What are the four main steps of the Priority Action Approach (PAA) used by First Aid Attendants in BC?
1️⃣ Scene Assessment 2️⃣ Primary Survey 3️⃣ Call for Transport 4️⃣ Secondary Survey.
What is the purpose of the Scene Assessment in the PAA?
Ensure safety of the rescuer, bystanders, and patient; identify hazards and mechanism of injury or illness.
What does the Primary Survey include in the PAA?
Assess Level of Consciousness (AVPU) and ABCs — Airway, Breathing, Circulation — and correct life-threatening issues.
What does the Secondary Survey include?
Collect patient history (SAMPLE), take vital signs, perform head-to-toe exam, and provide ongoing care.
What is the first step when approaching a patient experiencing a diabetic episode?
Perform a scene assessment and check responsiveness (AVPU) and ABCs.
How do you identify hypoglycemia versus hyperglycemia?
Hypoglycemia: rapid onset, confusion, sweating, trembling. Hyperglycemia: gradual onset, thirst, frequent urination, fruity breath.
How should a responsive diabetic patient be treated?
Give oral glucose, sugary drink, or candy if they can swallow safely.
What should you do if the diabetic patient cannot swallow or doesn’t improve in 10 minutes?
Call EMS and monitor ABCs; treat for shock.
What is the first priority when a seizure occurs?
Protect the patient from injury by moving hazards and cushioning the head.
Should a first aid attendant restrain a seizing patient or place something in their mouth?
No — never restrain or place anything in the mouth.
What should be done immediately after a seizure stops?
Open the airway, check breathing, and place the patient in the recovery position if breathing normally.
When should EMS be called for a seizure?
If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, repeats, or the patient doesn’t regain consciousness.
What are the first steps when finding an unconscious patient?
Ensure scene safety, check responsiveness, and assess ABCs.
What should you do if the patient is breathing but unresponsive?
Place in the recovery position and monitor ABCs.
What should you do if the patient is not breathing and pulseless?
Call EMS, start CPR, and use an AED.
How is cardiac arrest identified?
Patient is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse.
What are the immediate actions for cardiac arrest?
Call EMS, start CPR (30:2), and use AED as soon as available.
When can CPR be stopped?
When the patient shows signs of life, another trained rescuer takes over, or you are physically unable to continue.
What are key symptoms of a heart attack?
Chest pressure/pain, radiating pain (arm, jaw), sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath.
What are the first aid steps for a suspected heart attack?
Have the patient rest in a semi-reclined position, call EMS, assist with nitroglycerin and chewable ASA if appropriate.
Why should ASA (aspirin) be given during a heart attack?
It helps reduce blood clotting, improving blood flow to the heart.
How does angina differ from a heart attack?
Angina pain usually resolves with rest or nitroglycerin; heart attack pain persists and is more severe.
What is the treatment for angina?
Assist the patient with their prescribed nitroglycerin, keep them at rest, and monitor ABCs.
When should an angina episode be treated as a heart attack?
If pain lasts longer than 10 minutes or after 3 nitroglycerin doses.
