomy and the right to make decisions about their well-being; therefore, as a future first aider, you must respect it. Before initiating any medical intervention, and if it is possible, the first aider must always seek consent from the patient. You can obtain permission from the patient by explaining the situation and focusing on the potential risks and benefits involved. If the injured patient cannot communicate or is unconscious, consent is implied, and as a first aider, you can proceed with the necessary assistance.

Chain of Survival

The chain of survival concept represents a series of critical actions that, if performed on time and following the sequence, can significantly improve the chances of survival for someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

Four Links

The chain of survival consists of four links: Early recognition and activation of emergency medical services (EMS), early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation, and early advanced medical care.

Early recognition and activation of EMS points out the importance of recognizing the need for medical assistance and alerting emergency medical responders on time. As a first aider, you will need to know the signs of a medical emergency and the need to ask for professional medical assistance.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that helps maintain the blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs until advanced medical care arrives. Providing early CPR could be crucial in saving a patient. As a first aider, you will learn different CPR techniques, including chest compressions and rescue breathing.

The third link is early defibrillation. As a first aider, you will learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore a normal heart rhythm in a patient with cardiac arrest. AEDs can be found in several locations in your community and are user-friendly devices that can make a difference in an emergency.

The fourth link is early advanced medical care. This link refers to transferring the patient to a healthcare facility for specialized medical treatment. As a first aider, you can aim to stabilize the patient in an emergency, but still, the individual must be revised by professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.

Roles and Responsibilities of a First Aider

As a first aider, you will undergo specific training to provide immediate emergency assistance. Your role will be vital in stabilizing an injured person’s condition until professional medical help arrives. In general, first aiders prioritize their safety and the safety of others while assessing an emergency, providing immediate assistance and assisting with the activation of EMS.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the safety of the scene
• Assessing the individual’s condition
• Activating EMS
• Providing first aid interventions
• Offer comfort and reassurance to the patient

Chapter 3 Check, Call, Care:

Chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Guide for First Aid and CPR by the Red Cross covers the essential skills and knowledge required to provide effective first aid. Throughout this chapter, you must know concepts like “Check, Call, and Care,” assisting a person with medication, conducting a focused examination, and managing shock.

Check, Call, and Care Approach

This approach is a systematic framework for responding to an emergency. The first thing would be checking the scene for potential hazards and ensuring personal safety before proceeding to help the injured or ill person. After you check the scene comes the patient’s assessment. As a first aid, it is crucial to check vital signs as well as if the individual is responding and breathing. If the patient is responding and has no life-threatening conditions, you can proceed to provide appropriate care based on the patient’s need. On the other hand, if the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally, the first aider must call for emergency medical assistance and initiate CPR.

Assisting a person with medication

There are some situations where individuals require medication to manage a specific condition or emergency, such as an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction. In these cases, first aiders must assess the situation and obtain information about the patient’s medication, following the prescribed plan and assisting them in taking the appropriate dosage.

Focused examination

Another aspect you need to know for the test is the importance of conducting a focused examination. As a first aider, you must learn how to assess injuries and abnormalities while maintaining the person’s comfort and to communicate the situation to emergency medical professionals effectively.

Shock Management

Shock is a life-threatening condition resulting from various medical emergencies such as severe bleeding, trauma, and allergic reactions. First responders should recognize the signs and symptoms of shock and apply their knowledge to manage it while monitoring vital signs before the emergency specialists arrive.

Chapter 4 Choking:

Chapter 4 of the first aid guide equips first aiders with the necessary knowledge and skills to intervene effectively in situations involving choking in adults, children, and infants.

Regarding choking in adults, the guide recommends first responders encourage the patient to cough forcefully to dislodge the obstruction. If the person cannot cough or speak, the first aider should perform abdominal thrusts or Heimlich maneuvers until medical help arrives.

For choking in children, the approach differs slightly due to their smaller size and developing anatomy. In these cases, you should encourage the child to cough and deliver back blows and chest thrusts to help clear the airway obstruction.

Choking in infants requires a different approach altogether. The guide points out the delicate physiology of infants; therefore, it is vital to support the infant’s head and neck while delivering back blows and chest thrusts.

Chapter 5 Circulation Emergencies:

Chapter 5 of the First Aid guide provides essential information on responding to heart attacks, strokes and life-threatening bleeding. As a first responder, you must learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these emergencies, take immediate action, activate EMS, and provide appropriate assistance.

Heart Attacks

In general, heart attacks occur when the blood flow to the heart is blocked due to a clot in a coronary artery. The guide mentions several signs and symptoms to help you recognize a heart attack, like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm or jaw and nausea. In a heart attack situation, the first aider should activate the emergency medical services immediately and help the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position. CPR should be started if the person is unresponsive and stops breathing normally.

Strokes

Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. In this section, the guide introduces the acronym FAST, which means Face, Arms, Speech and Time. This acronym is very helpful in remembering the signs and symptoms of strokes: face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, and the necessity of acting and seeking medical attention immediately. As in the case of a heart attack, first aiders should activate EMS, help the person get in a comfortable position, and, if the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR.

Life-Threatening Bleeding

Some accidents may cause internal or external injuries with life-threatening bleeding. Therefore, the guide emphasizes the importance of quickly controlling bleeding to prevent severe blood loss and shock. The steps you need to follow to control life-threatening bleeding are;

• Apply direct pressure to the bleeding site using a sterile dressing or cloth.
• If possible, elevate the injured area
• If it’s severe bleeding, use tourniquets or improvised pressure points
• Monitor the patient’s condition until medical help arrives.

Chapter 6 CPR/AED:

Chapter 6 of the first aid guide reviews the aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AEDs in emergencies.

CPR speed

As a first responder, you must know that CPR should be performed at the correct speed and depth of compressions. To sit for the first aid exam, remember that the recommended compression rate is at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Steady and consistent compressions aim to ensure adequate blood flow and oxygenation to the vital organs.

Compression depth

As per compression depth, the professionals suggest that to generate enough pressure to circulate blood effectively, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 centimetres) for adults and children and approximately 1.5 inches (4 centimetres) for infants.

Compression-to-ventilation ratio

Moreover, the guide highlights that to ensure a balance between providing oxygen to the patient’s lungs and maintaining circulation through chest compressions, you must provide 30 compressions to 2 breaths for adults and children.

AED

Recapturing the chain of survival, early defibrillation plays a crucial role in cardiac arrest cases. Thus, going through the clear instructions on how to use AEDs effectively, including the proper placement of electrode pads, following voice or visual prompts and ensuring the rescuer’s safety and the surroundings, are topics you need to remember in the first aid test.

Finally, the guide sustains the importance of continuous assessment and reassessment during CPR and using AEDs. As first aiders, check signs, responsiveness, and breathing while performing CPR.

Chapter 7 Breathing Emergencies:

Understanding emergencies is vital for first aiders to intervene promptly and potentially prevent severe complications. Chapter 7 refers to breathing emergencies, focusing on asthma and anaphylaxis.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the narrowing of airways. The guide highlights this condition’s common signs and symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. To assist a person suffering from an asthma attack, you should look for their prescribed asthma medication, help them get to a comfortable position and try to remain calm. In the case that the patient’s condition is worsened, activate emergency medical services.

Further, the guide addresses anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. The signs and symptoms of this reaction could be difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives and a rapid heartbeat. For this case, the first aider is recommended to call emergency services immediately and, in the meantime, help the person use their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, if available.

Chapter 8 Wound Care:

Regarding wound care, chapter 8 of the Red Cross guide covers many common injuries and conditions that first aiders may encounter, including bandaging guidelines, burns, splinters, nosebleeds, knocked-out teeth, and crush injuries.

This is an essential section for you to review while studying for the First Aid test, and remember the step-by-step instructions on assessing and managing injuries effectively.

Bandaging Guidelines

In this section, the guide highlights the importance of using sterile dressing and applying pressure to control bleeding. As a suggestion, follow the instructions on cleaning and dressing wounds appropriately and securing bandages to provide support and protection.

Burns

Burns can be categorized into first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns. The variety of the degrees roots on the severity of the burn, and the guide mentions recommendations for immediate first aid, such as cooling the burn with cold water and covering it with a sterile dressing. As a side note, seek medical attention for severe burns or burns involving sensitive body areas.

Splinters

The guide covers step-by-step instructions for safely removing splinters using tweezers and proper hygiene practices to prevent infections. It also suggests seeking professional medical help.

Nosebleeds

Another point you should write down for your first aid exam is how to manage nosebleeds. According to the guide, you should sit the patient upright, leaning slightly forward and pinching the nostrils together to apply pressure. If the bleeding persists or if there are other concerning symptoms, make sure to seek medical help.

Knocked-out Teeth

For knocked-out teeth, the guide emphasizes addressing the injured patient on time. In these cases, you should carefully handle the tooth without touching the root and preserve it in propolis, egg white, coconut water, whole milk or saline until the patient gets to the dentist.

Crush Injuries

Finally, you should go through the crush injuries section. The guide highlights the importance of removing the person from the crushing force if the object is crushing the person’s head, neck, chest or abdomen. In every case, the first aiders must call EMS while monitoring vital signs.

Chapter 9 Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries:

Head and neck injuries are considered severe because of their relationship with the spine. Thus, chapter 9 presents some common causes of head, neck and spinal injuries and different ways to prevent them.

How to Care for Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries?

The guide lists some steps to manage these types of injuries, starting with restricting the movement of the affected zone until EMS personnel arrive. The individual must stay in the same position where they were found unless there’s an immediate danger. If fluids start coming out of the ear canal or draining from the ear, let the fluid drain and do not move the person; once it stops draining, cover the ear loosely with a sterile dressing.

In some cases, head, neck and spinal injuries are related to brain injuries. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur due to a blow or jolt to the head. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion is crucial if you are planning to sit for the first aid test.

Some common signs and symptoms (may appear immediately after the injury or may be delayed) of a concussion include;

• Headache
• Dizzinies
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Changes in mood or behaviour

As first aiders, the guide suggests assessing the person’s condition by asking specific questions about their symptoms and observing their behaviour. It is recommended to keep the person in the same place the accident occurred unless there is further danger and inform immediately to medical professionals. Concussions are serious injuries and should not be taken lightly; the patient should have proper physical and mental rest and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms.

Chapter 10 Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries:

Regarding Chapter 10, first aid students must remember what to look for in bone, muscle and joint injuries. These injuries’ common signs and symptoms may include pain, swelling, deformity, limited range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or using the affected limb. When moving or manipulating the wounded limb, every first aider is encouraged to assess the injured area with extreme caution. The injury should be treated using the RICE method:

• Rest: Limit the patient’s activities and suggest resting the injured body part.
• Immobilize: Try to immobilize the injured area in the position in which it was found by creating a splint.
• Cool: To reduce swelling and pain, cool the injured area for 20 minutes every hour for up to 48 hours.
• Elevate: Keep the injured area above the level of the heart.

Furthermore, the Red Cross advocates that these types of injuries should be treated by applying splints until the person gets medical help. Commercial splints are always the best option, but other improvised splits, such as rolled-up newspapers, magazines or scarves, are helpful too. Also, the guide outlines how to apply and secure splints and the importance of checking for proper blood circulation and monitoring the patient’s condition.

Chapter 11 Sudden Medical Emergencies:

Chapter 11 of the Red Cross guide covers a variety of sudden medical emergencies that you should study for your test, including diabetic emergencies, seizures, mental health crises and childbirth. This section explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and offers guidance on appropriate first-aid responses.

Diabetic Emergencies

As stated in the guide, there are two types of diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). In most case scenarios, diabetic emergencies happen because of an imbalance between two or more exercises, food intake, medication and insulin production. For you to recognize a diabetic crisis, the signs and symptoms are:

• Changes in the level of responsiveness
• Changes in behaviour, such as confusion, irritability, or aggression
• Rapid breathing
• Cool, sweaty skin
• Skin that is paler than normal
• Appearance of intoxication
• Feeling and looking ill
• Seizures

If you encounter a diabetic emergency, the guide sustains that the first aider should provide the patient with a source of sugar or assist with their insulin administration. If the person’s condition does not improve within 10 minutes of having sugar, you should call the emergency services.

Seizures

Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical signals in the brain that result in temporary and involuntary disturbances in brain functions, shaking or contraction of limbs, changes in sensations, shifts in behaviour, and altered levels of responsiveness.

In general, there are many causes of seizures; one is epilepsy, but others can be fevers or infections, head injuries, heat stroke, and poisons. As a first aider, you can tell a person is having a seizure because they will start hallucinating, their eyes may begin rolling upwards into the head, and they won’t be able to control muscle movement.

The appropriate care for an individual having a seizure is creating a safe environment by moving furniture and other objects that could cause injury and, if possible, rolling the person onto their side. If the patient is having their first seizure or if it lasts longer than five minutes, you must inform medical professionals.

Mental Health Crises

In general terms, mental health conditions are difficult to identify; they may go unrecognized unless the person shares the information with you. Some examples of mental health conditions may be panic attacks or acute anxiety.

If you ever encounter an individual going through a mental health crisis, try to reduce distractions and encourage the person to sit down to promote conversation. You should use your soft skills to keep the person calm, listening empathetically and acknowledging their feelings and emotions without judgment. If the person poses a risk to you or others, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Childbirth Emergencies

As a first aider, you should acknowledge that childbirth is a natural process and the woman’s body knows what to do; your role will be to support the mother’s comfort, recognize signs of complications, and contact emergency medical services for professional assistance.

The signs and symptoms of imminent childbirth include;

• Contractions that are 2 minutes apart or less
• The woman says the baby is coming
• The woman feels the urge to push
• The woman feels like she needs to have a bowel movement
• The baby is crowning

How Difficult is it to Pass the First Aid & CPR Exam?

Chapter 12 Environmental Illness:

Chapter 12 of the Red Cross guide covers environmental illnesses such as heat and cold-related emergencies. Understanding how to respond to these emergencies is crucial for first aiders to provide immediate assistance and prevent further harm.

A warm/hot environment may cause an individual to experience heat exhaustion and heatstroke. You should look for signs and symptoms of heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, confusion and potential loss of consciousness. If you ever encounter an individual with heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the guide recommends moving them to a cooler environment, providing them with fluids and loosening any restrictive clothing. If the person’s condition worsens or if they do not improve after primary care, seek medical assistance.

A cool/cold environment may cause a person to experience hypothermia and frostbite. The signs and symptoms you should look for may include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and loss of coordination. For frostbite, the guide points out the presence of pale or blue skin, numbness and a waxy appearance. If you ever encounter an individual with hypothermia or frostbite, move them to a warm environment, removing wet clothing and providing them with warm, non-alcoholic fluids. If you see that the situation doesn’t get better, call 9-1-1.

Some recommendations for preventing heat and cold-related emergencies are:

• Stay hydrated
• Wear appropriate clothing
• Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures
• Monitor people in high-risk situations, such as athletes, outdoor workers and the elderly.

Chapter 13 Poisons:

Finally, chapter 13 of the guide for first aid and CPR covers important topics related to poisons, how to recognize the signs and symptoms and what to do as a first aider.

According to the Red Cross, a poison is a substance that harms the body if it is inhaled, swallowed, absorbed or injected and can be life-threatening if they affect breathing or circulation.

There are four types of poisons;

• Swallowed Poison: Enters the body through the mouth, lips, esophagus or stomach. E.g. drinking bleach.
• Absorbed Poison: Enters the body through the skin. E.g. plants or chemicals.
• Injected Poison: Enters the body through bites, stings or needles.
• Inhaled Poison: Is breathed into the body. E.g. carbon monoxide.

Moreover, the guide recommends preventive measures to avoid poisoning emergencies, such as keeping medications out of the reach of children, wearing appropriate protective clothing while manipulating poisonous substances, run gas and other combustion engines only in open areas, among others.

If the poisoned individual is not breathing, it is recommended to start CPR taking the proper measurements so you don’t contaminate yourself with the poison. If the poison was absorbed through the skin, wash the area with water for at least 15 minutes and remove any clothing covered with poison. In every case scenario, encourage the individual to seek medical attention and call the EMS personnel.

Tick Bites

The guide covers bites and stings from numerous animals and insects, but you should pay special attention to the tick bites while studying for your test. Ticks can be found in wooded, bushy areas, tall grass, and leaf litter on the ground; they can attach themselves to any warm-blooded animal that comes in contact with them. These insects can cause serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease.

The guide emphasizes the safest way to remove attached ticks is using tweezers, grasping the tick by the head as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward slowly and steadily without twisting until the tick releases its hold. Afterwards, wash the area with clean tap water to clean the wound. Save the tick in a resealable bag and record the bite date. Suggest the person monitor the bite for several days in case it gets infected and recommend the person seek medical attention.

Snakebites

Usually, snakes live in rock outcrops, swamps, undergrowth and abandoned human structures. Most Canadian snakes are non-venomous except for the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Massasauga Rattlesnake and Prairie Rattlesnake.

To prevent snakebites, the guide suggests wearing proper footwear, watching where you put your feet when hiking, and not aggravating a snake. If someone gets bitten, you will notice a pair of puncture wounds in the skin, localized redness of the skin and pain and swelling in the area of the bite.

The steps to follow in a snakebite emergency are:

1. Keep the injured site still and level with the heart.
2. If the bite is on a limb, remove any jewellery before it swells.
3. Wash the wound with water.
4. Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
5. Call 9-1-1 and get an AED if possible.

There may also be additional questions specifically about the Red Cross if you complete your training with Coast2Coast or another Red Cross training partner. Keep in mind that tests do change and course material may be updated as the years go by. First Aid and CPR skills do evolve over time and professionals learn new and improved techniques to help save lives. This is why it is important to complete Recertification courses!

Conclusion

Candidates who plan to complete their training with us at Coast2Coast will learn a wide variety of life-saving skills. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Canadian Red Cross Certification. Once they earn their certificate, they will be ready to use their life-saving skills! Keeping up-to-date with first aid training helps to ensure that responders are aware of all the latest tips and techniques required to help people in all types of emergencies.

So what are you waiting for? Get registered for a First Aid and CPR training course today at one of our training facilities in Ontario.