First Aid

FIRST AID

Session 1 (3 hours minimum)

• Principles of First Aid -- Assessment of immediate action
• Principles of resuscitation (including drowning)
• Artificial ventilation -- Chest compression
• Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation CPR -- Recovery position
• Choking and Asthma

Electric Shock Session 2 (1 1/2 hours minimum)

• Shock -- Blood loss
• Heart attack -- Control of bleeding (internal & external)

Session 3 (1 1/2 hours minimum)

• Unconsciousness -- Concussion
• Burns (including ropeburn & sunburn) -- Heat Exhaustion
• Hypothermia (prevention, recognition & treatment)
• Diabetic emergency
• Epilepsy

Session 4 (1 hour minimum)

• Fractures -- Spinal injuries
• Handling casualties -- (including helicopter evacuation)
• Communication
• First Aid Kit -- Seasickness

Course Objectives. --- By the end of the course:

1. Know and demonstrate CPR - artificial ventilation & chest compression.
2. Know and demonstrate how to turn a casualty into the recovery position.
3. Know and demonstrate how to apply pressure to a wound and control bleeding.
4. Know and demonstrate how to immobilise a fracture.
5. Detail the treatment for shock & diabetic emergencies
6. Outline the prevention, recognition and treatment of hypothermia.
7. Outline the treatment for asthma attacks, burns, epilepsy & heart attacks.
8. List the precautions needed when handling a spinal injury.
9. List the actions needed to prepare for a helicopter evacuation.

This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for skippers and the crew of small craft working within up to 60 miles of a safe haven. The syllabus is based on the recommendations from the Health & Safety Executive & the Department of Transport.

The RYA Small Craft First Aid Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course. This is valid for 3 years. An update course can then extend the certificate for 2 more yrs. This certificate fulfills the requirements of the Department of Transport Codes of Practice for Small Commercial Vessels in areas 2, 3 and 4.