SIA Guard First Aid Awareness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do if someone is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe?
- Give them water to drink
- Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, and alternate until the obstruction clears or they become unconscious (Correct answer)
- Perform CPR immediately
- Put your finger in their throat to remove the obstruction
Correct answer: Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, and alternate until the obstruction clears or they become unconscious
For a choking adult: give up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades. If unsuccessful, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre). Alternate between sets of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts. Call 999 if the obstruction does not clear.
Question 2: What is an AED and when should it be used?
- An Advanced Emergency Device — used for broken bones
- An Automated External Defibrillator — used when a person is in cardiac arrest (unresponsive and not breathing normally) (Correct answer)
- An Automatic Evacuation Device — used during fire drills
- An Aerial Emergency Drone — used for search and rescue
Correct answer: An Automated External Defibrillator — used when a person is in cardiac arrest (unresponsive and not breathing normally)
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. It should be used as soon as possible when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Question 3: How should you treat a suspected broken bone (fracture)?
- Try to straighten the limb immediately
- Immobilise the injury by supporting it in the position found, do not move the casualty unnecessarily, and call for medical help (Correct answer)
- Apply heat to the area
- Give the casualty alcohol to ease the pain
Correct answer: Immobilise the injury by supporting it in the position found, do not move the casualty unnecessarily, and call for medical help
Support the injured area in the position found, immobilise it (using padding, slings, or bandages), do not try to straighten or realign the bone, and call for medical help. Apply cold packs wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling.
Question 4: What is a 'primary survey' in first aid?
- A questionnaire about the casualty's medical history
- A rapid, systematic assessment of a casualty to identify and treat life-threatening conditions (DR ABC) (Correct answer)
- A survey of the building's first aid supplies
- A survey completed by the first ambulance crew
Correct answer: A rapid, systematic assessment of a casualty to identify and treat life-threatening conditions (DR ABC)
The primary survey (DR ABC) is a rapid, systematic assessment: Danger (check safety), Response (check consciousness), Airway (open/clear), Breathing (check for normal breathing), Circulation (check for severe bleeding). It identifies and addresses life-threatening issues first.
Question 5: What should you do if a casualty is having a seizure (fit)?
- Hold them down to stop them shaking
- Protect them from injury by clearing the area, cushion their head, do not restrain them, and time the seizure (Correct answer)
- Put something in their mouth to prevent them biting their tongue
- Pour water on them
Correct answer: Protect them from injury by clearing the area, cushion their head, do not restrain them, and time the seizure
Clear the area of hazards, cushion their head, do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth, time the seizure, and stay with them. Call 999 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, it is their first seizure, or they are injured.
Question 6: As a security guard, what is your legal obligation regarding first aid?
- You must provide first aid to everyone
- You have a duty of care to render assistance within your training level and to call emergency services (Correct answer)
- You have no obligation to help
- You must only help if the person is an employee
Correct answer: You have a duty of care to render assistance within your training level and to call emergency services
Security guards have a duty of care to those on the premises they protect. This means rendering assistance within the limits of their training, calling emergency services, and staying with the casualty until help arrives.
SIA Guard First Aid Awareness 2
What should you do if someone is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe?