Course Description
Geriatric First Aid Training: Practical is the hands-on tier. It builds on the awareness content and takes participants through the physical skills of assisting an older adult in a medical or trauma emergency, practised on manikins and with role-play patients under instructor supervision.
The emphasis throughout is on technique modified for the older patient: chest compressions on a frail chest wall, airway management where dentures and a rigid neck complicate the picture, moving and positioning someone who cannot be handled the way a younger casualty can, and controlling bleeding on thin skin.
Participants are assessed on practical skills. We recommend completing Geriatric First Aid Training: Awareness first, or holding equivalent first aid knowledge.
Prerequisites
- Completion of Geriatric First Aid Training: Awareness, or equivalent first aid knowledge
- Participants must be physically able to kneel on the floor and perform chest compressions on a manikin
Upon successful completion, you will be able to:
- Carry out a primary survey on an older adult and identify immediate life threats
- Perform CPR and use an AED on an older adult, including recognizing and continuing through rib fracture during compressions
- Manage a blocked airway, including a patient wearing dentures
- Place a patient in the recovery position where mobility, joint stiffness or pain limits movement
- Control bleeding and dress skin tears on fragile skin and in patients on blood thinners
- Assist a fallen person safely, and recognize when moving them is the wrong call
- Support a suspected fracture, including a suspected hip fracture
- Use safe manual handling technique that protects both the patient and yourself
- Assist a patient with their own prescribed emergency medication within your scope
- Conduct a structured handover to arriving emergency services
Course Content
- Primary survey and scene safety in a home or care setting
- Adult CPR and AED, adapted for the older patient
- Choking and airway obstruction, including denture management
- Recovery position variations for limited mobility
- Falls: assessment on the floor, assisted recovery, and when to leave the patient in place
- Suspected hip and long bone fractures: support and immobilization
- Skin tears, bruising and bleeding control
- Burns and scalds
- Seizure management
- Safe manual handling and body mechanics
- Scenario practice in a simulated residential environment
- Practical skills assessment
Suggested Audience
- Residential care, nursing home and day-centre staff
- Home health aides and personal support workers
- Designated workplace first aiders in facilities serving older adults
- Family caregivers supporting a high-needs relative
- Community first responders
- Anyone who may be required to physically assist an older adult in an emergency
Course Attire
Comfortable clothing suitable for kneeling and floor work. Closed-toe shoes are required. Open-toed shoes may not be worn to practical sessions.
Other Information
Course duration, delivery format, scheduled dates and certification details are confirmed at the time of booking. To register your interest, complete the form on the Register Now page and our training team will be in touch.
