CSCS First Aid 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on a construction site, what should you do if the casualty's chest is wet?
- Do not use the AED
- Dry the chest before attaching the pads (Correct answer)
- Place the pads on wet skin as normal
- Only use one pad instead of two
Correct answer: Dry the chest before attaching the pads
If a casualty's chest is wet, you should dry it quickly before attaching AED pads. Moisture on the skin can cause the electrical current to travel across the surface rather than through the heart, reducing the effectiveness of the shock.
Question 2: A worker on site goes into shock after a serious injury. Which of these is a sign of shock?
- Flushed, hot skin
- Slow pulse rate
- Pale, cold, clammy skin (Correct answer)
- High blood pressure
Correct answer: Pale, cold, clammy skin
Signs of shock include pale, cold and clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, nausea, and confusion. Shock occurs when the circulatory system fails to supply enough oxygenated blood to the body's tissues.
Question 3: In what position should an unconscious but breathing casualty be placed?
- Flat on their back
- Sitting upright
- Recovery position on their side (Correct answer)
- Face down (prone)
Correct answer: Recovery position on their side
An unconscious but breathing casualty should be placed in the recovery position (on their side) to keep their airway clear and prevent choking on vomit or other fluids. This is part of the standard UK first aid training for construction workers.
Question 4: What does the 'R' stand for in the DR ABC protocol?
- Rescue
- Response (Correct answer)
- Recovery
- Resuscitation
Correct answer: Response
In the DR ABC protocol, R stands for Response. After checking for Danger, you check whether the casualty is responsive by speaking loudly to them and gently shaking their shoulders.
Question 5: How many first aiders does the HSE recommend for a high-risk construction site with 120 workers?
- 1 first aider
- 2 first aiders
- At least 1 first aider for every 50 workers (Correct answer)
- No specific number; it depends on the risk assessment
Correct answer: At least 1 first aider for every 50 workers
HSE guidance for higher-risk workplaces such as construction sites recommends at least one first aider for every 50 employed workers. For 120 workers, this means at least 3 first aiders would be needed, though the actual provision should be based on a site-specific risk assessment.
Question 6: Which of the following should NOT be done when treating a burn on a construction site?
- Cool the burn under running water
- Remove clothing near the burn if not stuck to it
- Apply butter or cream to the burn (Correct answer)
- Cover the burn loosely with cling film
Correct answer: Apply butter or cream to the burn
You should never apply butter, cream, toothpaste, or any greasy substance to a burn. These trap heat in the tissue, increase the risk of infection, and make clinical assessment more difficult. UK first aid guidance recommends cooling with water and covering with cling film.
CSCS First Aid 2
When using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on a construction site, what should you do if the casualty's chest is wet?