Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA)

Canadian Red Cross
MAFA Certification
Transport Canada
MAFA Certification
Basic Life Support
(BLS) Included
Course Duration
50 hours

Marine Advanced First Aid Course Summary

Medi-Pro Response Solution's Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid courses are intensive, interactive and learner centered programs which prepare you and provide you with BC EMALB MAFA Licensing eligibility. You will learn and practice a systematic but flexible approach to patient assessment, advanced medical interventions, and clinical decision making in a professional emergency medical response capacity.

The skills taught and principles introduced are nationally recognized for scientific, evidence-based credibility, with a strong emphasis on provincially relevant BCEHS Clinical Practice Guidelines and BC EMALB Licensing requirements.

Marine Advanced First Aid Certification
Upon successful completion of the Marine Advanced First Aid program you will recieve an MAFA certificate, as issued through the Canadian Red Cross, valid for 3 years. You will also receive a separate Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate valid for 1 year. Canadian Red Cross certificates are generated and issued electronically through the national MyRC database, and provided by email within 10 business days of completion of all course and examination requirements. More...

Transport Canada
Your Transport Canada certificate will be valid for 5 years from the date of completion, as compared to your Canadian Red Cross MAFA certificate which is valid for 3 years, and your Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support certificate which is valid for 1 year. More...

Course Schedule
Marine Advanced First Aid courses are typically delivered over 1 week (Mon-Fri) with full-day classroom sessions and an additional Monday session for the practical scenario evaluations. The last few sessions include completion of the final written exams and practical scenario evaluations. There is also an online based Marine Advanced First Aid study guide, which participants are encouraged to complete prior to or during the MAFA course itself. Study Guide completion time will vary with each participant's individual study habits, learning style and schedule. However you should anticipate approximately 8-12 hours of independent, self-directed time to complete the Study Guide. More...

MAFA OVERVIEW

Marine Advanced First Aid Course Overview

Review the information in this section to make sure that Marine Advanced First Aid will meet your training and certification needs, and give yourself the tools to arrive fully prepared for success and enjoyment in your MAFA course. Marine Advanced First Aid certification training, and the corresponding BC EMALB Licensing process require a significant investment of time and effort, so you should make sure you know what you're getting, and what you're getting into.

What You Get

What's included with your Kelowna Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and registration fees?

Transsport Canada Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA) certification (valid for 5 years).
Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA) certification (valid for 3 years).
Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (valid for 1 year).
Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders reference manual (online access to the PDF version is included with your registration and you have the option to purchase a printed take-home copy).
Online Marine Advanced First Aid Study Guide.
Access to Medi-Pro's extensive library of online resources and support materials.

Canadian Red Cross MAFA Certification

Our Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid programs are Nationally recognized for up to date protocols, and meet Transport Canada's certification requirements.

You'll learn and practice advanced emergency medical assessment and interventions which will help you make safe decisions in any emergency, and provide professional medical care to your patients.

Your Canadian Red Cross MAFA certificate, awarded to you upon completion of your Kelowna MAFA course and valid for 3 years, will indicate Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid certification, and you will receive a separate Transport Canada MAFA certificate by mail. You will also receive a Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate, valid for one year.

Canadian Red Cross certificates are generated and issued electronically through the national MyRC database, and provided by email within 10 business days of completion of all course and examination requirements. More than just a certificate, you'll have the confidence to act, and Be the Difference in your community.

Transport Canada

You will also receive Transport Canada Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA) Certification, upon successful completion of your Canadian Red Cross MAFA course. Your Transport Canada MAFA certificate will arrive by mail to the mailing address you provide during registration. For this reason it's important to ensure that you can receive postal deliveries at the mailing address you provide to Medi-Pro.

Your Transport Canada certificate will be valid for 5 years from the date of completion, as compared to your Canadian Red Cross MAFA certificate which is valid for 3 years, and your Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support certificate which is valid for 1 year. It is ultimately up to your employer and/or governing agency to determine exactly what certificates you are required to hold, and how often you must recertify or complete refresher/maintenance training, but your Transport Canada Marine Advanced First Aid certificate is valid for 5 years.

Basic Life Support

In addition to your 3 year Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA) certificate, you will also receive a separate Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate which is valid for 1 year. Basic Life Support is essentially a high performance, "pit-crew" approach to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) in a professional medical responder environment.

Basic Life Support principles form an integral part of your overall Marine Advanced First Aid training, and are also considered a standalone, portable skill set that can be transferred to work with any high performance team performing CPR in a clinical setting. Your Marine Advanced First Aid certification includes BLS protocols, and remains valid for 3 years, however the separate Basic Life Support certificate issued at the same time will only remain valid for 1 year. If you require a valid BLS certificate, you will need to complete a standalone BLS Recertification course yearly, but your MAFA certificate will remain valid for the full 3 year term regardless of whether or not you specifically renew the BLS certificate.

There is an emphasis on the specific Basic Life Support protocols stipulated and outlined by the local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) in British Columbia including the Emergency Medical Assistant's Licensing Branch (EMALB) examination guidelines, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) Clinical Practice Guidelines, and BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) response guidelines. Basic Life Support skills, tools and principles covered in your Marine Advanced First Aid course include...

Team based approach to CPR & AED with multiple rescuers/agencies on scene
Variable Compression to Ventilation ratios for patients in different age groups
Adult patients aged 9 and up (30:2/10:1/CCC)
Child patients aged 1 to 9 (15:2)
Infant patients under 1 year old (15:2)
Neonatal patients under 28 days old (3:1)
Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)
Oxygen Therapy
Oropharyngeal Airways
Nasopharyngeal Airways
Automated External Defibrillators
CPR in Transport/Treatable CPR

Where to go

2011 Daimler Drive — *MAFA Course Locations*

Our Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid courses are provided in multiple classroom locations in Kelowna, Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and throughout British Columbia. Most MAFA courses in the Okanagan area are conducted in our West Kelowna classroom at 2011 Daimler Drive. Click here for directions, maps and public transit options.

By request, we can schedule private courses for your group at specific location of your choosing. The location and directions for your particular Marine Advanced First Aid course will be indicated during the booking process, and included in the confirmation email you will receive upon completing registration.

Make sure the MAFA course you are registering for is in a location that works for you.
Our booking platform may show MAFA courses at different geographic regions on different course dates.
Check your confirmation email to ensure that the course location indicated is in the region you expected.
The link in your confirmation email will incude directions, but you should verify your intended route of travel ahead of time.
Allow ample time for traffic and unanticipated delays to ensure you arrive at your classroom in time for your scheduled course sessions.

MAFA Course Schedule

Get the most out of your Kelowna Marine Advanced First Aid course by familiarizing yourself with the MAFA course content, schedule, and classroom session structure. Your Canadian Red Cross MAFA course in Kelowna or Vancouver, BC, is structured into five 10-hour classes starting at 8 a.m. each morning. Kelowna and Vancouver MAFA courses are generally scheduled mid-week (Monday to Friday).

MAFA concepts, principles, and skills are introduced in a simplified context and logical sequence. The Marine Advanced First Aid course starts with basic drills, and builds towards more complex scenarios with an emphasis on clinical decision making as participant skill levels and confidence improve. Stand-alone skill components are introduced and reinforced, then integrated into realistic situations and circumstances. Intensity, workload and student responsibilities increase as the MAFA course progresses, with developing emphasis on clinical decision making abilities and adaptive skill application.

Each MAFA course session includes two short breaks and one longer lunch break throughout the day. Access to locals stores or restaurants may be limited, so you should arrive at each session with enough food and water/drinks to keep you nourished and hydrated the entire day. The daily course outline listed below is an estimated broad-strokes timeline for the MAFA skills, principles and topics and subject to change according to classroom logistics, participant needs and instructional necessity. Your Canadian Red Cross MAFA written exam, and two MAFA practical scenario evaluations will take place throughout the final classroom sessions.

MAFA Course Session 1

Scene Assessment
Primary Assessment
Secondary Assessment
Ongoing Assessment
Patient Care Reports

MAFA Course Session 2

Respiratory Distress
Rescue Breathing
CPR-AED
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Airway Emergencies

MAFA Course Session 3

Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR)
NEXUS
Basic Splinting
Deadly Bleeding

MAFA Course Session 4

Heart Attack
Diabetic Emergencies
Stroke/TIA
Seizures
Burns

MAFA Course Session 5

Amputations
Impaled Objects
Eviscerations
Chest Injuries
Overdose
Naloxone/Narcan Administration
Environmental Injuries
Review
Medical Scenarios
Trauma Scenarios

The closing sessions of your Marine Advanced First Aid course will focus on reviewing, practicing, and expanding on all the topics, skills and principles covered in previous the sessions. Performing a skill or reading a text passage once will not prepare you for success. In order to be successful in your final evaluations, and in providing patient care as a professional responder you need to have a reflexive familiarity, born of repetition and feedback, with all aspects of your MAFA training. The more you review the key concepts and practice the foundational skills, the more you can focus on problem solving the unique challenges of each patient and circumstance.

These final MAFA course sessions will be your opportunity to identify areas that you feel less comfortable with, and ask your Instructor to work with you on them to improve your confidence and skill levels. Most of the time spent in the classroom at this point will be dedicated to full simulation scenarios, and you can request specific topics or versions of these scenarios based on your own evaluation of your readiness and needs as a learner. You may feel comfortable performing CPR as a hands-on skill, but need more clarification on the criteria for Treatable CPR and CPR in Transport. You may have the NEXUS matrix memorized, but want to practice the hands-on application of a cervical collar. You will also have the opportunity to practice established skills in more complex scenarios and challenging circumstances to more accurately reflect real-life applications. MAFA principles, skills and concepts reviewed, practiced and reinforced throughout the review and practice sessions of your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course include...

MAFA Assessment Model review
Glasgow Coma Scale review
NEXUS Spinal Motion Restriction criteria review
FAST VAN Stroke Assessment review
Manual SMR stabilization practice
Naloxone (Narcan) Inidications and Contraindications review
Glucogel Indications and Contraindications review
Respiratory Distress management practice
Respiratory Arrest management practice
Verbal and written patient care hand-over practice
Pit Crew CPR-AED review
CPR with Airway Obstruction review
Review & Practice Medical and Trauma based scenarios

MAFA Exams & Remediation

The final session of your Marine Advanced First Aid course will include your formal Canadian Red Cross MAFA Certification exams. Successful completion of our Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course includes meeting minimum performance requirements in the Written Evaluation and two Practical Scenario Evaluations. The Canadian Red Cross MAFA written exam involves answering 50 multiple choice questions in a proctored and timed environment. One practical scenario exam will emphasize providing patient care for a medical condition such as myocardial infarction, hypoglycemia, anaphylaxis, or congestive heart failure. The other practical scenario exam will emphasize providing patient care for a traumatic physical injury such as femur fracture, spinal cord injury, concussion, or tension pneumothorax.

The minimum score required for successful completion of the Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid written knowledge evaluation is 75%, which coincides with local BC EMALB evaluation practices. The practical scenarios evaluations follow a more subjective grading process involving minor, major, or critical point deductions assigned to individual patient care deficits, with an overall outcome of successful or unsuccessful based on several coinciding factors. You will be permitted up to two attempts at the written knowledge evaluation, and the practical scenario evaluations. If you are successful on your first attempt at each evaluation component, you will be marked successful for that specific component regardless of your performance in any subsequent components.

Not everyone is successful in receiving MAFA certification on their first attempt. In the event that you are unsuccessful in your first attempts at the formal MAFA Certification evaluations, you will be afforded a second opportunity to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge. Your MAFA Instructor will work with you and Medi-Pro to formulate a remediation plan that will maximize your chances for success as a professional medical responder. Most of the time, this will involve scheduling a re-testing session near the end of our next scheduled MAFA course, as well as the opportunity to participate in some practice and review beforehand. Every remediation plan will be unique to each participant's particular needs, so the process may be different for each individual. We want you to be successful in your initial MAFA certification exams and in your career as a professional medical responder.

MAFA principles, skills and concepts reviewed, practiced and reinforced throughout the formal evaluation portion of your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course include...

Final Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid Written Exam
Trauma-based Canadian Red Cross Practical Scenario Evaluation
Medical-based Canadaian Red Cross MAFA Practical Scenario Evaluation
Canadian Red Cross MAFA Certification process
Marine Advanced First Aid next steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid certification courses in Kelowna and Vancouver BC. Take a look through the Q & A topics listed below, to find answers to your Marine Advanced First Aid course questions. If you don't see the answers to your questions in this FAQ section, you may still find the information you're looking for in the other sections of this page, including Marine Advanced First Aid Overview, Marine Advanced First Aid Resources, and Marine Advanced First Aid Course Skills.

Of course, Medi-Pro First Aid is happy to answer all your questions if you choose to contact us directly through our Contact Us form, by email (training@mediprofirstaid.com), or over the phone (778-724-9054). We do our best to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible during normal business hours from 9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday.

Q. When will I get my MAFA Certificate?

Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid certificates are generated on the national MyRC course management platform and provided to Marine Advanced First Aid course participants electronically, in PDF format. Upon successful completion of your Marine Advanced First Aid course, Medi-Pro will upload and process your certification, and you will recieve your MAFA certificate by email. Medi-Pro administration do their best to ensure this process is generally completed within 48 hours of course completion, but it in some circumstances it can take up to 10 business days. You will also receive a separate Marine Advanced First Aid certificate directly from Transport Canada. Your Transport Canada MAFA certificate will arrive by mail, and remain valid for 5 years. If you require immediate proof of Marine Advanced First Aid course completion, your Instructor can provide you with a temporary certificate before you leave the classroom. However it is up to each individual employer/regulatory agency to decide whether or not they accept temporary certificates. It is usually simplest to just forward your official Marine Advanced First Aid certificate and/or your Basic Life Support certificate as soon as you receive it.

Q. Can I get a refund if I cancel my Marine Advanced First Aid course registration?

Medi-Pro's baseline policy is no refunds for last minute cancellations. However, we will do our best to work with you if circumstances beyond your control make it impossible for you to attend your scheduled course. In most cases, we can find an alternative course date for you and just move your existing registration to the new date. Depending on circumstances, and the number of previous cancellations, there may be a small re-booking charge, but we're compassionate people who understand that life can be messy.

Q. How long is an Marine Advanced First Aid course?

In British Columbia, the minimum classroom time required for a Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course is 30 hours. Medi-Pro generally schedules Marine Advanced First Aid courses over six 10-hour days, building an additional 20+ hours into your training over and above the minimum requirement. This additional time plays a crucial role in allowing you enough time to not only learn MAFA principles for the first time but also perform multiple repetitions of the skills and scenarios and build lasting confidence and leave you prepared for success in your EMALB Licensing exams. If your group requires a different timeframe, such as multiple weekends or a specific day of the week broken up across multiple weeks, you can make arrangements with Medi-Pro for a private booking that works for your group's scheduling needs.

Q. Is there an age requirement for Marine Advanced First Aid courses?

The Canadian Red Cross does not have any age requirements to complete an Emergency Medical Repsonder course or to receive MAFA certification. Participants of any age are welcomed in our Marine Advanced First Aid courses, provided they are capable and willing to actively participate throughout the entire course. Of course, there are some considerations that might make it inappropriate for a very young participant, but there is no minimum age specification.

Q. Can I renew/recertify my old Marine Advanced First Aid certificate?

In accordance with Transport Canada requirements for Marine Medical training regulations, the Marine Advanced First Aid program is only available in the complete course format. Transport Canada guideline TP13008E does not allow for shortened "Recertification" courses at the Marine Advanced First Aid certification level. If your most recent MAFA certificate has already expired, you will need to re-complete the full Marine Advanced First Aid course to obtain a new MAFA certificate.

Q. I can't find my Marine Advanced First Aid Certificate. How can I get a replacement?

If you took your last Marine Advanced First Aid course with Medi-Pro Response Solutions or Frontline First Aid, we likely have a record of your certificate on file. Just let us know that you need a replacement copy and we'll send it out to you by email. Make sure to tell us if your email address has changed since your last Marine Advanced First Aid course registration, or if you need the copy sent to a different email.

Q. Where do Marine Advanced First Aid guidelines come from?

The International Liason Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), and the corresponding Consensus on Science and Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR) task force groups constantly review and evaluate current Professional Medical Responder and Basic Life Support practices from data collected around the globe. ICLOR and CoSTR periodically produce documents which summarize their most recent findings, as well recommendations on what current emgergency paramedical practices should be continued, which should be changed, and what new practices should be adopted. Based on the findings in these documents, as well as other scientifically credible sources, individual Marine Advanced First Aid and Paramedic training providers such as the Canadian Red Cross produce their own evidence-based guidelines and educational delivery models.

Transport Canada is the authority having jurisdiction for all marine/nautical based first aid and medical training across Canada. As such your Marine Advanced First Aid course will include some skills and protocols which are specific to Transport Canada requirements.

Q. Should I take an Marine Advanced First Aid course?

Marine Advanced First Aid is an appropriate and relevant certification training course for any person designated to provide first aid on board a vessel engaged on a near coastal voyage, class 1, or unlimited voyage. This includes candidates working on a boat/ship/marine vessel who want to obtain a master or officer certificate or endorsement.

You should always confirm specific course and certification requirements with your employer, educational institution or governing body before making your course selection. Medi-Pro First Aid can provide you with best practice recommendations based on industry standards, but cannot make a blanket guarantee that any particular First Aid/Medical Responder course will meet your individual requirements.

Q. What is Hands-Only CPR?

The baseline performance of bystander CPR includes continuous cycles of chest compressions combined with alternating ventilations/rescue breaths. The chest compressions pump blood from the heart and circulate it to vital organs. The rescue breaths put oxygen back into the lungs and bloodstream so that the blood being circulated is keeping cells alive. Ideally, an AED should be used as soon as possible as well.

Hands-Only CPR (also known a Compresssions-Only CPR) is an alternative which takes into account that a bystander may not feel safe or comfortable performing the rescue breathing component. Performing the chest compressions continuously, without providing rescue breaths, can still produce a positive outcome without the real or perceived risks associated with rescue breathing. Although not as statistically effective as traditional CPR, the application of Hands-Only CPR has been proven vastly superior to doing nothing, and can help ensure the patient is still viable when emergency crews arrive to perform more advanced procedures.

Table of Contents ▲

MAFA PREPARATION

Marine Advanced First Aid Course Preparation

You will maximize your opportunities for success enjoyment through your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course in Kelowna and Vancouver, BC (and the subsequent BC EMALB MAFA Licensing Evaluations) if you review the basic expectations and arrive fully prepared, with your MAFA Study Guide completed.

The more familiar you are with the online resources, educational supplements, printed text books, and MAFA support materials at your disposal, the more likely you are to enjoy your MAFA course and be successful in obtaining MAFA certification and licensure.

MAFA Study Guide

Access and complete our Marine Advanced First Aid Study Guide to help prepare you for your Marine Advanced First Aid course in Kelowna and Vancouver, BC. The MAFA Study Guide has been developed to help prepare you for success and enjoyment in your BC Marine Advanced First Aid course.

There are two significant sources of information and MAFA protocols for Marine Advanced First Aids training and practicing in British Columbia. The Canadian Red Cross provides you with a Nationally recognized MAFA Program and Certification, following the content in the Emergency Care for Professional Responders reference manual. BC EMALB has jurisdiction over Provincial MAFA Licensing in BC, and has a few BC specific protocols, based on the EMALB Examination Guidelines and BCEHS Treatment Guidelines, that differ slightly from the national Canadian Red Cross program.

Completing the MAFA Study Guide before starting your Marine Advanced First Aid course will help make sure you arrive familiar with the information and resources available to you. Your Marine Advanced First Aid course classroom sessions will center primarily on physical skills and hands-on practice and application, so the Study Guide will also help ensure that you have the background information and theory needed.

MAFA Study Guide Sections:

Section A: Text Book Corrections
Section B: Certification and Licensing
Section C: BC EMALB Jurisprudence
Section D: EMALB Examination Guidelines
Section 1: The Professional Responder
Section 2: Responding to the Call
Section 3: Infection Prevention and Control
Section 4: Anatomy and Physiology
Section 5: Assessment
Section 6: Airway Management and Respiratory Emergencies
Section 7: Circluatory Emergencies
Section 8: Shock
Section 9: Hemorrhage and Soft Tissue Trauma
Section 10: Musculoskeletal Injuries
Section 11: Chest, Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries
Section 12: Head and Spinal Injuries
Section 13: Acute and Chronic Illness
Section 14: Poisoning
Section 15: Environmental Illnesses
Section 16: Pregnancy, Labour, and Delivery
Section 17: Special Populations
Section 18: Crisis Intervention
Section 19: Reaching, Lifting, and Extricating Patients
Section 20: Transportation
Section 21: Multiple Casualty Incidents
Section 22: Pharmacology
Section 23: Marine Environment
Section 24: Workplace

Emergency Care for Professional Responders

Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders reference manual. Utilized by Marine Advanced First Aid course participants in Kelowna and Vancouver, BC.

The vast majority of the emergency medical skills, principles, guidelines and metrics you will learn and practice in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course are based on the Emergency Care for Professional Responders text book, which follows the Paramedic Association of Canada's (PAC) National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP).

The Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders reference manual is a 453 page, full-color text book with a soft red and white cover. Emergency Care for Professional Responders is available as a downloadable PDF, and in a printed edition. Electronic access to the PDF version is included with your Marine Advanced First Aid course registration, and you have the option to purchase a take-home printed copy as well.

The Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders reference manual can also be purchased by anyone with an interest in the most current and scientifically valid evidence-based Emergency Medical Care practices in Canada.

Emergency Care Manual Contents:

1. The Professional Responder

Professional Responder Training Levels
Preceptorship
Medical Oversight
Communicating with the Medical Director
Professional Responder Responsibilities
Interpersonal Communication
Self-Care
Critical Incident Stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Legal and Ethical Issues
Duty to Act
Scope of Practice
Abuse and Neglect
Consent
Refusal of Care
Transfer of Care
Documentation
Communication
Medical Terminology

2. Responding to the Call

Preparing for the Emergency
Response
Equipment
Plan of Action
Communications
Training
Psychological Preparation
Managing Hazards at the Emergency Scene
Personal Safety
Safety of Others
Special Emergency Scenes
Specific Scene Hazards

3. Infection Prevention and Control

How Infections Occur
Disease-Causing Pathogens
How Diseases are Transmitted
Epidemics and Pandemics
Diseases that Cause Concern
Immunization
Preventing Disease Transmission
Personal Hygeine
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Engineering and Work Practice Controls
Cleaning and Disinfecting Equipment
Spill Management
Exposure Control Plans
If an Exposure Occurs

4. Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomical Terminology
Body Cavities
Body Systems
The Cell
Respiratory System
Circulatory System
Lymphatic System
Immunological System
Nervous System
Musculoskeletal System
Integumentary System
Endocrine System
Digestive System
Genitourinary System
Interrelationships of Body Systems
How Injuries Occur

5. Assessment

Scene Assessment
Primary Assessment
Reassessment
Secondary Assessment
Treatment/Interventions
Documentation of Findings
Ongoing Assessment

6. Airway Management and Respiratory Emergencies

Respiratory Pathophysiology
Airway Obstruction
Respiratory Conditions
Assisted Ventilation
Resuscitation Devices
Resuscitation Masks
Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Rescusitators
Supplemental Oxygen
Airway Adjuncts
Oropharyngeal Airways
Nasopharyngeal Airways
Supraglottic Airways
Suction
Care for Respiratory Distress
Care for Respiratory Arrest

7. Circulatory Emergencies

Cardiovascular Disease
Angina
Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Congestive Heart Failure
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Compressions
Team Approach
Using a Defibrillator
Special Resusciation Situations
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Cerbrovascular Accident (Stroke)
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
CVA Assessment Scales

8. Shock

Pathophysiology of Shock
Types of Shock
Stages of Shock
Care for Shock

9. Hemorrhage and Soft Tissue Trauma

Infection
Dressings and Bandages
Stitches and Sutures
Tourniquets
External Bleeding
Internal Bleeding
Open Wounds
Closed Wounds
Burns
Major Soft Tissue Trauma

10. Musculoskeletal Injuries

Types of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Splints
Slings
Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Upper Extremity Injuries
Lower Extremity Injuries

11. Chest, Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries

Chest Injuries
Rib Fractures
Hemothorax
Pneumothorax
Subcutaneous Emphysema (SCE)
Penetrating Chest Injuries
Abdominal Injuries
Evisceration
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic Binding
Genital Injuries

12. Head and Spinal Injuries

Mechanism of Injury for Head and Spinal Injuries
Head Injuries
Skull Fractures
Objects Impaled in the Skull
Injuries to the Brain
Cerebral Hematoma
Spinal Injuries
Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR)
Care for Serious Head and Spinal Injuries
Rapid Extrication
Removing Helmets and Other Equipment

13. Acute and Chronic Illnesses

Altered Mental Status
Syncope
Diabetic Emergencies
Seizures
Types of Seizures
Epilepsy
Peritonitis
Appendicitis
Bowel Obstruction
Gastroenteritis
Kidney Stones
Peptic Ulcers
Gastrointestinal Bleeding (GI)
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

14. Poisoning

Poison Control Centres
Recognizing Poisoning
General Care for Poisoning Emergencies
Ingested Poisons
Inhaled Poisons
Absorbed Poisons
Injected Poisons
Substance Misuse and Abuse
Crowd Management Agents

15. Environmental Illnesses

Temperature Homeostasis
Heat-Related Illness
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Cold-Related Illness
Hypothermia
Frost Nip
Frostbite
Drowning
Cold-Water Immersion and Drowning
High-Altitude Illness
SCUBA-Related Illness
Physiology
Barotrauma of Descent
Barotrauma of Ascent

16. Pregnancy, Labour, and Delivery

Pregnancy
The Birth Process
Assessing Labour
The Labour Process
Preparing for Delivery
Assisting with Delivery
Caring for the Neonate and Mother
Care and Assessment for the Neonate
Caring for the Mother
Midwives and Home Births
Complications during Pregnancy
Spontaneous Abortion
Premature Labour
Ectopic Pregnancy
Third Trimester Bleeding
Complications During Childbirth
Prolapsed Cord
Breech Birth
Limb Presentation
Multiple Births

17. Special Populations

Pediatric Patients
Stages of Development
Anatomical and Physiological Differences
Assessing the Pediatric Patient
Other Pediatric Conditions
Geriatric Patients
Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Osteoporosis
Bariatric Patients
Palliative Patients
Patients with Disabilities

18. Crisis Intervention

Psychological Crisis
Suicide
Assault
Death and Dying
Mental Health Crises
Anxiety
Depression
Psychosis

19. Reaching, Lifting, and Extricating Patients

Gaining Entry to Buildings
Motor Vehicles
Stabilizing Vehicles
Accessing the Patient
Moving Patients
Body Mechanics
Stretchers and Lifting Devices
Lifting and Moving a Stretcher
Bariatric Patients

20. Transportation

Emergency Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Check
Removing a Vehicle from Service
Beginning and Ending a Shift
Safe Vehicle Operation
Air Medical Transportation
Patient Considerations
Landing Site Preparation
Ground Safety Precautions
Medical Evacuation from a Ship
Preparing the Patient for Transfer

21. Multiple Casualty Incidents

Organizing Resources
Caring for the Ill or Injured
Triage
CBRNE Emergencies
Types of Agents
Methods of Dissemination
Scene Assessment
Establishing Perimeters
Triage in a CBRNE Incident
Control of Contaminated Casualties
Transporting CBRNE Patients
Psychological Impact of CBRNE Events

22. Pharmacology

Assisting with Medication vs Administering
Six Rights of Medication
Pharmacological Terminology
Routes of Drug Administration
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Intravenous (IV) Therapy Maintenance
Preparing a Drip Set and Solution
Calculating IV Flow Rates
Changing an IV Bag
Complications
Discontinuing an IV Bag
How to Administer Medication Intranasally
Guidelines for Injections
Disinfection

23. Marine Environment

Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (MOHS)
Sterilization Techniques
Managing Dangers at the Scene
Toxicological Hazards on Board a Ship
Psychological Well-Being of Seafarers
Medical Care of Rescued Persons
Radio Medical Advice
Transfer and Transport
Marine Pharmacology
Medications and Health Supplies Carried on Board
Drugs Requiring Medical Advice

24. Workplace

Roles and Responsibilities of the Advanced First Aid Attendant
Responsibilities of the Employer and Other Employees
Return-to-Work Protocol
Workplace First Aid Equipment
Workplace First Aid Transportation
Regulations and Documentation
Workplace Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Documentation
Typical Workplace Injuries
Workplace Injuries

Appendices

Appendix A: Abbreviations for Documentation
Appendix B: Sample Ambulance Equipment List
Appendix C: The Phonetic Alphabet
Appendix D: Medical Terminology

Basic Life Support Field Guide

Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support Field Guide. Utilized by BLS, MAFA, MAFA, Oxygen Therapy and Airway Management course students in Kelowna and Vancouver, BC.

The Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support Field Guide reference manual is a pocket-sized, spiral bound 52 page, full-color text book with a soft red and white cover. The exterior cover and interior pages of the BLS Field Guide are made of a water resistant paper material, so you can keep it with you in the rain or wet environments without worry. The Basic Life Support Field Guide is available in PDF format as a downloadable resource for your mobile device, and in printed edition for Basic Life Support, Marine Advanced First Aid, Marine Advanced First Aid and Advanced First Aid course students.

The BLS Field Guide can also be purchased or downloaded by anyone with an interest in the most current and scientifically valid high-performance team based CPR-AED practices in Canada.

BLS Field Guide Contents:

Part 1. Introduction to Basic Life Support

Basic Life Support Terminology
Legal Issues
Consent
Implied Consent
Responsive Patients
Unresponsive Patients
Children
Abandonment
Advance Directives

Part 2. Basic Life Support Skills

Glove Removal
Primary Assessment
CPR
Airway Obstruction
Assisted Ventilation

Part 3. Airway Management

Anatomical Terminology
Opening the Mouth
Airway Adjuncts
Suction

Part 4. Oxygen Therapy

Pulse Oximetry
Pulse Oximeter Ranges and Values
Supplemental Oxygen
Oxygen Cylinders
Oxygen Regulators
Duration of Flow
Oxygen Delivery Devices
Administering Oxygen

Part 5. Basic Life Support

Special Considerations
Trauma
Hypothermia
Opioid Overdose
Anaphylaxis
Six Rights of Medication
High-Performance CPR
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
High-Performance Team Communication
Post-Event Debrief

MAFA Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet for Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid courses, with BC EMALB Licensing eligibility in Kelowna and Vancouver, BC. Medi-Pro First Aid's Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA) Cheat Sheet will provide you with quick and easy access to some of the most critical and frequently referred to information throughout your Kelowna MAFA Course.

The visually compelling Charts and Summaries can simplify the more complex principles and procedures you'll need to be familiar with as an Marine Advanced First Aid operating in British Columbia.

While most of the MAFA Cheat Sheet is based on information extrapolated from the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders MAFA text book, some of the information is based on the BC specific policies and guidelines stipulated by the British Columbia Emergency Medical Assistant's Licensing Board (BC EMALB) and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). The MAFA Cheat Sheet can be an invaluable resource for you to keep track of the specific local protocols that will help ensure sucess in your MAFA course and throughout your corresponding EMALB Licensing examinations.

Marine Advanced First Aid Cheat Sheet contents include...

MAFA Patient Assessment Model
CPR Compression to Ventilation Ratios
High Performance "Pit Crew" CPR
CPR in Transport (Treatable CPR)
Oxygen Cylinder Calculations
Oxygen Flow Rates
Glasgow Coma Scale
APGAR Assessment for Newborn Infants
The 6-Rights of Medication
Common Units of Measurement
Assisted Ventilations
BCEHS Treatment Guidelines Compared to National Occupational Competency Profiles
Critical Findings
Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) Strapping Sequence
Glucogel Administration Guidelines
Head-to-Toe Assessment Mnemonics
Relevant SAMPLE and Mechanism of Injury Data
Medical Terminology
NEXUS Spinal Motion Restriction Decision Matrix
Naloxone (Narcan) Administration Protocols

MAFA Downloads & Resources

Downloads and online, web-based resources for Marine Advanced First Aid courses and BC EMALB Licensing eligibility in Kelowna and Vancouver, BC. Marine Advanced First Aid certification training, EMALB Licensing preparation, and the provision of emergency medical care as a professional responder all involve far more that simply learning something once in the classroom. The paramedic profession is extremely dynamic and requires a lifetime committment to remaining up to date on the most current MAFA protocols, guidelines, science, and practices.

This means that you will need to learn how to find the documented information and guidelines related to your Marine Advanced First Aid training and verify that what you remember learning is still considered a current practice. In addition to the documents and textbooks already outlined above, you will need to access and refer to several other online resources as you prepare to be successful throughout your Marine Advanced First Aid training and BC EMALB Licensing Evaluations.

Many of these resources can be downloaded and printed or saved, and some are only available online, through a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile web browser. Although you may find it convenient to download many of these documents and print them for easy reference, you should make a habit of frequently revisiting the source material online to make sure you are utilizing the most current materials.

MAFA Certification Requirements

Medi-Pro First Aid's Marine Advanced First Aid courses are facilitated in a friendly, learner-centered environment, with the skills and principles presented in a simple and straight forward manner. Your Marine Advanced First Aid course Instructor will do everything possible to ensure that you meet national Canadian Red Cross, and provincial BC EMALB benchmarks for Marine Advanced First Aid certification and provincial Licensure.

Key Marine Advanced First Aid and Basic Life Support topics are presented in a distilled and relevant context, which makes them easy to understand and remember. A mix of interactive group activities and self-application make the paramedical principles easy to understand and fun to learn. Most of the course is dedicated to physical skills and hands-on learning which involve clear demonstrations immediately followed by opportunities to apply, practice, repeat and reinforce the Marine Advanced First Aid skills with realistic equipment.

In order to receive Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid certification, which is valid for 3 years from date of completion, you must meet the following course attendance, performance and participation requirements.

Attendance in 100% of the course (this includes arriving, and returning from all breaks, on time)
Earnest and mindful participation in all activities, skills, and scenarios
Respectful behaviour towards the Instructor all other participants Adherence to all classroom/facility health and safety guidelines
Legible, accurate submission of your First & Last name and your preferred email address (this is required for Medi-Pro to process your MAFA Certification through the Canadian Red Cross)
Minimum 75% on a multiple choice Written Exam
If required and appropriate, a second attempt at the Written Exam may be permitted on a case-by-case basis
Successful completion of one Medical-based practical scenario Evaluation
Successful completion of one Trauma-based practical scenario Evaluation
If required and appropriate, a second attempt at the Practical Exams may be permitted on a case-by-case basis

Personal items to bring to your MAFA course

Bringing a few essential items with you to class can make the entire Marine Advanced First Aid course more enjoyable. This added level of comfort can also help ensure you learn and retain the MAFA and BLS skills, as well as meeting all the certification requirements as you participate.

Making sure you can see and hear your instructor, classmates and multi-media presentations is important. Although our Instructors will speak clearly and our video/projector screens are large enough to ensure full classroom visibility, you must bring any corrective eyewear or hearing aides (with fresh batteries) that you might need with you in your first aid course. In some cases you might need reading glasses for your MAFA text book and reading-based activities, or you may need corrective lenses to clearly view the videos, slideshows and instructor-led Marine Advanced First Aid skill demonstrations.

If you normally require daily medications, you should definitely bring them with you to class, and adhere to your normal schedule. You might also find that your active participation in the first aid skills and activities throughout the day can increase your metabolic demands and the corresponding medication amounts. Basically, bring extra medications in case your needs increase throughout the day. It's better to have these with you and not end up needing them, rather than leaving them at home and wishing you had brought them. A few other suggestions include...

All relevant books and printed resources
Clean indoor footwear
Reusable mug
Refillable water bottle
Food for meals and snacks through the duration of the course
Clothing which allows for modesty, professionalism and comfort during physical activity
Spare shirt and sweater in case of temperature changes or excessive sweating
Medications that you might need throughout the day
Glasses or contact lenses if required for reading
Pen and notepad
Kneepads if prolonged and repeated physical activities in a kneeling position may cause you discomfort.
Lightly scented deodorant

MAFA course Breaks & Lunch

MAFA Breaks and Lunch — *Breaks & Lunch*

Your Marine Advanced First Aid course will be conducted in an "Adult Learning" format, which means that you will be free to excuse yourself from the classroom at any time, if you need to use the washroom, answer an urgent phone call/text, or attend to any other emergent matter that can't wait until the next scheduled break.

Medi-Pro administration and Instructors recognize that unanticipated circumstances may occur outside the classroom which require your immediate attention, but will ask that you limit these distractions to only those that are essential, and to minimize the disruption to other participants.

If you become thirsty or hungry, you are encouraged to keep yourself nourished and hydrated in the classroom, provided this does not interrupt hands-on activities or interfere with others' safety, participation and learning. There will also be formal breaks scheduled throughout the day, which can be utilized for communications, snacks, lunch and beverages.

There will be a 15 minute break approximately every 2 hours, depending on classroom progress and participant pacing.
You will need to arrive with enough food and drinks to remain hydrated and nourished for the duration of each session
There will be one 30-minute Lunch break every day at or around noon.
Access to local stores and restaurants may be limited.
Use of electronics is discouraged except during breaks or when the Instructor specifically deems it appropriate
Smoking is prohibited except for designated times and areas
The use of vaporization products and devices is prohibited except for designated times and areas
Consumption of alcohol in the classroom and grounds is prohibited
Consumption of cannabis in the classroom and grounds is prohibited, except where medically required
Impairment, as observed or presumed by the Instructor, will preclude you from participation and certification, regardless of the legality of any substances involved

MAFA course Hygeine and Attire

MAFA Hygeine and Attire — *Hygeine & Attire*

Participating in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course in Kelowna or Vancouver, BC will involve working in close proximity with your classmates. Respectful physical contact is an unavoidable component of hands-on First Aid training. Out of consideration for your classmates, please arrive with hygeine, professionalism, and the comfort of others in mind.

Although it is impossible to define the term "appropriate" when it comes to clothing choices, there are few universal considerations. Slogans, logos, or images that could reasonably be categorized as objectively offensive or controversial must not be worn or displayed. Clothing which is soiled to the point that incidental contact may contaminate other clothing, equipment or furnishings are not acceptable in the classroom. Cothing or hygeine products which emit a strong odor may make it difficult for other participants to concentrate or enjoy the lessons and activities.

The health of all participants and staff is of paramount importance, so if you are feeling sick, or suspect that you may be contagious of any viral or bacterial infection, you must not attend the classroom. In cases of last minute cancellations related to unpredicted illness, Medi-Pro will make reasonable efforts to reschedule your course for a later date, when you are no longer sick/contagious.

Hygeine and beauty products should be unscented or lightly-scented only
Jewellery or accessories that could cause injury or entanglement may need to be removed (please do not bring expensive jewellery or irreplaceable heirlooms)
Longer hair needs to be secured in a way that prevents it from getting into others mouths and eyes
Your clothing should allow you to participate with comfort and consideration for others
Slogans or images that might be considered controversial, disrespectful or confrontational should be avoided
Some types of clothing may restrict your ability to participate or compromise your classmates' comfort.
Although it is impossible to define every aspect of the term "inappropriate" ahead of time, we ask that you take this into consideration when making your choices

Physical Requirements for MAFA

MAFA Physical Requirements — *Physical Requirements*

Participating in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course in Kelowna and Vancouver, BC will involve significant physical activity. If you have medical conditions, physical injuries or limitations that might compromise your ability to safely participate in these physical activities, you must notify your Instructor at the start of your course. Your Canadian Red Cross certified Instructor will make reasonable efforts to adapt and accomodate your limitations, but it is your responsibility to decide whether or not you can safely complete any particular task.

Your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course Instructor will balance the classroom between interactive theory components and hands-on physical activities, and you must actively participate in all the sections to successfully complete your MAFA course. The physical requirements are not objectively intensive or difficult, but they do involve specific and repetitive movements. If you have any significant restrictions on your movement or exertion capacity, you should contact Medi-Pro well in advance of your scheduled course date to ensure that we can accommodate your limitations and provide the greatest opportunities for successful participation. Physical activities typical of Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid courses include...

Kneeling on the ground
Laying face-down on the ground
Laying face-up on the ground
Walking up and down stairs
Rolling and lifting an adult sized classmate
Performing CPR chest compressions on a CPR mannequin
Using a pocket mask with a one-way valve to inflate the lungs of a CPR mannequin
Sitting for 15-30 minutes at at time
Standing for 15-30 minutes at a time
Tying simple knots
Tearing medical tape

Code of Conduct in MAFA courses

MAFA Code of Conduct — *Code of Conduct*

As a participant in a Canadian Red Marine Advanced First Aid course, you will need to work with and show respectful behaviour towards all of your classmates. Regardless of any personal, philosophical, religious or political differences, you must support each other's learning throughout the course.

Respect is particularly important when learning, practicing or performing skills that involve physical contact with another participant. Physical contact is an unavoidable component of many core First Aid and CPR skills, so participants must be as respectful and professional as possible during these segments.

Each participant will bring their own unique experiences, backgrounds and perspectives to your Marine Advanced First Aid course, which will make the course more interesting and relevant for everyone, provided mutual respect is consistently demonstrated. Language or actions which impinge on every participants' right to a physically and psychologically safe learning learning environment will not be tolerated, and will result in expulsion from the program. You are not expected to agree with every aspect of your classmates' lifestyles and opinions, however you are expected to demonstrate respectful behaviour towards each other at all times.

Table of Contents ▲

MAFA SKILLS

MAFA Course Skills & Principles

Get the most out of your Kelowna Marine Advanced First Aid course by familiarizing yourself with the MAFA course content, schedule, skills and structure. The content, principles, skills and information covered in your Kelowna Marine Advanced First Aid training is broken into specific sections in your MAFA printed materials and online resources. The extensive MAFA level information provided in your Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders reference manual is divided numerically into Sections 1 to 24, with Appendices alphabetically labelled. You are also provided with many other supplements, downloads and online resources which help put all this information into context, and provides guideance on how these skills and principles are specifically applied in British Columbia, as required by BCEHS and EMALB Licensing. These resources are referenced in Sections A, B, C, and D in your MAFA Study Guide.

The classroom topics and content covered in each day of your Kelowna MAFA course will generally correspond with specific sections of your Emergency Care Manual and supplemental resources. The sequence of topics covered in the MAFA classroom will not necessarily follow the sequence in which they are presented throughout the Emergency Care for Professional Responders text. The daily schedule for every MAFA course is subject to change and revision based on the needs of that particular MAFA class.

MAFA concepts, principles, and skills are introduced in a simplified context and logical sequence.
The MAFA course starts with basic drills, and builds towards more complex scenarios with an emphasis on clinical decision making as participant skill levels and confidence improve.
Stand-alone skill components are introduced and reinforced, then integrated into realistic situations and circumstances.
Intensity, workload and student responsibilities increase as the MAFA course progresses, with developing emphasis on clinical decision making abilities and adaptive skill application.

Patient Assessment Model

The Patient Assessment Model is the foundation of your Marine Advanced First Aid training. The ability to intuitively follow a consistent and logical, yet flexible and adaptive process to assess your surroundings and the patient is the single most important key to being successful in your MAFA course, your subsequent BC EMALB Licensing Evaluations, and most importantly in delivering high quality patient care as a professional medical responder.

A significant part of learning and practicing the MAFA Patient Assessment Model also involves becoming familiar with the professional medical responder equipment available to you, and becoming increasingly proficient in their use. Some pieces of equipment, such as oxygen masks, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and pulse oximeters are utilized during almost every patient interaction. Other types of equipment are bit more specialized, such as oropharyngeal airways (OPAs), nasopharyngeal airways (NPAs), and airway suction devices, and only utilized when necessary for patient assessment and care.

Although you will be provided with enough theory and background information to make use of these tools and processes, as much time as possible of your MAFA course is dedicated to hands-on practice and reinforcement of these fundamental skills. Each time you practice applying these skills in a relevant and practical manner, the more proficient you will become and the more muscle memory you will develop for the future. Patient Assessment Model componenents, skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

MAFA Assessment Model
Scene Assessment
MAFA Equipment
Paramedic Jump Kits
MAFA Scene Assessment
MAFA Primary Assessment
MAFA Secondary Assessment
MAFA Ongoing Assessment
Patient Transport
Medical Oversight
Direct Medical Control
Offline Medical Control

Scene Assessment

Assessing the scene that you are about to enter is the most important step in ensuring your own personal safety, as well as asserting and maintaining control over the situation to improve operational efficiency and provide quality patient care.

In some cases, such as an ongoing fire, hazardous materials spill, or confined space you may need to make a difficult but crucial decision to move or remain outside the hazardous area until more specialized rescue teams can mitigate the problem and/or bring the patient to you in a safe area. In other cases, such as a motor vehicle collision, you may be able to safely access the patient but require assistance from other agencies to extricate and transport the patient.

In all cases and at all times, you must maintain acute operational awareness of your surroundings and the changing conditions in which you are working. Taking a few extra seconds to meaningfully and thorougly evaluate the situation, and engaging all the required resources and personal protective equipment will save time overall and most importantly help ensure positive outcomes and the safety of everyone on the scene.

Scene Assessment, skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to perform a Scene Assessment
How to assess the scene for hazards
How to assess the environment of your surroundings
How to assess the mechanism of injury
How to assess the number of patients
How to assess the need for additional resources on scene
How diseases are transmitted
Occupational Vaccinations and Booster Shots
How to don and doff your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
How to don and doff medical examination gloves
How to don and doff protective eye-wear
How to don and doff a face shield
How to don and doff a medical examination gown
How to call for Fire Rescue
How to call for Haz-Mat Response
How to call for Advanced Life Support
How to call for Air Ambulance
How to call for High Angle Technical Rescue
How to call for Confined Space Rescue
How to perform a seat-carry
How to perform a clothing/blanket drag
How to perform a walking assist
The principle of Life-Over-Limb

Primary Assessment

MAFA Primary Patient Assessment — *Primary Assessment*

The Primary Assessment survey is your first opportunity to check the patient for any obvious and immediately life-threatening injuries or conditions, and perform timely interventions to mitigate those injuries in a manner that stops or slows down any progressive decline in the patients condition. Airway, Breathing, and Circulation emergencies are generally the most crucial to identify and deal with in the first few minutes of your assessment. If there are any urgent problems with the upper airways, respiratory distress, or deadly external/internal bleeding, the Primary Assessment process gives you a systematic and efficient method to find and address those problems within a minute or two of arrival at the patient's side.

At the end of your Primary Assessment, you will pause to reflect on everything that you've already identified, review any outstanding or potentially life-threatening issues and initiate critical interventions such as OPA/NPA insertion, oxygen therapy, bleeding control, shock management and administration of medications as appropriate. You will also make your initial transport decision and determine whether immediate transport to definitive clinical care is a higher priority than continued and more thorough on-scene assessment. Although you will continuously receive, collect and consider new information as it changes or becomes available, the decisions you make in the first few minutes based on your Primary Assessment findings will set the tone for your overall patient care and transport priorities. Primary Patient Assessment, skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to conduct an MAFA Primary Assessment
How to measure and insert an Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA)
How to measure and insert a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)
How to assemble an Oxygen cylinder and regulator
How to use a Simple Oxygen Mask
How to use a Non-Rebreather Oxygen Mask
How to use a Nasal Canula
How to place patients in the Recovery Position
How to find and assess the Radial pulse
How to find and assess the Carotid pulse
How to check Skin condition
How to perform an MAFA Rapid Body Survey (RBS)
Rapid Transport Category (RTC) criteria
How to conduct the MAFA Secondary Assessment with an Unresponsive Patient
How to conduct the MAFA Secondary Assessment with a Responsive Patient

Secondary Assessment

The Secondary Assessment survey is conducted on scene when there are no urgent, life-threatening conditions which make rapid transport a higher priority. In cases of urgent transport, the Secondary Assessment is conducted enroute to the hospital, in the back of the ambulance. In some cases, where transport options are delayed or not available, you might conduct the Secondary Assessment on scene with life-threatening conditions, but transport to definitive clinical medical care is always more crucial when life-threatening injuries are present.

Components of a thorough, methodical and comprehensive Secondary Survey include an Interview of the patient and/or bystanders, family members, or witnesses, measurement of a complete set of Vital Signs, and a Head-to-Toe physical examination. Individually, each piece of data collected during the Secondary Assessment may not be significant or revelatory, however the information will collectively help form a clearer picture of all the potentially life-threatening, limb-threatening, or debilitating factors present and whether the patient's overall condition is improving or declining. Secondary Patient Assessment, skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to conduct an MAFA Secondary Assessment
How to measure and interpret SpO2 using a Pulse Oximeter
How to perform a Capillary Refill circulation check
How to conduct a patient interview following the S-A-M-P-L-E and O-P-Q-R-S-T mnemonic
How to assess patient Signs and Symptoms
How to assess patient Allergies
How to assess patient Medications
How to assess patient Previous relevant medical history
How to assess patient's Last intake of food or fluids
How to assess the Events leading up to current circumstances
How to assess the Onset of pain or discomfort
How to assess Provocation and Palliation of pain or discomfort
How to assess the Qualities of pain or discomfort
How to assess the Radiation of pain or discomfort from one anatomical area to another
How to assess Severity of pain or discomfort on a subjective scale of 1-10
How to assess the Timing of pain or discomfort
How to assess Level of Responsiveness using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
How to use a Stethoscope
How to use a Sphagmomanometer (Blood Pressure Cuff)
How to assess Blood Pressure using the Palpation method
How to assess Blood Pressure using the Auscultation method
How to assess Respiration rate, rhythm and character
How to assess Radial Pulse rate, rhythm and character
How and when to assess a patient's Vital Signs
How to assess patient Pulse rate, rhythm, and character
How to assess patient Respiratory rate, rhythm, and character
How to assess patient Pupils for equal size and reaction to light
How to assess patient Body Core Temperature
How to Auscultate the chest to check for adventitious breathing sounds
How to assess the Pedal pulse and Distal Extremity Circulation
How to conduct an MAFA Head-to-Toe Physical Examination
How to conduct an MAFA Head-to-Toe System Check

Ongoing Assessment

After you have conducted a thorough Secondary Assessment and treated any injuries or conditions identified, you will move into the Ongoing Assessment phase of your patient care. You will continuously reassess your surroundings and the patient's condition until the patient has been transferred to another (usually higher) level of care. This includes re-measuring the Vital Signs every 5 minutes if there are life-threatening conditions, or every 15 minutes if the injuries are minor in nature. You will also ask many of the S-A-M-P-L-E and O-P-Q-R-S-T Interview questions to see if the patient remembers anything new or is experiencing a change to their levels of discomfort. Continued, periodic reassessment will help you determine if there are any patterns in the changes to the patient's condition, such as gradually decreasing blood pressure or increasing oxygenation levels which can show overall improvement or decline and/or indicate specific underlying conditions.

The Ongoing Assessment phase also includes complete and accurate documentation of all your findings on a Patient Care Report. The report may be hand written on paper, or an electronic record stored and uploaded through a mobile device. Either way, an accurate and timely Patient Care Record forms a significant component of your overall patient care and contains information that may be potentially vital to the next level of care in forming an effective diagnosis and treatment plan. You will provide a brief but relevant verbal summary of your findings, actions and opinions regarding your patient when you hand them over to a higher level of medical treatment or another agency. Ongoing Assessment, skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to conduct an MAFA Ongoing Assessment
Patient Care Records and Reports
Legal implications of Patient Care Records
How to fill out a Patient Care Report
How to ensure the Patient Care Report information is passed along
Transferring patient care to another level of care or agency
How to verbally transfer patient care using the S-B-A-R summary method
How to summarize the overall patient care Situation
How to summarize the overall patient care Background
How to summarize your overall patient care Assessment and Actions taken
How to summarize the overall patient care Results of those actions and interventions

Respiratory Distress

Respiratory Illnesses such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, emphysema, and congestive heart failure are very common medical emergencies that you may encounter as a paramedic/professional responder. Other medical conditions such as anaphylaxis and anxiety, and opioid overdose can also cause breathing problems and create respiratory distress. In your MAFA course you will learn and practice a universal approach to providing patient care for someone experiencing Respiratory Distress, as well many techniques to mitigate specific respiratory problems as they are individually assessed.

The use of a pulse oximeter, supplemental oxygen therapy equipment, and particularly the efficient and effective use of a Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) to assist ventilations and deliver high-flow oxygen are particularly relevant for a patient experiencing respiratory distress or respiratory arrest. In addition to these measures, you may commonly need to assist a patient with their medication such as ventolin, salbutamol, epinephrine, and/or benadryl. In the event that your patient is breathing too fast, too shallow, or too slowly to be effective, you will need to breath for them with a Bag-Valve-Mask, which is most efficient with two trained professional rescuers. Respiratory Distress and Respiratory Arrest skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to use a Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) with one responder
How to use a Bag-Valve-Mask with two responders
How and when to Assist Ventilations
How to provide care for a patient in respiratory arrest
The 6 Rights of Medication
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of Asthma
How to provide care for a patient with Asthma
How to assist patients with Asthma Inhalers
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
How to provide care for a patient in Respiratory Distress
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock (Anaphylaxis)
How to provide care for a patient experiencing Anaphylaxis

Basic Life Support

Cardiac arrest is another very common medical emergency, which requires the performance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in an attempt to revive a patient without a pulse. Your MAFA training course includes learning and practicing CPR at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level. BLS includes a team based "pit-crew" approach to CPR, the use of supplemental oxgyen, an AED, and high-performance roles performed and coordinated efficiently by each member of your medical response team.

High fidelity CPR begins with quick recognition of cardiac arrest followed by immediate chest compressions at a depth of at least 2 inches (for an adult) and at a rate of 100 - 120 compressions per minute. Compressions should be followed by the application and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which can administer an electrical shock to the heart and "reset" it to normal function when Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation are analyzed and detected. The next priority for quality CPR is providing ventilations/rescue breaths using a Bag-Valve-Mask with high-flow oxygen set to 15 liters per minute (lpm). The national standard for CPR compression to ventilation ratios is 30 compressions for every 2 breaths (30:2), however some specific agencies in BC may follow a regional guideline which stipulates a 10:1 ratio instead.

For purposes of performing CPR, anyone over the age of 9 (and/or the onset of puberty) is considered an Adult. Patients between the ages of 1 year and 9 years are considered Children, and patients under the age of 1 are considered Infants. There is an additional sub-set of Infants who are less than 28 days old referred to as Neonates. Although the basic principles of high fidelity CPR remain the same across patients of all ages, there are some logistical differences in performing CPR on smaller bodies. These differences include modified compressions, smaller ventilations, and performing CPR at a compression:ventilation ratio of 15:2. Basic Life Support and Cardiac Arrest management skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to perform CPR & AED for an Adult patient
How to perform CPR & AED for a Child patient
How to perform CPR & AED for an Infant patient
How to perform CPR & AED for a Neonatal patient
How to perform high-performance Pit Crew style CPR and AED
How to perform Basic Life Support (BLS)
How to provide care for a Responsive Choking Adult
How to provide care for a Responsive Choking Child
How to provide care for a Responsive Choking Infant
How to use a manual airway suction device
How to perform CPR & AED with an ongoing airway obstruction

Spinal Motion Restriction

The spinal cord is a cable of nerves extending from the base of the brain-stem down to the rest of the body, travelling through the vertebrae of the spinal column and branching out in nerve fibres to every area of the body. Signals that allow movement and function move through spinal cord from the brain to the rest of body, and sensory signals are carried from the nerve ends back to the brain through the same nerves. If an injury causes the spinal cord to become severed, the signals are no longer sent or received in either direction and sensory and motor deficits can permanently occur.

A significant portion of your MAFA training course involves learning and practicing the prinicples of Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR), the Canadian C-Spine Rules, and the National Emergency X-Radiological Utilization Study (NEXUS) protocols which replaced the older Spinal Immobilization approach. The new SMR guidelines and accompanying modified NEXUS protocols adopted by BC EMALB provide paramedics with more options and flexibility to provide patient care when spinal cord injury is suspected, but the complex decision matrix requires memorization and practice.

You will also get lots of hands-on practice with spinal grips, skills, and equipment such as the trapezius grip, head grip, modified trap squeeze, jaw thrust, c-spine collars, robertson orthopedic stretchers (clamshells), spine boards, spider straps, head rolls, and rescue pads. The ability to mix and match a large "library" of skills and equipment as best suited to the specific circumstances will allow you provide the best patient care possible for suspected spinal injuries in any emergency. Spinal Motion Restriction tools, skills and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

Anatomy and Physiology of Spinal Cord Injuries
Anatomy and Physiology of Head Injuries and Concussion
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of Head and Spinal Injuries
How to provide Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR) for patients with suspected Head or Spinal Injuries
How to apply the Canadian C-Spine Rules in BC
How to apply the modified Nexus C-Spine Rules in BC
How to perform a Jaw Thrust
How to perform a Trapezius Squeeze
How to perform a Head Grip
How to perform a Modified Trapezius Squeeze
How to perform a Sternal-Spinal Grip in a supine position
How to perform a Sternal-Spinal Grip in a lateral position
How to align the Head into a Spinal-Neutral position
How to measure and apply a C-Spine Hard Collar
How to roll a patient from a supine to lateral position while maintaining Spinal Motion Restriction
How to roll a patient from a prone position to a supine position while maintaining Spinal Motion Restriction
How to secure a patient to a Spineboard with Spinal Motion Restriction precautions
How to secure a patient to a Robertson Orthopedic Stretcher (Clamshell Stretcher) with Spinal Motion Restriction precautions
How to provide patient assessment and care with Spinal Motion Restriction precautions

Deadly Bleeding

Deadly bleeding is another significant type of injury that you will encounter as a paramedic, and you will learn and practice the most current effective techniques to control external capillary, venous and arterial bleeding. The simplest approach to controlling deadly bleeding is direct pressure with a dressing and a bandage. Dressing is any clean (preferrably sterile and absorbent) material that is placed directly against the wound and blocks the bleeding, while a Bandage is any material used to surround the dressing, keep it clean and dry, and bind it securely in place with sufficient pressure to staunch the blood flow. Triangular bandages, speed straps and abdominal pads are some of the most commonly utilized tools to achieve direct pressure.

In some cases, where direct pressure is ineffective or impractical a tourniquet may be utilized to controll bleeding through Indirect Pressure. A tourniquet is placed upstream of the wound or amputation and bound tightly enough around the humerus or femur to squeeze the brachial or femoral artery shut against the bone. A tourniquet is usually only necessary in the most extreme injuries such as amputations. Deadly Bleeding tools, skills and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

Capillary Bleeding
Venous Bleeding
Arterial Bleeding
Amputational Bleeding
How to control deadly bleeding with direct pressure using a bandage and dressing
Clinical bandages and dressings
Improvised bandages and dressings
The value of keeping a wound clean
When to replace bandages and dressings
How to recognize when direct pressure is ineffective
How to control deadly bleeding with indirect pressure using a commercial tactical tourniquet
How to control deadly bleeding with indirect pressure using an improvised tourniquet
Where to place a tourniquet
When to remove a tourniqet

Fractures and Splinting

Fractures are injuries which cause any damage to bone structures, which can include cracking, chipping, splintering, complete breaks, and compound fractures where the broken bone ends protrude through the skin. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments which anchor the ends of two bones together, and usually involve stretching and/or tearing. Strains are injuries, which also usually involve stretching and/or tearing, to the tendons which hold muscles to bones. Dislocations are injuries that occur when two bone ends which normally connect are pulled out of alignment, usually involving a shoulder, knee, wrist, finger or toe.

When someone damages a bone or joint, the injury may be limited to just a fracture, sprain, strain or dislocation, but more often the injury is a combination of two or more of those conditions. For example, a fracture to an ankle bone will usually include some damage to the ligaments and tendons, and may even involve more than one bone. Regardless of the specific structures and tissues involved, an injury of this nature will usually present itself with universal signs and symptoms that include pain, tenderness, swelling and discoloration. It is not necessary to diagnose the specific types of inury/injuries to provide good first aid care.

Emergency medical care for fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations involves providing comfortable support for the injury, and preventing further aggravation or long-term complications. Injury stabilization and support is provided in the form of a splint, which can be created from many different materials and in many configuations. Ensuring that the patient remains as comfortable as possible, supporting the limb above and below the injury, and ensuring that circulation is not impaired are the main principles of splinting. It's important to note that although these types of injuries are not typically life-threatening, if the broken bones cut through the surrounding blood vessels, severe internal bleeding can occur. Fracture Management and Splinting tools, skills and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Physiology
Signs and symptoms of Strains
Signs and symptoms of Sprains
Signs and symptoms of Closed Fractures
Signs and symptoms of Compound Fractures
Signs and symptoms of Dislocations
Principles of splinting
Assessing and maintaining distal circulation
How and when to apply cold to a bone, muscle or joint injury
How to apply a low arm sling with a triangular bandage
How to apply a high arm sling with a triangular bandage
How to apply a cross-arm transport sling with a triangular bandage
How to splint lower arm injuries
How to splint upper arm injuries
How to splint shoulder injuries and dislocations
How to use a flexible foam splint (SAM splint)
How to use speed straps for splinting
How to splint a wrist injury with a SAM splint
How to splint leg injuries
How to splint knee injuries
How to create a pelvic girdle to splint hip injuries
How to use a Kendrick Extrication Device (KED)

Heart Attack

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Heart Disease is the second most common cause of death for Canadians. When the arteries that feed the heart muscle itself become occluded or blocked with cholesterol, plaque or blood clots the muscles of the heart become starved of oxygen and cannot function properly. This can lead to chronic Chest Pain known as Angina, where the heart muscle is continually starved, and eventually cause a Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) where the heart muscle actually dies from lack of blood and oxygen.

In your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course, you'll learn how to recognize the most common signs and symptoms of a heart attack as well as the atypical/soft signs and symptoms mainly associated with heart attacks in women. In addition to taking the universal approach of treating for shock and keeping the person as calm, rested and comfortable as possible, you'll learn and practice how and when to assist with Acetylsalycilic Acid (ASA/Aspirin) tablets which are platelet inhibitors and an anti-inflammatory, and Nitroglycerin spray which is a blood vessel dilator.

BC Emergency Health Services and BC EMALB have very specific, Provincially applicable parameters for the administration of and provision of assistance with these medications. Heart Attack, Angina and Myocardial Infarction management skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to recognize the signs and symptoms of probable Angina
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of a probable Heart Attack
How to recognize the "Soft" signs and symptoms of a probable Heart Attack
How to identify and recognize when to assist with Nitroglycerin spray for a patient with a prescription
How assist with Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) for a patient experiencing signs and symptoms indicative of a probable Heart Attack
How to provide assessment and care for a patient experiencing a probable Heart Attack

Stroke and TIA

When a blood clot, embolism, plaque or aneurysm prevents adequate blood flow to the brain, a part of the brain tissue can starve or die, causing a stroke. In some cases the blood flow may resume before permanent damage occurs, which is commonly referred to as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). The longer the blood flow is disrupted the more brain tissue dies and the more dramatic and permanent the damage becomes. As the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, the physical effects/deficits created by the stroke are usually seen on the opposite side of the affected brain.

Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of a potential Stroke, including sudden headache, one-sided weakness/paralysis, dizziness, confusion and slurred speech, and swift transport to definitive clinical medical care are the most important steps to prevent or mitigate permanent brain damage once a stroke has occured. When stroke-like signs and symptoms abate and resolve themselves shortly after ocurring, this is usually referred to as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), however it is unlikely that you will be able to definitively diagnose between a Stroke and TIA on scene. The sooner a suspected Stroke patient gets to the hospital and receives advanced medical treatment and medications, the less brain function they will lose and the greater their chances of survival and fuller recovery. Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack management skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of a probable Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of a probable Stroke
Field tools for assessing Stroke
How to utilize and apply the Cincinnati Stroke Scale
How to utilize and apply the F-A-S-T Stroke assessment tool
The importance of urgent transport for Stroke patients
Positioning Stroke patients for transport
How to provide assessment and care for a patient experiencing a probable Stroke or TIA

Diabetic Emergencies

Every cell in the body requires a continuous supply of sugar (glucose) to function normally, with a greater demand for glucose accompanying greater exertion. The harder the body, and it's cells work, the more glucose they require. When our body digests food, many of the nutrients are broken down into glucose, which is subsequently absorbed into the blood stream for distribution to the cells. When cells require glucose, the pancreas releases an appropriate amount of insulin to facilitate transporting the approriate amount of glucose from the blood stream into the cells for energy.

Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas is unable to produce either any insulin or enough insulin, or the cells are resistant to insulin as a glucose transporter. In Type I Diabetes, this condition is present from birth or early childhood, while Type II Diabetes develops later in life as an adult. Regardless of whether Type I or Type II Diabetes is present, the essential problem created is an imbalance of glucose and insulin available in the bloodstream compared to cellular demand for energy.

Many people with Diabetes of both types take synthetic insulin by injection, in an attempt to match glucose transport with cellular demand, but this is a very delicate balance requiring precise amounts compared to precise exertion levels. It is very common for someone with Diabetes to end up with blood glucose levels that are too low to support cellular function (Hypoglycemia) or blood glucose levels that are too high (Hyperglycemia) for the body to process efficiently. Of the two potential states, Hypoglycemia generally develops much more rapidly and is more immediately life-threatening. Diabetic Emergency management skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

The relationship between Insulin and Glucose
The relationship between cellular function and blood glucose levels
Type I Diabetes
Type II Diabetes
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of a Diabetic Emergency
How to identify and recognize Hypoglycemia
How to identify and recognize Hyperglycemia
How to administer oral glucose to a patient experiencing confirmed Hypoglycemia
How to provide care for an unresponsive patient with suspected Hypoglycemia
How to provide assessment and care for a patient experiencing a Diabetic Emergency

Seizures

Seizures can occur when the electrical signals travelling through and across the brain start to misfire or get re-routed to unintended destinations. There are many types of medical conditions and injuries that can lead to seizures including Stroke, TIA, Head Injury, Concussion, Epilepsy, Brain Tumors, Diabetes (Hypoglycemia), and Hyperthermia. Basically, anything that disrupts the normal function of the brain can potentially cause a seizure. With pediatric or infant patients in particular, it is very common for a high fever to induce febrile seizures.

Seizures usually take place through several different stages, which may or may not appear distinct and sequential. The "Aura" phase of a seizure most often manifests as strange sensation similar to deja vu, out-of-body or other sensations inconsistent with surroundings. Someone who has experienced a seizure before may recognize the sensations that accompany the aural phase and alert others to the impending event. The Tonic-Clonic phase of a seizure most often involves uncontrolled muscle convulsions and decreased responsiveness which usually last up to a few minutes. During the Tonic-Clonic phase, the seizing patient may also present with irregular breathing due to interference with the muscles involved in respiration, and vomit, foam or saliva accumulating in the mouth which can obstruct the airway. Seizures that last more than a few minutes, or seizures that occur back-to-back with no recovery time in between are referred to as Status Epilepticus and indicate an urgent medical emergency.

When the Tonic-Clonic muscle convulsions cease, the patient usually enters the Post-Ictal phase of the seizure during which they gradually regain consciousness, experience extreme fatigue and may or may not recall the previous moments leading up to and during the event. Some seizures, known as Focal Seizures do not involve muscle convulsions, but instead cause a period of trance-like decreased levels of responsiveness and can be more difficult to assess.

Regardless of the specific cause, your main patient care priorities during the tonic-clonic phase of a seizure involve taking whatever measures are necessary to create and maintain a safe space around the patient to reduce the risk of physical injury caused by the convulsions. In some cases you may need to move the patient away from a set of stairs or body of water to prevent a fall or drowning, but for the most part you will avoid physically contacting or restraining the patient until the seizure has concluded. Seizure management skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

Signs & Symptoms of Seizures
Causes of Seizures
Epileptic Seizures
Status Epilepticus
Phases of a Seizure
Aural Phase of a Seizure
Tonic-Clonic Phase of a Seizure
Post-Ictal Phase of a Seizure
Focal Seizures
First Aid for Seizures
Febrile Seizures
Pediatric patients with high fever
Patient care during a seizure
Airway and respiratory concerns during a seizure

Burn Injuries

Burns are among the most painful type of injury, and are generally classified into 3 categories based on the depth of tissues affected. Superficial/First Degree burns only affect the outer epidermal layer of the skin, and are usually accompanied by painful reddened areas. Partial Thickness/Second Degree burns involve the deeper tissues of the dermis as well as the outer epidermal layers, and are generally identified by pain, blisters, redness and thick peels of skin. Full Thickness/Third Degree burns usually cause blackened, charred skin and tissue which may extend all the way down to the fatty layers, muscles and even bone.

Burns can become immediately life-threatening if they affect the airways and/or impair breathing, which is particularly common with inhalation injuries from being inside a burning building or breathing in chemical fumes. The most commonly life-threatening aspect of burn injuries is the rapid onset of infection and subsequent septic shock. This occurs because the skin which normally protects internal tissues and structures from infection is removed or damaged allowing bacteria to rapidly and overwhelmingly permeate the body's systems.

Some of the most important aspects of providing emergency medical care for burn injuries that you will learn and practice in your MAFA course include ensuring your own safety (in particular when dealing with chemical or electrical burns), cooling the burn to prevent further tissue damage, and protecting the burned areas from infection with dry and sterile/clean dressings. Wet fabric will wick dirt and bacteria through to the tissues, so a burn is not protected unless the coverings are clean and dry.

One of the most effective methods to cool a burn, and therefore prevent the residual heat from creating more extensive burns to the surrounding tissues, is to apply cool, gently flowing sterile water or saline solution over the burned areas. Care must be taken not to further traumatize the damaged tissues, and ensure that the body core temperature is not lowered to a hypothermic state. Once the tissues have been cooled and the residual heat removed, the burn can be covered to prevent infection. BCEHS and BC EMALB stipulate Provincial emergency care regulations which limit the time spent cooling a burn on scene to 3 minutes, with any further cooling conducted in transport as appropriate. Burn Care skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to identify and recognize Superficial (First Degree) burns
How to identify and recognize Partial Thickness (Second Degree) burns
How to identify and recognize Full Thickness (Third Degree) burns
The Rule of Nines for Adult patients
The Rule of Nines for Pediatric patients
Estimating Burn Percentage
Burns requiring urgent transport
Cooling a burn
Covering burns to prevent infection
Burn Dressings
Burn Blankets
Inhalation Injuries
Pain management for burns
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with burns

Traumatic Injuries

Trauma Management includes assessment and care for a wide range of physical injuries which can range from inconvenient and painful to immediately life-threatening. Very often the most urgent and critical aspect of a truamatic injury is not the most visible component, but the underlying interference with normal body system functions, or internal complications that can accompany the obvious physical damage. For example, the puncuture hole of a sucking chest wound may only be a few centimeters in diameter, with relatively minimal external hemhorrage but the increasing amount blood and air becoming trapped inside the pleural cavity of the chest wall create a tension pneumothorax which will eventually prevent the lungs from expanding and restrict heart contractions.

Some of the most common types of traumatic injury that you will learn about and practice treating in your MAFA course include Sucking Chest Wounds, Peumothorax, Hemothorax, Crush Injury, Harness Syndrome, Compartment Syndrome, Pelvic Fracture, Flail Chest, Evisceration, Impaled Objects and Amputations. In almost all instances of these kinds of trauma, the underlying complications are usually more serious than the obvious external physical damage. Most of the immediate care that you provide for patients with truamatic injuries will focus on preventing further harm and mitigating the accompanying life-threatening complications.

You will learn and practice the application of a vented occlusive dressing over a sucking chest wound to mitigate the onset of tension pneumothorax, the application of a pelvic binder/girdle to prevent broken pelvic bones from lacerating abdominal organs during transport. Crush Injury and/or Harness Syndrome require a coordinated and rapid combination of extrication and immediate transport with supplemental intravenous fluids to counteract septic shock, while eviscerations require the application of multiple coverings over the exposed organs with a mix of absorbent, non-stick, moistened, non-permeable and insulatory layers. Traumatic Injury management skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of an Amputation
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with an Amputation
Complete amputations
Partial amputations
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of an Impaled Object
Stabilizing an impaled object in place
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with an Impaled Object
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of a suspected Pelvic Fracture
How to create a pelvic girdle
How to utilize a commercial pelvic binder
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with a suspected Pelvic Fracture
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of an Evisceration
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with an Evisceration
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of a Sucking Chest Wound
Open Pneumothorax
Closed Pneumothorax
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Traumatic Pneumothorax
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with a Tension Pnuemothorax
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of a Tension Pnuemothorax
Tracheal Shift
Jugular Vein Distension
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with fractured ribs
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of fractured ribs
How to provide assessment and care for a patient with a Flail Chest
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of a Flail Chest
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of Crush Injury
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of Harness Syndrome

Opioid Overdose

The ongoing Opioid Overdose Crisis is one of the most lethal, large scale and persistent Canadian public health crises in the past few decades. With the recent deregulation of the Opioid Antagonist drug Naloxone (Narcan), many agencies have made emergency Narcan Overdose/Poisoning kits available to the public and especially the most vulnerable populations. Fentanyl / Carfentanil misuse comprises the vast majority of Opioid overdose and fatalities, but there are many other opiates and harmful drugs as well.

Administering Narcan, in either intramuscular or intrnasal form can temporarily alleviate the most life-threatening aspects of Opioid overdose, such as respiratory arrest and unresponsiveness, but it does not completely remove the poison from the person's system. The opioids will remain in the system after the Naloxone has dissipated, so it is vital that someone receives definitive clinical medical care as soon as possible following the overdose and subsequent Narcan administration.

The signs and symptoms of a patient who is experiencing Opioid Overdose/Poisoning will generally involve the "Toxidrome" of opioid overdose including decreased level of responsiveness, absent or inadequate respirations, and pinpoint pupils. The depressed respirations that typically accompany opioid overdose will also reduce the patient's blood oxygen levels (SpO2) to dangerously low levels. In most cases, you will place a higher priority on securing airway patency, supplementing their oxygen levels and assisting ventilations, or even performing CPR, than the immediate administration of Naloxone.

The administration of Naloxone, once appropriate, may further support these critical interventions by increasing the patient's level of conciousness and/or improving their natural respiration rate, rhythm and character. Although multiple doses of Naloxone, at increasing dosages, may be required for optimal patient care, it is not necessary to completely reverse all the effects of the opoiod or achieve full patient responsiveness, as long as the airway remains clear and adequate respirations resume.

As an Marine Advanced First Aid you are also likely to encounter many other forms of poisoning and overdose such as household products, workplace chemicals, alcholol, barbituates, depressants, and stimulants which are not specifically related to opiates and therefore rendering Naloxone ineffective and contraindicated. Opioid Overdose and Poisoning skills, tools and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

Types of Poisons
Types of Drugs
Types of Chemicals
Household Products
Workplace Chemicals
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Safety Data Sheets
Poison Control Centers
Ingested Poisons
Inhaled Poisons
Injected Poisons
Absorbed Poisons
Substance Misuse
Substance Abuse
Overdose and Poisoning
Fentanyl and Carfentanil
Opioid Overdose Crisis
Deregulation of Naloxone
Public Access NARCAN (Naloxone) Kits
The Toxidrome of Opioid Overdose
How to identify and recognize the general signs and symptoms of a suspected Overdose
How to provide assessment and care for a patient experiencing signs and symptoms indicative of a suspected Overdose
How to identify and recognize the signs and symptoms of an Opioid Overdose
Intramuscular Narcan Administration
Intranasal Naloxone Administration
Narcan / Naloxone doseages
How to identify and recognize the Indications to administer Naloxone (Narcan) to a patient experiencing a suspected Opioid Overdose

Emergency Childbirth

Childbirth is a natural event which most often takes place as planned and predicted, without complications. However, when childbirth occurs ahead of schedule, unexpectedly, or under exigent circumstances, it can become one of the most stressful yet rewarding types of medical emergency you respond to as a paramedic or firefighter. Your MAFA course and materials provides you with a basic understanding of childbirth, and how to provide medical assistance to the mother during labour and the birthing process.

You'll learn about pregnancy, and the stages of labour and childbirth, as well as universal steps to assist with delivery and make the mother, family members and newborn as comfortable and safe as possible throughout the birthing process. In the event of complications, you'll be familiar the most common underlying conditions which precipitate emergencies during the childbirthing process and which interventions are appropriate for each circumstance. Some of the most common pregnancy complications include spontaneous abortion, premature labour, ectopic pregnancy, and third trimester bleeding, and common childbirth complications include prolapsed cord, breech birth, limb presentation, and multiple births.

Once the newborn has been delivered, you will utilize the APGAR neonatal assessment system and provide any addtional care or intervention as required. In the event that a newborn (neonate) has a brachial pulse rate of less than 60 bpm, you will start CPR without an AED. The placenta will arrive within a few minutes of the infant, and should be kept warm and handled gently. The mother will also require care including interventions any ongoing or excessive hemorrhage. Emergency Childbirth tools, skills and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

Complications of Pregnancy
Signs & Symptoms of Spontaneous Abortion
Signs & Symptoms of Premature Labour
Signs & Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy
Signs & Symptoms of Third Trimester Bleeding
The stages of Labour
How to assess the stages of Labour
Signs & Symptoms of Braxton Hicks Contractions
Labour Stage One (Preparation)
Labour Stage Two (Newborn Delivery)
Labour Stage Three (Placenta Delivery)
Labour Stage Four (Stabilization)
The stages of the Birth Process
How to assist with delivery of a baby
Medical Complications of Emergency Childbirth
Signs, Symptoms and Complications of Prolapsed Cord
Signs, Symptoms and Complications of Breech Birth
Signs, Symptoms and Complications of Limb Presentation
Signs, Symptoms and Complications of Multiple Births
Signs, Symptoms and Complications of Postpartum Bleeding
How to provide medical care for a Neonate
How to assess a Neonate using the APGAR systam
Assessing Neonatal Alertness
Assessing Neonatal Pulse
Assessing Neonatal Grimace
Assessing Neonatal Appearance
Assessing Neonatal Respiration
How to provide medical care for the Mother of a newborn
Midwives and Doulas
Planned and Unplanned Home Births

Medical Triage

Although the phrases Multiple/Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) and Triage are often used interchangeably, they are distinct and separate terms. A multiple casualty incident describes any situation where two or more patients are injured, sick or otherwise require medical attention at the same time in the same vicinity. Vehicle accidents (particularly those involving passenger vehicles), hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, building collapse, and chemical, biological radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE) incidents are examples of circumstances that commonly create multiple casualty incidents. When patients/casualties outnumber available medical responders, Triage becomes necessary to avoid spending more time with any one patient than is absolutely necessary.

Triage is any rapid and efficient process of assessing multiple patients and quickly determining which require immediate care, which can wait, and which are already beyond saving. Most triage systems utilize a standardized color coding to identify four standardized patient categories. The color "Black" is utilized to identify patients who are already deceased or whose injuries are incompatible with life and will obviously outperform the available resources. The color "Red" is utilized to identify patients with immediately life-threatening injuries or conditions and for whom the application of critical interventions will create a more favourable outcome. The color "Yellow" is utilized to identify patients with injuries that are not immediately life-threatening but render the person unable/unsafe to move or walk without assistance. The color "Green" is utilized to identify patients who are uninjured, or whose injuries are not life-threatening and do not impede self-ambulation.

Color coding can be applied using a wide range of tools including markers, pre-coded tags, color coded flagging tape, color coded tarps, or spray paint to name a few. The assessment process utilized to rapidly determine which patient's are in which category is usually a variation of the primary assessment model, with strong emphasis on speed and efficency. In some cases, just calling out to a crowd and asking everyone who is capable to walk to a "Green" area may save time assessing patients without life-threatening injuries. In order to be effective, Triage depends on making instant decisions and spending only enough time with any given patient to ensure that they can sustain life a while longer. The more time that is spent on one patient, the longer another waits without assessment or treatment of any kind. It's important to keep in mind that Triage decisions are always extremely subjective and extended debate about any one decision defeats the purpose. It is also vital to maintain situational awareness and remain alert to new or unseen hazards related to the underlying causes of the multiple casualty incident. Multiple Casualty Incident and Triage tools, skills and principles covered in your Canadian Red Cross Marine Advanced First Aid course and materials include...

Factors in Multiple Casualty Incidents
When patients outnumber rescuers
When to initiate Triage
Assigning a Triage Officer
The START system of Triage
Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START)
Triage Assessment Model
Colour Coding Tools
How to identify triage patients who are deceased or beyond saving
How to identify triage patients with immediately life-threatening injuries or conditions
How to identify triage patients with non-life-threatening injuries
How to identify triage patients who are unable to move themselves safely
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive (CBRNE) events
Emergency Wash-Down Procedures
Incident Command System (ICS)
Incident Management System (IMS)
Multi-Agency Responses

Occupational Stress Injury

Nobody would dispute that professional football and hockey players are exposed to exponentially more physical trauma on a daily basis than the average person. Correspondingly, these elite athletes also incur physical injuries at greater freqency and of greater severity than most. Therefore, professional athletes adopt disciplined regimens of preventative physical training and immediately seek physical therapy to restore normal function when injuries occur, in order to secure a long and healthy career. A professional athlete is not disqualified from competing simply because their bones are not unbreakable, nor are they stigmatized for sensibly seeking expert medical treatment to heal.

Professional medical responders must acknowledge that they are similarly exposed to exaggerated levels of emotional and psychological trauma, and take the same attitude and approach as professional athletes do towards prevention, treatment and self-care. Having frequent, normalized conversations about the normal reactions to abnormal situations and circumstances that Marine Advanced First Aids are exposed to on a regular basis, which challenge deeply held values, should be no different than discussing a broken ankle or sprained knee. Emergency responders should not expect themselves or others to be immune to the effects of mental stress any more than a football player is expected to have unbreakable bones.

Long term psychological health can be facilitated by adopting an overall healthy lifestyle that includes regular and sufficient sleep, proper nutrition and regular exercise accompanied by as much time as possible doing enjoyable activities with friends and family. It will also likely be necessary to acknowledge the presence of Occupational Stress Injury (OSI) and seek whatever professional resources are necessary to prevent long-term disability. You cannot take proper care of your patients (at least not for long) if you do not take responsiblity for and proper care of your own physical and mental health. A lifestyle that promotes long-term mental and physical wellness includes...

Healthy eating habits that include a sensible balance of nutritional and dietary needs
A structured and disciplined approach to sufficient sleep cycles
Regular exercise and activities which build strength and endurance
Normalized ongoing conversations about exposure to abnormal circumstances
Ample and time with friends and family spent on enjoyable activities
Maintaining current training and education to ensure you are performing your duties responsibly
Ongoing education about Occupational Stress Injury (OSI)
Professional counseling or medical assistance when needed
Acceptance that you are not immune to stress
Acceptance that recovery may not occur as quickly as you like
Acceptance that everyone reacts differently to the same circumstances and that all reactions are "normal".
Self-awareness of the signs and symptoms of cumulative or acute Occupational Stress Injury (OSI)
Continuous and ongoing access to local, Provincial, Federal or employer specific Occupational Stress Injury resources

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