Module 1 Β· FA-01
Readiness, consent and emergency action
Prepare the learner to recognise an emergency, protect safety, obtain consent where possible and activate emergency services without delay.
1.0-evaluation
Reviewed 28 July 2026
Use DRSABCD to organise the first response
Start by checking for danger to yourself, the person and other people. Do not enter an unsafe scene. Remove or control a hazard only when it is safe and within your role.
Check for a response using voice and gentle touch. If there is no response, send for help, call Triple Zero (000), open the airway, check for normal breathing, begin CPR when the person is not breathing normally, and attach an AED as soon as one is available.
Occasional gasps are not normal breathing. Do not delay CPR while trying to diagnose the cause of collapse.
Consent, dignity and role limits
Ask for consent when the person is conscious and able to decide. Explain what you intend to do and respect communication needs. In a life-threatening emergency involving a person who cannot respond, act within your training and workplace procedures while urgent help is arranged.
Protect privacy without withholding information that emergency services need. Use the person's plans and known preferences when available, but never search for paperwork while urgent first aid is being delayed.
A first aider recognises, responds, monitors and hands over. A first aider does not diagnose, prescribe treatment or work beyond their training and authorised workplace role.
A useful emergency call
State the exact location, what happened, the number of people affected, immediate hazards, whether the person is responsive and breathing normally, and what first aid is underway.
Put the phone on speaker when practical, send another person to meet the ambulance, keep access routes clear and follow the operator's instructions.
In care work, arrange essential notification and handover after emergency action is underway. Do not flood the whole Circle of Support with unverified information.
Formative learning checks
These checks support teaching and feedback. They are not protected final-assessment questions and do not contribute to a competency decision.
1. A person is unresponsive and making occasional gasping sounds. What is the safest interpretation?
- 1. The person is breathing normally, so wait
- 2. The gasps are abnormal breathing and CPR should begin
- 3. Give the person water
- 4. Search for their medical history before acting
Controlled answer: 2. The gasps are abnormal breathing and CPR should begin
Rationale: Occasional gasps are not normal breathing. Send for help, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as available.
2. Which information has the highest priority when calling Triple Zero (000)?
- 1. The person's full support history
- 2. Exact location, immediate condition, hazards and first aid underway
- 3. Who may be legally responsible
- 4. Every contact in the person's Circle of Support
Controlled answer: 2. Exact location, immediate condition, hazards and first aid underway
Rationale: Emergency services need a clear location, immediate condition, hazards and current response so help can be dispatched and guided effectively.
Source register
Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation
Basic Life Support guidelines and flowchart
Open official sourceAustralian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation
Guideline 2 β Managing an Emergency
Open official sourceAustralian Government National Training Register
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid β unit and assessment requirements
Open official source
