First Aid

Unit 1 – First Aid Basics and Emergency Readiness

Unit 2 – Assessing the Scene and Primary Survey

Unit 3 – CPR and AED: Life-Saving Techniques

Unit 4 – Respiratory Emergencies – Choking and Asthma

Unit 5 – Wound Care: Bleeding Control & Bandaging

Unit 6 – Shock – Recognition and Management

Unit 7 – Musculoskeletal Injuries: Fractures & Sprains

Unit 8 – Burn Injuries – Classification and Treatment

Unit 9 – Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries

Unit 10 – Poisoning and Substance Abuse Emergencies

Unit 11 – Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

Unit 12 – Sudden Illnesses: Diabetes, Seizures, Stroke

Unit 13 – Heat and Cold–Related Emergencies

Unit 14 – First Aid: Patient Care Principles for Nurses

Unit 15 – Emergencies: Pediatric, Geriatric & Pregnancy

Unit 16 – Psychological First Aid and Crisis Intervention

Unit 17 – First Aid Kit Essentials and Maintenance

Unit 18 – Legal and Ethical Considerations in First Aid

Unit 19 – Disaster Preparedness and Triage

Unit 20 – Practical Skills Assessment and Course Review

## What do you learn in First Aid

First Aid covers essential life-saving techniques for emergencies. You'll learn how to assess injuries, perform CPR, treat burns, stop bleeding, and handle choking situations. The course also covers wound care, splinting fractures, and managing common medical emergencies like allergic reactions and heart attacks. It's all about quick thinking and practical skills to help people in critical moments.

## Is First Aid hard?

First Aid isn't typically a tough course, but it does require attention to detail and hands-on practice. The concepts are straightforward, but remembering all the steps for different scenarios can be tricky. The practical exams can be nerve-wracking, as you're put on the spot to demonstrate techniques. But most students find it engaging and even fun, especially during the hands-on practice sessions.

## Tips for taking First Aid in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Practice, practice, practice! Get a study buddy and take turns being the "patient"
3. Make mnemonics for remembering steps (like ABC - Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
4. Watch YouTube videos of first aid techniques in action
5. Volunteer at campus health events to gain real-world experience
6. Read "The Survival Medicine Handbook" for extra knowledge
7. Watch medical dramas critically - spot the accurate (and inaccurate) first aid scenes

## Common pre-requisites for First Aid

1. Anatomy and Physiology: This course dives into the structure and function of the human body. You'll learn about organ systems and how they work together.

2. Basic Biology: Here, you'll explore fundamental concepts of life sciences. It covers cell structure, genetics, and basic human biology.

## Classes similar to First Aid

1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training: This course goes deeper into emergency care. You'll learn more advanced life support techniques and how to work in ambulances.

2. Wilderness First Aid: Focuses on handling emergencies in remote settings. You'll learn how to improvise with limited resources and deal with environmental hazards.

3. Sports Medicine: Covers injury prevention and treatment specific to athletes. You'll learn about common sports injuries and rehabilitation techniques.

4. Public Health: Explores health on a community level. You'll study disease prevention, health promotion, and how to respond to public health emergencies.

## Majors related to First Aid

1. Nursing: Focuses on patient care in various healthcare settings. Nurses learn advanced medical skills and how to provide comprehensive care to patients.

2. Emergency Management: Prepares students to handle large-scale emergencies and disasters. It covers crisis planning, response coordination, and public safety.

3. Athletic Training: Concentrates on preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries. Students learn about sports medicine, injury rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.

4. Health Sciences: Provides a broad foundation in healthcare and medical knowledge. Students study various aspects of health, from biology to public health policy.

## What can you do with a degree in First Aid?

1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMTs respond to 911 calls and provide immediate medical care. They assess patients, perform basic medical procedures, and transport people to hospitals.

2. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: These professionals inspect workplaces for safety hazards and implement safety programs. They ensure companies comply with safety regulations and train employees in safety procedures.

3. Firefighter: Firefighters respond to fires and other emergencies. They use their first aid skills to provide medical assistance at accident scenes and during rescue operations.

4. Outdoor Guide: Guides lead groups on outdoor adventures like hiking or rafting. They use first aid skills to keep participants safe and handle any emergencies in remote locations.

## First Aid FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified in First Aid? Many jobs require First Aid certification, which you can get through organizations like Red Cross or American Heart Association.

2. How often do I need to renew my First Aid certification? Most First Aid certifications are valid for two years. After that, you'll need to take a refresher course to stay up-to-date.

3. Can I learn First Aid online? While some theoretical knowledge can be gained online, hands-on practice is crucial for First Aid. Most courses combine online learning with in-person skills sessions.

4. Is First Aid the same as CPR? First Aid is a broader set of skills that includes CPR. CPR specifically deals with cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while First Aid covers a wider range of emergency situations.

Nursing

1.1 Principles and importance of first aid

1.2 Legal and ethical considerations in emergency care

1.3 Personal safety and scene safety assessment

1.4 Emergency action steps and prioritization

2.4 Vital signs assessment and interpretation

2.1 Scene size-up and hazard identification

2.3 Secondary assessment techniques

2.2 Primary survey: ABCDE approach

3.1 Adult, child, and infant CPR techniques

3.2 AED operation and safety considerations

3.3 CPR and AED integration in cardiac emergencies

4.1 Recognition and management of choking in adults, children, and infants

4.2 Asthma attack identification and first aid response

4.3 Other respiratory distress conditions and interventions

5.1 Types of wounds and bleeding

5.2 Hemorrhage control techniques

5.3 Wound cleaning and dressing application

5.4 Bandaging methods for various body parts

6.1 Types and causes of shock

6.2 Signs and symptoms of shock

6.3 First aid interventions for shock management

7.1 Identification of fractures, sprains, and strains

7.2 RICE method and immobilization techniques

7.3 Splinting procedures for various body parts

8.1 Burn classification and severity assessment

8.2 First aid for thermal, chemical, and electrical burns

8.3 Complications and advanced care considerations

9.1 Mechanisms and signs of head and spinal injuries

9.2 Concussion assessment and management

9.3 Spinal immobilization techniques

10.2 First aid for ingested, inhaled, and absorbed poisons

10.3 Substance abuse emergencies and interventions

10.1 Common poisons and their effects

11.1 Types of allergic reactions and their symptoms

11.2 Anaphylaxis recognition and emergency response

11.3 Epinephrine auto-injector use and precautions

12.2 Seizure types, first aid, and safety measures

12.3 Stroke identification and immediate care

12.1 Diabetic emergencies: Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia

13.1 Heat exhaustion and heat stroke management

13.2 Hypothermia and frostbite recognition and treatment

13.3 Prevention strategies for environmental emergencies

14.2 Communication skills in emergency situations

14.3 Documentation and handover procedures

14.1 Patient assessment and history taking

15.3 Pregnancy-related complications and first aid

15.1 Pediatric emergency considerations and techniques

15.2 Geriatric patient care and common emergencies

16.1 Principles of psychological first aid

16.3 Referral to mental health resources

16.2 De-escalation techniques and emotional support

17.2 Specialized kits for specific environments

17.1 Components of a comprehensive first aid kit

17.3 Inventory management and expiration date tracking

18.2 Consent and confidentiality in emergency care

18.3 Ethical decision-making in first aid scenarios

18.1 Good Samaritan laws and liability issues

19.2 Triage systems and prioritization of care

19.1 Types of disasters and their impact on healthcare

19.3 Community disaster response and coordination

20.1 Hands-on skills practice and evaluation

20.2 Scenario-based learning and decision-making

20.3 Comprehensive review of key first aid concepts

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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