Head injuries: concussion vs compression
Head injuries are a common and potentially life-threatening. It is important for first aiders to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a serious head injury and seek early medical advice. In...
Author: John Furst
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel supplying the heart becomes blocked causing a lack of oxygen to reach the heart. A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires prompt emergency treatment in...
Common medical terms for first aiders and first responders
First aiders and first responders need to have a basic understanding of medical terminology. Here’s our list of common medical terms and what they mean. Please leave a comment on this post if you...
Basic First Aid Practice Test & Answers
Are you preparing for a Basic First Aid exam or written test? Here are fifteen practice first aid questions to help you revise. The answers to these practice questions are at the end of...
CPR & AED written exam questions
Are you preparing for an upcoming CPR or AED written exam? Here are some practice written questions to help you improve your performance. They are all multiple choice and the answers are at the...
How deep should you compress the chest during chest compressions?
Chest compressions are the most important component of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). They work by manually ‘squeezing’ the heart and pushing blood around the body in order to keep vital organs alive. In order for...
What is the first thing you should do if you find someone collapsed?
The very first thing you should do if you find someone collapsed is to assess the situation for any hazards to yourself or bystanders. A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. It is important...
What does ELITE stand for in manual handling?
ELITE is an acronym used to remember the different aspects of a manual handling risk assessment. So what does ELITE stand for? Environment Consider the environment where the manual handling task is taking place. Are...
Should I buy a home defibrillator/AED?
A defibrillator is a medical device used to help victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are defibrillators designed to be used by members of the public with no formal medical training....
Advantages of an Automated External Defibrillator in the workplace
An Automated External Defibrillator is a lifesaving piece of medical equipment used in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. Every workplace should consider having an AED in the workplace or accessible nearby. AEDs...
Can you perform CPR on a bed?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) comprises of chest compressions and rescue breaths. A common question from learners is if CPR can be performed on a bed (Eg: at home). The aim of CPR is to keep...
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
Sprains and strains are common injuries which a first aider may encounter. So what is the difference between a sprain and a strain? Sprain A sprain occurs when a ligament is torn at or near a...
What are the causes of Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia which affects millions of people. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical activity in the heart becomes disrupted and the chambers of the heart stop beating in synchrony....
Recording a 12 lead ECG/EKG
A 12 lead ECG/EKG (electrocardiogram) is used to record the electrical activity of the heart. Some advanced first responders may be trained in recording 12 lead ECG/EKGs. Electrical activity of the heart Electrical impulses...
