Most individuals placed by Snap Care work as lone workers within private family or client homes. In many situations, there may not be another adult present to assist in an emergency. Having a basic understanding of first aid and knowing how to respond calmly and appropriately can make a significant difference while waiting for emergency services to arrive. The following guidance outlines key first aid responses for some of the most common medical emergencies and incidents that support workers may encounter.
Cardiac arrest
For every minute delay in restarting the heart, survivability reduces by around 10%.
Before starting CPR, call an ambulance. Confirm if the person is not breathing normally, as they may be unconscious without being in cardiac arrest. Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Check whether the chest is rising and falling and feel for breath on your cheek. If the person is not breathing or their breathing is abnormal, such as gasping or irregular breathing, this may indicate cardiac arrest.
To perform chest compressions, place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest and the other hand on top. Push hard and fast to a depth of 5cm to 6cm for adults. For children, compress to at least one-third of the depth of the chest, not exceeding 6cm.
Chest compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100–120 beats per minute. Many people use songs such as Stayin’ Alive or Pink Pony Club to maintain the correct rhythm. The recommended ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. If rescue breaths are not possible or the rescuer is uncomfortable providing them, continuous chest compressions should be continued.
To provide rescue breaths, pinch the nose, open the mouth, and breathe slowly into the mouth until the chest rises. Allow the chest to fall before giving a second breath, then resume compressions.
Community defibrillators may be located in libraries, community centres, or former phone boxes. The injured person should never be left alone, so another person should retrieve the defibrillator if possible. Some units are stored in locked cabinets, with access codes provided by the ambulance service. Automated external defibrillators provide spoken instructions, analyse the heart rhythm, and advise when a shock is needed.
A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked.
Heart attack
A heart attack commonly presents as sudden central chest pain, often described as a tight band or vice-like grip around the chest. Pain may spread to the jaw or arms, particularly the left arm. During a heart attack, the heart does not necessarily stop beating, so CPR is not always required. However, some people may go on to experience cardiac arrest within the first hour.
If a heart attack is suspected, call an ambulance. A 300mg aspirin can be given to chew, as this may help prevent the clot from worsening. The person should then be placed in a restful sitting position.
Choking
Signs of choking include sudden inability to speak, excessive coughing, flushing, and clutching the throat. People may leave a public setting out of embarrassment, so it is important to check on anyone showing these signs.
Call for help immediately. Encourage the person to cough, as this may dislodge the obstruction. If coughing is ineffective, give up to five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of the hand. If this does not work, perform up to five abdominal thrusts by making a fist, placing it between the rib cage and belly button, and pulling inward and upward in a J-shaped motion.
Repeat back blows and abdominal thrusts as needed. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR.
Drowning
Once the person is out of the water, turn their head to help clear water from the airway. If they are not breathing normally, give five rescue breaths and begin CPR. Rescue breaths are particularly important in drowning cases because lack of oxygen is usually the cause of the cardiac arrest. Ensure the skin is dry before using a defibrillator.
Severe bleeding
For severe bleeding from a limb, a tourniquet can be applied 2cm to 3cm above the wound, tightened firmly, and the limb elevated. Bleeding from the torso should be controlled with a firmly applied dressing and direct pressure.
If no bandage is available, use the cleanest available cloth or towel.
For severed fingers or limbs, controlling the bleeding is the priority. The severed part should be wrapped in clingfilm or plastic and kept cool, such as on a bag of frozen peas, but should not be placed directly on ice or in a freezer. Suspected broken bones should not be moved unnecessarily, as this may cause further injury.
Head injury
For minor head injuries, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling. Medical help should be sought if the person becomes drowsy, disoriented, or repeatedly vomits.
Cuts to the head may bleed heavily and should be covered with a dressing to control bleeding. Severe head injuries may involve a skull fracture. If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position and call for help.
To place someone in the recovery position:
- Lay them on their back and confirm they are breathing normally.
- Position the nearest arm at a right angle.
- Bring the far hand across the chest to rest against the cheek.
- Bend the far knee and gently roll the person onto their side.
- Tilt the head back slightly to keep the airway open.
- Adjust the top leg so the hip and knee are at right angles.
- Ensure the mouth is angled downward to allow fluids to drain.
- Continue monitoring breathing until help arrives.
Stroke
The FAST method helps identify signs of stroke:
- Face: one side of the face may droop.
- Arms: weakness or inability to raise one arm.
- Speech: slurred or confused speech.
- Time: call emergency services immediately.
Rapid recognition and urgent medical help are essential.
Burns
Cool burns under running water for at least 10 minutes, ideally 20 minutes. The water should be cool, not ice cold, and ice should not be applied directly.
Cover the burn with clingfilm or a wet dressing. Dry dressings should be avoided as they may stick to the wound. Blisters should not be burst because this increases the risk of infection.
Seizures
Nothing should be placed in the person’s mouth during a seizure, as jaw muscles may clamp shut. Place something soft under the head if needed to prevent injury.
Allow the seizure to finish, ensure the airway is clear, and place the person in the recovery position afterwards.
Emergency help should be called if:
- the person has no history of seizures,
- the seizure lasts more than five minutes, or
- there is more than one seizure.
If someone faints, raising their legs can help blood return to the brain.
Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Signs can include noisy breathing, swelling of the tongue, wheezing, clammy skin, and loss of consciousness.
Call 999 immediately and lay the person down. Raising the legs may help if blood pressure has dropped. If the person has a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector, it should be administered as soon as possible.