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As an OFA Level 3 attendant, mastering basic first aid skills is crucial for effective, life-saving care. These foundational skills form the backbone of advanced first aid and ensure you can respond confidently in any emergency.
Why Basic Skills Matter
Strong fundamental skills allow you to: ✅ Recognize and address immediate life threats. ✅ Maintain a clear airway and support breathing and circulation. ✅ Prevent further injury and stabilize the patient. ✅ Prepare the worker for transport to medical aid.
Core Basic Skills
1. Airway Management
✅ Recognizing Airway Obstruction:
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Partial obstruction: Noisy breathing, hoarseness, or gurgling sounds.
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Complete obstruction: Inability to speak/cough, cyanosis, or absence of airflow.
✅ Techniques to Maintain an Open Airway:
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Jaw Thrust: Preferred for spinal motion restriction cases.
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Head-Tilt Chin-Lift: Used when no spinal injury is suspected.
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Finger Sweep: Clears fluids or obstructions when necessary.
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Oral Airway Insertion: Maintains airway in unresponsive workers.
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Suctioning: Removes fluids or debris from the airway.
2. Breathing Support
✅ Assisted Ventilation for workers with ineffective breathing. ✅ Proper use of a Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) for ventilation.
3. Circulation Management
✅ CPR and AED Use:
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Administer CPR when the worker is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse.
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Utilize an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) effectively.
4. Patient Assessment
✅ Primary Survey – Assess level of consciousness (AVPU), airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). ✅ Secondary Survey – Identify all injuries and illnesses, record findings, and assess breathing rate, rhythm, and quality. ✅ Neurological Assessment – Evaluate sensory function and level of consciousness.
5. Spinal Injury Management
✅ Manual Stabilization – Prevent unnecessary movement of the head and neck. ✅ C-Spine Control – Maintain the head in a neutral, anatomical position unless resistance is felt.
6. Moving and Positioning Workers
✅ Supine Positioning – Move workers when assessment or treatment is hindered. ✅ Log Roll – Safely reposition workers with suspected spinal injuries. ✅ ¾ Prone Position – Maintains an open airway for unresponsive workers.
7. Oxygen Administration
✅ Administer oxygen when ABCs are abnormal. ✅ Inspect and maintain oxygen cylinders, regulators, and equipment.
8. Bleeding Control
✅ Apply Direct Pressure to control external bleeding. ✅ Use a Tourniquet for severe, uncontrolled bleeding.
9. Basic Wound Care
✅ Clean and Dress Minor Wounds – Flush with clean water and apply appropriate dressings.
10. Communication
✅ Effective Communication with workers, helpers, and emergency responders. ✅ Provide Clear Information to BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).
Maintaining & Improving First Aid Skills
📌 Deliberate Practice – Focus on skill repetition and improvement. 📌 Hands-On Training – Engage in practical training and scenario-based learning. 📌 Regular Review – Revisit and practice skills to maintain proficiency.
Safety & Personal Protection
🛑 Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your safety. 🧼 Practice Proper Hand Hygiene to prevent contamination.
Final Thoughts
Mastering these basic first aid skills is essential for every OFA Level 3 attendant. Regular practice and knowledge application ensure you can provide the best possible care in emergencies.
🚑 Looking to enhance your skills? Enroll in an OFA3 training course today!