Health 321: First Aid and Safety
Credit Hours: (3)
Studies of attitudes, habits and skills relative to safety, first aid and accident prevention. Students may obtain ARC certification in CPR and first aid upon successful completion of the course.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The course is designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate and temporary care for victims of accidents or sudden illnesses until medical help arrives. Emphasis will be placed upon safety and prevention of accidents as well as symptoms and treatment. Major topics will include: home accidents motor vehicle accidents, fire and water safety, wounds, serve bleeding, shock, respiratory emergencies poisoning, injuries to bones, joints and muscles, burns and ill effects of heat and cold, common emergencies, and first aid practical skills including bandaging, wrapping, and treating.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Lectures, group discussions, student presentations, guest speakers, outside assignments, role playing, videos and a substantial amount of practical work are used to prepare the students to handle a wide variety of life-threatening emergencies. Problem-solving is stressed, with critical thinking and informed choices emphasized rather than rote recall.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. The student shall demonstrate knowledge of appropriate procedure to save lives
in accident situations.
2. The student shall demonstrate knowledge of techniques necessary to sustain life
in respiratory emergencies.
3. The student shall demonstrate knowledge of techniques necessary to sustain life
in case of cardiac arrest.
4. The student shall demonstrate knowledge of techniques to prevent and treat emergencies
arising from extreme heat or extreme cold.
5. The student shall demonstrate knowledge of symptoms and immediate first aid treatment
of certain medical emergencies, including:
a. Control of Bleeding and Shock
b. Wounds
c. Burns and Fire Safety
d. Poisoning and Drug Overdose
e. Sudden Illnesses: Stroke, Diabetic Seizure
f. Bone, Joint and Muscle Injuries
6. The student shall practice skills for preventing accidents in and around water,
and for rescuing and caring for victims of near-drowning and diving injuries should
an accident occur.
7. The student shall demonstrate proficiency in bandaging and splinting techniques.
8. The student shall demonstrate efficient transfer techniques in case a victim must
be moved.
9. The student shall select one common emergency for more extensive study, and shall
demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the nature and effective first-aid treatment of
that emergency.
10. The student shall demonstrate the effective choice of first aid procedure in simulated
emergency situations.
Assessment Measures
Evaluation techniques include five to seven written tests, a final examination, evaluation of class "emergency procedure" presentations, written reports and assignments, as well as assessment of practical work such as bandaging, spine-boarding, control of bleeding, CPR and victim assessment skills.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 2001 Reviewed Gib Darden