Originally Posted - 6 July 2020

Updated - 14 April 2023

COVID-19 First Aid Training Assessment Adjustments

Rescue breaths in First Aid

During the COVID pandemic rescue breaths were deemed not to be mandatory in the assessment of learners. This rule was strangely introduced in 2021, almost a year after COVID started and therefore most training providers continued to allow learners to practice as they were comfortable with, i.e increased hygiene practices and minimal contact, but they continued to assess rescue breaths.

All learners are once again assessed on rescue breaths. If a learner refuses to do rescue breaths, they should delay their course. Practical CPR training is vital for demonstrating competency and the development of the skill with hands on experience. The protocols indicated below are no longer active unless otherwise updated.

 

​CPR

The current CPR protocols still require rescue breaths to be trained and assessed. Any changes to the protocol will be updated accordingly. Carefully follow the manikin hygiene procedures detailed by your instructor. The instructor will ensure the candidates are fully aware of the Resus Council guidance on performing real-life CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic and the protective
measures that should be taken.

Unconscious Casualty

The instructor can demonstrate the recovery position on a candidate if both people are wearing surgical masks and sanitise their hands before and after. If surgical masks are not available, the instructor can demonstrate placing
themselves into the recovery position. Candidates can be assessed by performing the primary survey on a manikin and placing themselves into the recovery position. A Q & A will follow to ensure the instructor is confident
of the candidate's knowledge and skills to meet the assessment requirements.

Choking Casualty

The candidate should demonstrate back blows and the correct hand positioning for abdominal thrusts on a manikin. Wipe down any shared equipment between candidates. A Q & A discussion will follow to ensure the instructor is confident of the candidate's knowledge and skills to meet the assessment requirements.

Wounds and Bleeding

The candidate can demonstrate applying a bandage to themselves – on a leg wound if necessary, followed by placing themselves in the appropriate position to treat shock. Alternatively, a head wound on a manikin can be simulated. A
professional discussion can follow to ensure the trainer is confident that the candidate's knowledge and skills to meet the assessment requirements. New bandages will be issued to each candidate.

Slings

The candidate can demonstrate how their own arm would sit into a support and elevated sling by placing the triangular bandage on their own arm. To replace tying the sling behind their neck, it is acceptable for the candidate to hold the ends of the sling tight to demonstrate where the sling would sit and verbally inform the instructor i.e. ‘I would tie it in this position’. Clean slings will be provided for each candidate.

C-Spine / MILS (First Aid at Work Only)

The candidate can demonstrate how they would support a head using Manual In-Line Stabilisation (MILS) on a CPR manikin. The candidate can place themselves into a spinal recovery position. A professional discussion will follow to ensure the instructor is confident of the candidate's knowledge and skills to meet the assessment requirements.

Secondary Survey

The secondary survey should be performed on a conscious casualty. The candidates should maintain 2m physical distancing and the first to perform the head to toe assessment verbally, speaking with the casualty to determine if there are any identifiable injuries.

Management of Anaphylaxis (where applicable)

The candidate can demonstrate how to administer a ‘trainer’ Adrenaline Auto Injector (AAI) on their own thigh before placing themselves into the correct casualty positioning for anaphylactic shock. A professional discussion can follow to ensure the trainer is confident of the candidate's knowledge and skills to  meet the assessment requirements. Use alcohol/sanitising wipes on the trainers AAI. Allow the sanitiser/alcohol to dry naturally before the next person uses the AAI.