This course develops the skills necessary for intermediate-level emergency first responders. It includes comprehensive training for managing severe injuries, illnesses, and environmental emergencies to ensure patient stabilization until professional help can take over.
R2,990.00 incl. VAT
The “Intermediate Emergency First Aid Responder” course is a skills program at NQF Level 3 with 5 credits. It builds on foundational first aid skills, providing advanced techniques and response strategies for medical, trauma, and environmental emergencies. Participants will learn to handle more complex emergency situations, focusing on stabilizing patients and coordinating with emergency responders.
Graduates of this course will be equipped to perform intermediate first aid skills, including managing severe injuries, cardiac events, respiratory distress, and other life-threatening conditions. Skills gained will allow responders to assess and manage injuries effectively, communicate with other emergency responders, and ensure patient safety until more advanced medical help arrives.
Knowledge Module:
Principles of Intermediate Emergency First Aid: Learners explore essential first aid principles and ethical responsibilities at an intermediate level. This includes maintaining personal safety and understanding the legal and professional boundaries of an intermediate first aider. Topics cover the importance of airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC), emphasizing the responder’s role in stabilizing these functions.
Application of Intermediate First Aid: This section focuses on effectively assessing patients and incident scenes, prioritizing safety for all involved, and practicing clear communication with patients, bystanders, and other responders. Decision-making skills for various emergencies are taught, ensuring actions taken are appropriate for the severity of each situation.
Human Anatomy and Physiology: Building on basic first aid knowledge, learners delve into detailed anatomy and physiology relevant to first aid, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. This knowledge equips learners to recognize the impacts of trauma or medical events on vital systems and enables more precise care.
Recognition and Treatment of Emergencies: This section provides an overview of conditions commonly encountered in intermediate first aid, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, anaphylaxis, diabetic crises, shock, and severe burns. Learners practice identifying symptoms, performing quick assessments, and applying appropriate techniques for each emergency.
Practical Skills Module:
Scene Safety and Assessment: Learners practice assessing an emergency scene to identify hazards, ensuring a safe environment before providing care. They learn both primary and secondary surveys to assess patient status, vital signs, and any immediate life-threatening conditions.
Advanced First Aid Techniques:
CPR and AED Use: Training includes detailed CPR protocols and AED use across age groups, simulating real scenarios with manikins to reinforce these critical skills.
Wound and Bleeding Control: Learners practice techniques for controlling various types of bleeding, from minor to catastrophic. They are trained to use bandages, pressure application, and, when appropriate, tourniquets.
Respiratory and Breathing Management: Skills include assessing and managing choking, asthma attacks, and breathing complications. This segment reinforces the importance of quick responses to airway blockages and respiratory distress.
Handling of Unconscious Patients: Instruction in evaluating unconscious patients, placing them in recovery positions, and providing ongoing monitoring until advanced help arrives.
Managing Traumatic Injuries: This includes care for head and spinal injuries, chest injuries (such as flail chest), fractures, and abdominal wounds. Immobilization techniques are emphasized to prevent further injury.
Environmental Emergencies and Shock: Learners are trained to handle environmental emergencies like hypothermia, heat stroke, and shock. These scenarios are practiced in simulated conditions to reinforce quick, calm decision-making.
Simulation Practice: Practical sessions include realistic simulations where students role-play as responders, patients, and bystanders, providing a comprehensive, real-world experience. Time constraints and stress factors are integrated to enhance proficiency and confidence.
Assessment and Documentation:
Communication and Patient Handover: Learners practice communication skills necessary for patient handover to emergency services, ensuring all relevant information is relayed clearly and accurately.
Incident Reporting and Documentation: Emphasis is placed on proper documentation of incidents, vital signs, and interventions. Accurate records are crucial for legal compliance and continuity of care.
Post-Incident Scene Management: Includes protocols for scene cleanup and disposal of used equipment, ensuring safety and hygiene after interventions.
Assessment:
Competency Evaluations: The course includes both written exams and practical assessments in simulated emergencies. Learners must demonstrate competency in each skill area under real-world conditions, including proper use of equipment like AEDs, CPR manikins, splints, and bandages.
Constructive Feedback: After each practical assessment, learners receive feedback from instructors to help reinforce correct techniques and highlight areas for improvement. Reflective learning is encouraged to help participants improve their responses in future emergencies.
This curriculum is designed to provide in-depth training for individuals handling intermediate-level emergencies, focusing on stabilizing critical patients and supporting more advanced medical responders. It emphasizes both theoretical and practical skills, integrating anatomy knowledge with hands-on training to ensure learners are well-prepared to manage complex emergencies.
