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PHECC-Certified First Aid Response Training
Welcome to the Skill Wise FAR Knowledge Base — your go-to guide for understanding the key concepts and terms you'll encounter during First Aid Response training. Whether you're preparing for your course or refreshing your memory, this resource is here to support your learning.
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FAR Knowledge Base
PHECC-Certified First Aid Response Training
Welcome to the Skill Wise FAR Knowledge Base — your go-to guide for understanding the key concepts and terms you'll encounter during First Aid Response training. Whether you're preparing for your course or refreshing your memory, this resource is here to support your learning.
Free Download:
Why not test your FAR knowledge with our Quiz?
1. A Quick First Aid Check — How Prepared Are You?
Take this 5-minute quiz to test your basic First Aid knowledge. A perfect way to refresh your memory and spot any gaps.
2. Deep Dive: First Aid Readiness Challenge
This comprehensive quiz covers a wider range of essential First Aid topics — from CPR and AED use to allergies, asthma and more. Ideal for learners, professionals, and anyone preparing for a certified course or just wanting to feel truly equipped.
Core Concepts of FAR Training
Our PHECC-certified First Aid Response course equips participants with the skills and confidence to provide life-saving care in emergency situations. The training includes:
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Scene assessment and safety
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Adult, child, and infant CPR
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Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
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Choking management
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Response to bleeding, burns, fractures, and medical emergencies
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Patient monitoring and handover
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Legal considerations and duty of care
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Communication with emergency services
Primary & Secondary Survey
The Primary Survey is a rapid, lifesaving assessment focusing on identifying and managing immediate threats to life by checking Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (DRABC). Once the casualty is stable, the Secondary Survey follows as a thorough head-to-toe examination to uncover additional injuries or medical concerns, gathering vital information through history taking and physical checks to support ongoing care and effective communication with emergency services.
Primary Survey (DRABC)
The Primary Survey is a quick, lifesaving assessment to identify and manage immediate threats to life:
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D – Danger: Check for any danger to yourself, the casualty, and bystanders.
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R – Response: Assess the casualty’s level of consciousness using the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive).
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A – Airway: Ensure the airway is clear and open. If obstructed, take immediate action to clear it.
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B – Breathing: Check if the casualty is breathing normally. Look, listen, and feel for breaths.
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C – Circulation: Look for signs of severe bleeding and check for signs of circulation (movement, coughing, or pulse).
Secondary Survey
The Secondary Survey is a thorough head-to-toe examination performed once the Primary Survey is complete and the casualty is stable:
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S – Signs and Symptoms: Ask the casualty about what they are feeling and observe visible signs.
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A – Allergies: Check for any known allergies.
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M – Medications: Ask if the casualty is taking any medications.
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P – Past Medical History: Inquire about any past illnesses or conditions.
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L – Last Oral Intake: Ask when and what the casualty last ate or drank.
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E – Events Leading Up to Incident: Gather information about what happened before the injury or illness.
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Physical Examination (DOTS):
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Deformities
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Open wounds
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Tenderness
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Swelling
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Vital Signs: Monitor pulse, breathing rate, skin condition, and level of consciousness.
FAR Acronyms
Acronym | Meaning | Used For |
|---|---|---|
AB | Airway and Breathing | Core check in casualty assessment |
ABBA | Allergy, Bleeding Ulcers, Bleeding disorders, Age | Administration of Aspririn |
ABC | Airway, Breathing, Circulation | Basic life support sequence |
ACR | Ambulatory Care Report / Patient Report Form | Documentation used by responders |
AED | Automated External Defibrillator | Used to restore normal heart rhythm in cardiac arrest |
AMPLE | Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, Events | Expanded version of SAMPLE |
ASC | Altered State of Consciousness | Medical condition needing assessment |
AVPU | Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive | Assessing level of consciousness |
BSA | Body Surface Area | Used for burn assessment |
CCRAB | Chest, Collarbone, Ribs, Abdomen, Back | Head-to-toe examination aid |
CFR | Cardiac First Response | Specific training level focused on cardiac emergencies |
CISM | Critical Incident Stress Management | Mental health support after traumatic events |
CLIPS | Consciousness, Life threat, Injury, Pain, Shock | Casualty priority assessment |
CPG | Clinical Practice Guidelines | Guidelines used by PHECC-trained practitioners |
CPR | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | Chest compressions and rescue breaths |
DOTS | Deformities, Open wounds, Tenderness, Swelling | Physical injury check |
DRABC | Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation | Primary assessment of a casualty |
EMS | Emergency Medical Services | Ambulance or paramedic response services |
FAR | First Aid Responder | Title of qualified person |
FAST | Face, Arms, Speech, Time | Stroke recognition tool |
FBAOCME | Foreign body airway obstruction – conscious, mild, effective | Aid in airway blockage assessment |
FHFFP | Face, Hands, Feet, Flexion, Pulse | Trauma or cold injury assessment |
PEEPS | Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans | Plans for individuals with mobility/support needs |
PHECC | Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council | Regulatory body for FAR training in Ireland |
PMA | Positive Mental Attitude | Encouraged mindset during training/rescue |
PPE | Personal Protective Equipment | Used to protect rescuer (e.g. gloves, mask) |
PTS | Post-Traumatic Stress | Mental health concern after high-stress events |
RICE | Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation | Treatment for soft tissue injuries |
SAMPLE | Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last intake, Events | Gathering patient history |
SPLINTS | Support, Padding, Length, Immobilise, No movement, Tie, Support again | Fracture immobilisation |
STRESS | Support, Talk, Rest, Eat, Sleep, Self-care | Mental health recovery model |