First Aid Fundamentals for Care Workers and Support Workers in UK Care Homes
Working in a care home in the UK means being on the front lines of support for vulnerable individuals. While every day is rewarding, it also comes with significant responsibilities, not least of which is being prepared for medical emergencies. This blog post aims to refresh and equip care workers and support workers with essential first aid knowledge, ensuring you feel confident and capable when seconds count.
Why is First Aid Training Crucial in Care Homes?
In a care home setting, residents may have pre-existing medical conditions, be on various medications, or have age-related vulnerabilities that can make them more susceptible to accidents or sudden illness. Prompt and effective first aid can significantly impact the outcome of an emergency, potentially saving a life or preventing further harm.
The DRSABC Action Plan: Your Guiding Principle
No matter the emergency, the DRSABC action plan provides a systematic approach to assessing the situation and providing help.
D – Danger:
Your safety and the safety of others (including the resident) are paramount. Before approaching, assess the scene for any dangers. Is there a spill? Exposed electrical wires? An aggressive individual? Only proceed when it’s safe to do so.
R – Response:
Gently try to get a response from the resident. Ask loudly, “Are you alright?” or “Can you hear me?” If there’s no verbal response, gently tap or shake their shoulder (if appropriate for their condition).
S – Send for Help:
If the resident is unresponsive or you suspect a serious emergency, immediately call for help. In a care home, this means alerting a senior staff member and/or calling 999 for an ambulance. Be clear and concise with the information you provide.
A – Airway:
If the resident is unconscious, their airway may become blocked by their tongue. Gently tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
B – Breathing:
Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air on your cheek for no more than 10 seconds. If they are not breathing normally, prepare to start CPR.
C – Circulation (CPR/Bleeding):
If the resident is not breathing, commence CPR. If they are breathing but have severe bleeding, focus on stopping the blood loss.
Here’s a visual reminder of the DRSABC steps:
Common First Aid Scenarios in Care Homes and How to Respond
1. Choking
Choking is a critical emergency, especially with residents who may have dysphagia or weakened swallowing reflexes.
Symptoms: Coughing, difficulty breathing, gasping, inability to speak, clutching the throat.
Action:
Mild Choking (effective cough): Encourage them to cough. Do not intervene otherwise.
Severe Choking (ineffective cough):
Back Blows: Stand behind them, support their chest with one hand, and deliver up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your other hand.
Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre): If back blows are ineffective, stand behind them, place your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and deliver up to 5 sharp inward and upward thrusts.
Alternate: Continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or they become unconscious.
Unconscious: If they become unconscious, carefully lower them to the floor and begin CPR.
2. Falls
Falls are common in care homes and can lead to serious injuries.
Action:
Do not move them immediately. Assess for injury first.
If conscious and able to move: Help them to a comfortable position and check for pain or visible injuries.
If unconscious, in severe pain, or suspect a head/spinal injury: Do not move them. Call for senior staff and 999 immediately. Keep them warm and reassured until help arrives.
Always complete an incident report after a fall, even if no visible injury.
3. Wounds and Bleeding
Minor cuts and grazes are frequent. Severe bleeding requires immediate attention.
Action (Minor Wounds):
Wash your hands and wear gloves.
Clean the wound gently with warm water and mild soap or an antiseptic wipe.
Apply a sterile dressing or plaster.
Action (Severe Bleeding):
Wear gloves.
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
If possible, raise the injured limb above the heart.
Do not remove embedded objects; apply pressure around them.
Keep the resident calm and warm.
Call 999 if bleeding is severe or doesn’t stop.
4. Seizures
Residents with epilepsy or other conditions may experience seizures.
Action:
Stay calm. Most seizures stop within a few minutes.
Protect them from injury: Cushion their head with something soft (e.g., a jacket). Move any objects away from them.
Do NOT restrain them.
Do NOT put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure. This information is important for medical professionals.
After the seizure: Gently roll them into the recovery position (see below). Reassure them as they recover.
Call 999 if: The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, they have repeated seizures, they don’t regain consciousness, or it’s their first seizure.
5. Burns and Scalds
Commonly caused by hot drinks, bath water, or cooking incidents.
Action:
Cool the burn: Immediately hold the burnt area under cool (not cold) running water for at least 10-20 minutes.
Remove jewellery/clothing: If not stuck to the burn.
Cover the burn: Loosely cover with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing.
Do NOT apply creams, ointments, or ice.
Seek medical help: For any burn larger than the size of the resident’s hand, full-thickness burns (white/charred), or burns to the face, hands, feet, or genitals.