PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

HLTAID005 - PROVIDE FIRST AID IN REMOTE SITUATIONS

Remote considerations in the provision of first aid This section will introduce you to typical hazards and strategies for preparing supplies to address contingencies; management options relating to transporting casualty, including aero-medical evacuation along with how to identify and prepare areas for safe evacuation, including aero-medical evacuation; how and when to access emergency response services; communication systems, equipment and methods available in remote situations and priorities of management in first aid when dealing with life-threatening conditions along with specific considerations contextualised to alpine, desert, marine, rural/remote settings and tropical environments. What are typical hazards in remote areas? Typical hazards may include injury or illness, becoming lost or separated, a change in weather or a trip that takes longer than planned. What are the strategies for preparing supplies to address contingencies? Contingency strategies depend on group size, planned duration and likely conditions. Start considering contingencies during the planning stage and include adequate provision of food and water, and suitable clothing, along with adequate shelter and what to do in case of fire or first aid emergencies which may include reviewing communication devices. You also need to look at the fitness level and ability of team members (are they up to the task?) and be aware of the medical history of team members. What are the management options relating to transporting a casualty, incl. aero-medical evacuation? Remember you don’t move a casualty unless there is a hazard. If it is required, move casualty carefully, considering their size, the number of rescuers and the type of injuries. Also take into consideration bleeding control techniques, spinal and neck stabilisation, fracture immobilisation and airway management. Furthermore, you will have to consider the terrain to be crossed along with patient safety. If stretchers are not available you may want to look at the use of improvised stretchers to use during transportation. Depending on the situation, evacuation methods may vary; they can include fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft (helicopter), foot patrols, ambulance or other road emergency service vehicle, or by water vessel. In all situations it is important that you signal for help and keep all signals clear and visible. How can you identify and prepare areas for safe evacuation, incl. aero-medical evacuation? For a rotary-wing aircraft (helicopter), you will need a landing space of at least 30x30m, clear of debris and as flat as possible. Wind direction is essential to pilots so use windsock or fire to indicate direction. Ensure all vehicles and people are at least 20m away as the helicopter approaches while everyone turns their back to helicopter to avoid eye injury from flying dust, sand, etc. Upon landing wait for the pilot to signal before approaching.

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PADI RTO