This topic covers a broad range of information and skills required of someone who needs to be able to respond to an emergency, incident, or accident in the workplace. The topic begins by explaining the difference between the anatomy and the physiology of the human body. You will be introduced to how the different systems in the human body work so that you will be able to give the correct first aid when faced with an emergency. You will learn what the contents of a properly equipped first aid kit are and how each item in the kit should be used. Common workplace incidents and accidents – and how to handle each of them – will be covered. You will learn what to do when you hand over a patient who you have helped to the emergency personnel. You will be taught what needs to be reported to them relating to the first aid that you have provided so that they can deal with the patient effectively.

While this course covers the content and Critical Cross Field outcomes of the UNIT STANDARD 119567 & 120496 the course has been tailored to the Wilderness environment.

WHY IS FIRST AID DIFFERENT IN THE WILDERNESS ENVIRONMENT?

Wilderness first aid involves giving the immediate care to an injured or suddenly ill person in a remote location, where access to definitive healthcare is delayed due to this remote location.

• Injuries or illnesses often occur in adverse conditions (such as heat, cold, darkness rain, at altitude et.al.
• The first aider may spend hours or days with the ill or injured person while awaiting definitive medical care due to bad weather, difficult location or transportation difficulties.
• Other environmental factors need to be considered including weather and wild animals.
• First Aid supplies and equipment may be limited and therefore improvised.