RYA First Aid

By the end of the course:

1. Know and demonstrate CPR - artificial ventilation & chest compression.

2. Know and demonstrate how to turn a casualty into the recovery position.

3. Know and demonstrate how to apply pressure to a wound and control bleeding.

4. Know and demonstrate how to immobilise a fracture.

5. Detail the treatment for shock & diabetic emergencies

6. Outline the prevention, recognition and treatment of hypothermia.

7. Outline the treatment for asthma attacks, burns, epilepsy & heart attacks.

8. List the precautions needed when handling a spinal injury.

9. List the actions needed to prepare for a helicopter evacuation.

Course Structure

Session 1 (3 hours minimum)

Principles of First Aid -- Assessment of immediate action

Principles of resuscitation (including drowning)

Artificial ventilation -- Chest compression

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation CPR -- Recovery position

Choking and Asthma

Electric Shock Session 2 (1+1/2 hours minimum)

Shock -- Blood loss

Heart attack -- Control of bleeding (internal & external)

Session 3 (1+1/2 hours minimum)

Unconsciousness -- Concussion

Burns (including ropeburn & sunburn) -- Heat Exhaustion

Hypothermia (prevention, recognition & treatment)

Diabetic emergency

Epilepsy

Session 4 (1 hour minimum)

Fractures -- Spinal injuries

Handling casualties -- (including helicopter evacuation)

Communication

First Aid Kit -- Seasickness

Useful Information

This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of first aid for skippers and the crew of small craft working within up to 60 miles of a safe haven. The syllabus is based on the recommendations from the Health & Safety Executive & the Department of Transport.