School Based Assessment.

CSEC 2019

ROLE: First Aid Officer.

NAME OF CANDIDATE: Gianella Danielle Gajie.
CANDIDATE NUMBER: 0900860120
CENTER CODE: 090086
TERRITORY: Guyana.
NAME OF SCHOOL: The Guyana Education Trust College.
TEACHER’S NAME:
Introduction.
In this School Based Assessment the Researcher will be playing the role
of a First Aid Officer. A First Aid Officer is a person who is trained to
give basic medical help to someone who is injured. The First Aid
Officers take care of persons who collapsed from exhaustion or cramps
or even a cardiac arrest. When performing First Aid, Officers must
always be equipped with a first aid kit and a basic first aid kit contains
the following instruments- plasters, sterile gauze dressing, sterile eye
dressing, triangular bandages, crepe rolled bandages, disposable sterile
gloves, tweezers and alcohol free cleaning wipes. First Aid Officers help
to prevent situations from getting worse. A First Aid Officer should
provide appropriate first aid treatment. In this school based assessment
the researcher/First Aid Officer will be talking about scenarios which
occurred at her schools inter-house sport which was held on the 5th of
October, 2018 at the GNS sports complex. The First Aid Officer
basically tries to keep the situation under control and try to make it less
frustrating for the patient and the family as well as the First Aid Officer.
The researcher of this SBA will also attend other sports in her region or
country so that she can collect more information as well as scenarios
pertaining to her role as a First Aid Officer.
 Acknowledgement.
The Researcher wishes to extend gratitude to a number of individuals
who assisted in the completion of this School-Based Assessment.
Firstly: Almighty God for giving her life and strength to stand
and complete this School-Based Assessment.
Secondly: The Researcher’s parents Michelle Skeete and Daniel Gajie
for providing all materials necessary for the completion School-Based
Assessment.
Thirdly: The Researcher is extending much gratitude and appreciation to
Sir Prince for giving her all necessary information needed for this
School Based Assessment to be completed successfully.
Fourthly: Christine Ashby and Giovanni Gajie for guiding her when
typing this SBA and for dedicating their time on late nights to help me in
every possible way.
Fifthly: The organisers of the school’s inter-house sports and the people
who made it a success as well as other Teachers that assisted in giving
her more information on the School Based Assessment as time went by.
Thanks to everyone who assisted in the completion of this School Based
Assessment.
 Background Information on First Aid.
Thousands of people are injured every year. Effectively first aid reduces
deaths, injuries and impact during disasters and daily emergencies. It
provides immediate responses to an emergency, making available life
saving measures until professional help arrives. Simple First Aid skills
and the confidence to use them save lives of many people. If a First Aid
Officer is properly trained many of these lives can or will be saved.

About one hundred and fifty years ago a battle in northern Italy sparked
an idea that has changed the world. On the 24th of June 1859, a man by
the name of Henry Durant witnessed horrifying suffering and agony
following the battle of solferino. He mobilized the civilian population of
mainly women and girls to take good care of the wounded persons. He
equipped them with the necessary materials and supplies and installed
temporary hospitals for the wounded persons to stay. He inspired the
establishment of the Red Cross committee in 1863. Today, the need for
humanitarian action is still as vital as it was in 1859. Providing First Aid
to injured people was one of the first aid services given by the Red Cross
Red Crescent volunteers for over 100 year. Now at present, almost all
Red Cross Red Crescent national societies have First Aid as their core
activity.
 Aims of First Aid.
In First Aid, the aim is to prevent the condition from getting worse or
danger of further injury which covers both external factors such as
moving a patient away from any cause of harm applying First Aid
techniques. The aim is founded on the three P’s which includes
preservation of life, prevention of an injury worsening and promotion of
recovery from an injury.

 The first P which focuses on the preservation of life guides the

First Aid Officer in practicing safety for themselves and others. It
is important that the First Aid Officer assess the scenarios before
intervening, just to determine if their involvement would result in
harm to themselves, the injured person or others in the area.

 The second P highlights the need to prevent injuries. This could

involve requesting the casualty to follow specific instructions
given that will result in reduced risk for further injury. It also deals
with attempting to make the area safer by removing any danger or
requesting professional help.

 The third P indicates the importance of promoting recovery. This

can be accomplished through administering First Aid when
appropriate and arranging for prompt emergency and arranging for
prompt emergency medical help.
 Signs of First Aid.

1. ISO First Aid Symbol.

ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization
which sets a standard for First Aid kits of being green with a white
cross in order to make them easily recognizable to anyone
requiring First Aid treatment. The ISO only endorse the use of the
green background and white cross. This has been adopted as a
standard across many countries and regions, including the entire
European Nation.

ISO First Aid symbol.

 2. St. Andrew’s First Aid symbol.

The St. Andrew’s Badge or logo is mainly used by the St.

Andrew’s First Aid charity based in Scotland’s first ambulance
service known as the St. Andrew’s ambulance association. The St.
Andrew’s ambulance association provided first aid services and
training. In order to make teaching more uniformed, in 1981 the
association published Dr. George. T. Beatson’s Ambulance Hand
book.

St. Andrews First Aid symbol.

 3. Red Cross Emblem

The symbol is a red cross on a white background. It symbolizes

protection and membership of the international Red Cross and Red
Crescent movement. In times of armed conflict it is the visible sign of
protection conferred by the Geneva conventions on the victims and on
those who come to their aid. The emblem is also a symbol of the
movement’s seven fundamental principles.
 Humanity
 Impartially
 Neutrality
 Independence
 Voluntary service
 Unity and
 Universality

Red Cross Emblem.

4. Maltese or Amalfi Cross
This symbol is associated with the order of St. John since 1567. The
cross is a black eight pointed cross having the form of four ‘V’
shaped elements each joining the others at its vertex leaving the other
two tips spread outward symmetrically. Both the order of St. John and
the venerable order of St John teach that the eight points of the cross
represent the eight beatitudes.
1st point: Observant- that she may note the causes and sign of the
injury.
2nd point: Tactful- that she may without thoughtless questions learn
the symptoms and the history of the case.
3rd point: Resourceful- that she may use the best advantage at hand to
prevent further damage or injury.
4th point: Dextrous- that she may handle a patient without causing
unnecessary pain and use of appliances efficiently.
5th point: Explicit- that she may give clear instructions to the patient
or the bystanders how best to assist her.
6th point: Discriminating- that she may decide which of several
injuries passes most for treatment by herself.
7th point: Persevering- that she may continue her efforts though not
successful at his first.
8th point: Sympathetic- that she may give real comfort and
encouragement to the suffering.

Maltese or Amalfi Cross

5. Star of life
The star of life is associated with emergency medical care around
the globe. This symbol can be seen as a means of identification on
ambulances, emergency medical equipment, patches or apparel
worn by emergency medical services (EMS) providers and
materials such as books, pamphlets, manuals, reports and
publications that either have a direct application to EMS or was
generated by an EMS organization. Each bar on the star of life
represents six EMS functions. These functions are:
 Detection
 Reporting
 Response
 On-scene care
 Care in transit
 Transfer to definitive care.

Star of life
5. Civil Defence
Civil defence is an effort to protect the citizens of a state from
military attacks and natural disasters. It uses the principles of
emergency operation; preventions, preparation, response or
emergency evacuation and recovery.
 What is a First Aid Kit?
A First Aid Kit is a small box used for emergency, containing
items such as bandages, plasters and antiseptic wipes for use
in giving help to a sick or injured person until full medical
treatment is available. Items in a first aid kit include:
 Triangular bandage
 Plasters
 First Aid scissors
 Wound closure strips
 Compression tape
 Gloves
 Gauze
 Sterile gauze dressing
 Alcohol free cleaning wipes
 Tweezers
 Bandages
 Ice packs
 Items in a First Aid Kit
Triangular bandages- are a loose weave cotton cloth in the shape
of a triangle. It can be used to treat a wound or treat a sprain or
fracture.

Plasters
A plaster is a small medical dressing used for injuries not serious enough
to require a full-sixe bandage.
First Aid scissors
This is used to cut bandages or gauze. It has a blunt tip on bottom blade
for greater security and safely lifts bandages away from skin for easy
cutting without scratching the skin.

Wound closure strips

These are designed to bring the two ends of a minor wound together.
These strips also prevent stitches in the case of minor cuts.
Compression tape
This can be used to reduce swelling and to improve circulation.
Compression tape can be used to protect the wound and also the manage
edema and lymphadema.

Gloves
These are worn to protect from body fluids including blood.
Sterile gauze dressing
A dressing is designed to be in direct contact with the wound as
distinguished from a bandage which is most often to hold a dressing in
place.

Alcohol free cleaning wipes

This is used for the cleansing of the wound and pre-dressing preparation
to ensure a greater adhesion for dressings. Prevent infections and cleans
blood and dirt away from wounds.
Tweezers
A medical instrument used for plucking out hairs and getting hold of
small objects that fingers cannot reach.

Bandages
A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device
such as dressing or splint.
Ice packs
This help to relieve pain, swelling and inflammation from injuries.
 Who is a First Aid Officer?
A First Aid Officer is a first respondent at the scene of an incident that
requires medical treatment. The officer assists persons who become
injured in the event of an accident, or emergency situation until help
arrives. They can only treat the casualty to ease pain and further
damages of which when arrived at the hospital hand over the casualty to
the doctor and explain the situation, saving time and saving a life. It is
important that they know how to perform basic tasks such as pulse
taking etc.
First Aid Officers must complete First Aid training with a recognized
body such as the Red Cross and have up to date present times First Aid
certificates. This will indicate the officer’s skills in basic First Aid as
well as more complex life saving techniques, such as Expired Air
Resuscitation (EAR) and Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). First
Aid Officers are required to be familiar with the specific hazards and
conditions of their workplace ensuring provision of adequate first aid
resources and maintaining First Aid equipment in a satisfactory and
useable condition. Apart from training there are a number of personal
traits and qualities that a first aid officer should have to assist effectively
in an emergency.
 Responsibilities of a First Aid Officer
The responsibilities of a First Aid Officer vary based on the situation.
Although the basic responsibilities remain the same for all officers there
are difference based on if they are working at sports in hospitals or at
other public events. The researcher was taken to perform basic medical
treatment on participants injured at the Guyana Education Trust College
inter-house sports on the 5th of October, 2018.
A First Aid Officer would have the following basic responsibilities:
- Maintain their First Aid accreditation to the level to provide First
Aid treatment by registered Training Organisations.

- Undertake quality checks of the officer’s First Aid kit to ensure it

is compliant to the checklist issued.

- The first Aid Officer must ensure that all First Aid instruments are
accounted for before and after any procedure so that the first aid
kits will be returned exactly how the First Aid Officer received it.

- First Aid Officer’s must complete any treatment given to an

individual before releasing the casualty/patient.
Additional Equipments used in First Aid.

1. Stretcher
A stretcher is an apparatus used for moving patients who require medical
care. A basic type (cot or litter) must be carried by two or more people.
A wheeled stretcher known as a gurney, trolley, bed or cart is often
times equipped with variable height frames, wheels, tracks or skids.

2. Stethoscope
This is a medical device for auscultation or listening to the internal
sounds of a human body. It typically has a small disc shaped resonator
that is placed against the chest and two tubes connected to the earpieces.
It is often used to listen to the lung and heart sounds. It is also used to
listen to intestines and blood flow in arteries and veins.
 3. Blood pressure kit.
A sphygmomanometer also known as a blood pressure metre, blood
pressure monitor or blood pressure gauge which is a device used to
measure the pressure of blood flowing through the arteries. It always
used in conjunction with a means to determine at what pressure it is
unimpeded.
 Scenarios
At the Guyana Education Trust College Inter- house sports on the 5th of
October, 2018 the Researcher played the role of a first aid officer. There
were several scenarios that required the intervention of the First Aid
Officer.

Scenario 1: Male Athlete Falling

A male athlete was helped off the field after his left foot went into a hole
and resulted in him falling. He was participating in the 800 metre race.
He was helped off the field by two first aid officers to the First Aid tent
where the Researcher quickly applied the RICE method. He was allowed
to Rest by laying him on a mat on his back. An Ice pack was then
applied to his left foot and the Compression was applied using bandages.
His left leg was then Elevated on a cushion as he recovered. He was not
allowed to participate in any other events until he was well rested and he
could walk properly without the help of First Aid Officers.

Figure showing ice being applied to the

casualty’s ankle.
Scenario 2: A female runner collapsed
A female was running a 400 m sprint and suddenly collapsed. The First
Aid Officers responded quickly as possible and secured her on a
stretcher and brought her to the First Aid tent. They took off any
clothing that was too tight on her body. The Researcher quickly applied
the DR.ABC method. She first checked to see if the situation was
dangerous to her or others before she proceeded. She tried to get a
response or feedback from the casualty. The casualty’s airway was
checked in order to ensure it was not blocked and sir can pass. The
Researcher then carefully examined whether or not the casualty was
breathing. Finally she was able to examine the casualty’s blood
circulation around the body. The First Aid officer placed the casualty in
the recovery position. It was noted that the casualty had collapsed due to
heat exhaustion which is a condition whereby the body is overheating.

Figure showing a first aid officer examining the casualty.

 Glossary
1. Adhesive - A very sticky liquid used to bond to surfaces for a long
period of time.
2. Airway – The path that air follows to get into and out of the lungs.
3. Auscultation – The action of listening to sounds from the heart,
lungs or other organs typically with a stethoscope.
4. Blood Pressure – The pressure of the blood flowing through the
arteries.
5. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – Consists of the use of
chest compressions to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation
during cardiac arrest.
6. Chest – The area of the body located between the neck and
abdomen. The chest contains the lungs, the heart and part of the
aorta.
7. Collapsed – When an individual faints due to exhaustions of the
body.
8. Cuts – Severed skin, washing a cut with soap and water and
keeping it clean and dry is all that is required to care for most
wounds.
9. Dextrous- Showing or having skill, especially with the hands.
10. First Aid Tent – A selected area or place that is covered to be
used for administering First Aid treatment.
11. Inflammation – Is the body’s response to injury.
12. Injury – To harm, hurt or wound. The word injure may be in
physical or emotional sense.
13. Light-headedness: A common unpleasant sensation of
dizziness and/or having a ‘going to faint’ feeling. It is mostly a
symptom or result of an underlying condition.
14. Mini stroke: Also referred to as a transient ischaemic attack.
This happens when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood in the
brain.
15. Nausea: Also referred to as motion sickness. It is a sensation
of unease and discomfort and a feeling to vomit. It may have
possible underlying causes.
16. Oedema: A condition distinguished as swelling which is
caused when excess fluid leaks out of the body and build up.
Swelling can usually be seen in the lower legs and ankles. Also
spelled Edema.
17. Pain – An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild
localized discomfort to agony.
18. Plasters – A strip of woven material used to bind up a wound.
19. Pulse – The dilation of an artery that results from beating of
the heart. Pulse is often measured by feeling the arteries of the
wrist or neck.
20. Resonator – An apparatus that increases the resonance of a
sound.
21. Splint – Can be made from ridged material.
22. Sterile gauze dressings – To ensure the gauze is clean.
23. Stretcher – A simple machine made for fetching people much
easier.
24. Triangular dressings – Used to bind a wound with a knot at
the end.
25. Trauma - Can be a physical or emotional injury resulting
from a terrible event or accident.
26. Tactful- Having or showing skill and sensitivity in dealing
with others or with difficult issues.
27. Unconscious: The part of the mind that is not aware of the
surroundings and oneself. This is due to lack of oxygen, shock, or
injury.
28. Vertigo: The feeling where you sense that your environment
is moving or spinning. It is a form of dizziness including a
sensation of disorientation. This is usually which may go along
 with nausea, vomiting, or sweating. Don’t confuse vertigo with
light-headedness or dizziness.
29. Vomit: Is an act of involuntary ejection of contents of the
stomach back into the mouth and outside the body. Other terms
for vomit are emesis or throwing up.
30. Wound: An injury to living tissues usually characterized as
skin cut or broken, typically open or closed.
31. X-ray: High-energy radiation in the form of electromagnetic.
X-ray is used to make images of the internal part of the body like
lungs that help to diagnose diseases and treat cancer.
 Bibliography
1. https://enwikipedia.org/wiki/First _ Aid kit
2. https://enwikipedia.org/wiki/St_Andrews %27s_First_Aid.
3. Oxford student’s dictionary.
4. PE to 16…………………….. Fountain.S Goodwill. L
2nd Edition 1992 Oxford.