Health & Social Care

    First Aid Awards Ltd
    Vocational

    Specification: 600/1852/5

    The FIRST-AID-AWARDS-LTD Vocational Health & Social Care specification covers 26 topics with 58 learning objectives (600/1852/5). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    26

    Units

    58

    Learning Outcomes

    127

    Assessment Guidance

    142

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Forgetting to check for danger or not wearing gloves, thus compromising personal safety.
    • •Performing abdominal thrusts on a conscious casualty without confirming partial airway blockage.
    • •Applying a tourniquet for minor bleeding instead of direct pressure and elevation.
    • •Failing to roll an unresponsive, breathing casualty into the recovery position after the primary survey.
    • •Not monitoring the casualty’s breathing and circulation continuously while awaiting emergency services.
    • •Assuming minor injuries like grazes do not require cleaning and covering to prevent infection.
    • •Confusing mental health with mental illness, leading to an assumption that all mention of mental health implies a diagnosed condition.
    • •Exceeding the first aider role by attempting to diagnose or provide ongoing counselling, rather than focusing on immediate support and appropriate referral.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •In the practical assessment, verbalize your actions as you perform them to demonstrate your thought process to the examiner.
    • •Ensure you carry out all scene safety checks at the start of every scenario; this is a core pass/fail criterion.
    • •Practice correct hand positioning and rate for CPR regularly to build muscle memory for the assessment.
    • •For choking, clearly state the steps of the protocol: assess severity, back blows, abdominal thrusts, and when to call for help.
    • •Read scenario questions carefully in the theory test; key words indicate the type of injury and required response.
    • •In bleeding and wound care, always follow infection control procedures—gloving is essential to meet assessment standards.
    • •Familiarise yourself with the first aid action plan for mental health (e.g., ALGEE: Approach, Listen, Give support, Encourage professional help, Encourage other supports) and apply it to scenario-based questions.
    • •Use clear, practical examples to illustrate how you would provide support, such as opening a conversation with 'I've noticed you seem overwhelmed—would you like to talk about it?'

    Qualification Units

    26 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    Emergency First Aid in the Workplace

    This element covers the foundational emergency first aid skills required in the workplace, including scene assessment, primary survey, and immediate care for life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, choking, severe bleeding, and shock. Learners will develop the competence to manage an unresponsive casualty, apply basic life support, and treat minor injuries, while understanding their legal and ethical responsibilities as a first aider in line with organisational policies and the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

    FAA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work, FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

    14 learning outcomes22 guidance points2 criteria

    Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health

    This element provides foundational knowledge on mental health, including its definition, causes, and the pivotal role of a Mental Health First Aider in providing initial support and guiding individuals toward professional help. Learners develop practical skills in offering non-judgemental advice, recognising stress, and identifying a range of mental health conditions, enabling early intervention. The focus is on promoting wellbeing and reducing stigma within workplace or community settings.

    FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Health and Safety in the Workplace

    This element explores the fundamental components of workplace health and safety, including legal duties of employers and employees, the systematic process of risk assessment, methods for controlling common hazards, and protocols for responding to accidents and incidents. It aims to embed a proactive safety culture by equipping learners with the knowledge to identify and mitigate risks effectively.

    FAA Level 2 Award In Health and Safety in the Workplace

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    First Aid for Youth Mental Health

    This unit introduces learners to the fundamental principles of mental health, focusing on the unique factors influencing young people's mental wellbeing and the role of a youth mental health first aider. It equips candidates with practical skills to recognise and manage stress, identify common mental health conditions in youth, and apply a structured first aid action plan. The emphasis is on early intervention, non-judgmental support, and signposting to professional help, ensuring learners can offer immediate and appropriate assistance in a youth mental health crisis.

    FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Manual handling safety at work

    This element covers the essential knowledge and practical skills required for safe manual handling in the workplace. It addresses the legal and ergonomic reasons for proper handling techniques, the role of risk assessments in preventing injuries, and the principles of using mechanical aids and equipment. Learners must also demonstrate the ability to apply these principles to real-world scenarios, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

    FAA Level 2 Award in Manual Handling - Principles and Practice

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Basic Life Support, Automated External Defibrillation and the Management of Anaphylaxis for Adults, Children and Infants

    This unit provides learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills to assess emergency situations safely and deliver immediate life-saving interventions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and the management of anaphylaxis for adult, child, and infant casualties. It emphasises the correct sequence of actions, the differences between age groups, and the importance of prompt, confident application in real-world emergencies to improve survival outcomes.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Basic Life Support, Automated External Defibrillation and the Management of Anaphylaxis for Adults, Children and Infants

    1 learning outcomes14 guidance points

    Basic Life Support and Using an Automated External Defibrillator

    This subtopic focuses on the systematic approach to managing an unresponsive casualty, distinguishing between normal and absent breathing. Learners must demonstrate competence in performing basic life support, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the safe, effective use of an automated external defibrillator in line with current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.

    FAA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Emergency Paediatric First Aid

    This element equips the paediatric first aider with essential skills to manage life-threatening emergencies involving infants and children. It covers the systematic assessment of an incident, including scene safety and primary survey, alongside interventions for the unresponsive, choking, bleeding, shock, and minor injuries. Mastery ensures prompt, safe, and effective care prior to the arrival of emergency services.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid, FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid

    2 learning outcomes22 guidance points2 criteria

    Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation Skills

    This subtopic covers the practical skills and theoretical understanding required to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) effectively during a cardiac emergency. It focuses on mastering basic life support (BLS) protocols, safe AED operation, post-resuscitation care, and equipment maintenance, ensuring learners can respond confidently to real-life situations in line with current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines.

    FAA Level 2 Award In Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Student First Aid

    This element equips students with the critical skills to assess first aid incidents and deliver immediate care for unresponsive casualties, choking victims, and common injuries. It focuses on practical competence, ensuring learners can apply life-saving techniques confidently in real-world educational settings.

    FAA Level 2 Award in Student First Aid

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Outdoor Emergency Action

    This element focuses on the specialist skills required to manage first aid emergencies in remote outdoor settings where professional medical assistance may be significantly delayed. Learners develop the ability to assess incidents, interpret vital signs, and deliver life-saving interventions for unresponsive, non-breathing, choking, and bleeding casualties whilst adapting to environmental challenges and limited resources.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency Outdoor First Aid, FAA Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid

    2 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

    Awareness of Safeguarding

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental principles of safeguarding, including the legislative framework that underpins protective practices in health and social care settings. It explores the various forms of abuse and neglect, the signs that may indicate harm, and the roles of professionals in responding to concerns. The practical application centres on equipping individuals with the knowledge to recognise safeguarding issues and take appropriate initial actions to protect vulnerable people.

    FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of Safeguarding

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    First Aid for Mental Health

    This subtopic provides learners with the essential knowledge and skills to act as a first aider for mental health, including recognizing a range of mental health conditions, providing immediate support, and guiding a person towards professional help. It emphasizes the practical application of a structured first aid action plan within a workplace setting to promote mental wellbeing and early intervention.

    FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health

    1 learning outcomes4 guidance points

    Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation for Adults, Children and Infants

    This unit equips learners with the critical skills to assess emergency situations safely and provide basic life support, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation, tailored to adults, children, and infants. Practical application involves recognising the differences in technique required for each age group and responding effectively to unresponsive casualties, whether they are breathing normally or not.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation for Adults, Children and Infants

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Basic Life Support

    This element focuses on the core skills of basic life support, including the safe assessment of an emergency situation, the management of an unresponsive casualty through CPR and recovery position, and the emergency treatment of choking. Learners must demonstrate practical competence in these life-saving techniques to ensure they can be applied effectively in real-world scenarios.

    FAA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Basic Life Support, Automated External Defibrillation and the Management of Anaphylaxis

    This element focuses on the practical skills required to manage life-threatening emergencies: safely assessing the scene, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with automated external defibrillator (AED) use for non-breathing casualties, placing breathing unresponsive casualties in the recovery position, and administering adrenaline for anaphylaxis. Mastery of these skills directly translates to competent, timely response that can sustain life until advanced medical care arrives.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Basic Life Support, Automated External Defibrillation and the Management of Anaphylaxis

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Supervising First Aid for Mental Health

    This element equips supervisors with the knowledge and skills to recognise mental health conditions, provide initial support, and foster a positive mental health culture. It covers the first aid action plan, stress management, and the impact of substance abuse, preparing learners to support colleagues and signpost to professional help effectively.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Principles of safeguarding and protecting children, young people or vulnerable adults

    This element covers the essential principles underpinning safeguarding and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults in workplace settings. It equips learners with the knowledge to recognize signs of abuse, respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns, and understand their legal and ethical responsibilities to create a safer environment.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Administration of oxygen therapy

    This subtopic covers the safe and effective administration of emergency oxygen therapy, focusing on the practical application of guidelines such as those from the Resuscitation Council (UK) and the British Thoracic Society. Learners must understand indications for oxygen use, appropriate delivery devices, flow rates, and monitoring to manage hypoxia in acute settings while avoiding hyperoxia and other complications.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Oxygen Therapy Administration

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    First Aid Essentials

    This unit provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective first aid in active environments. Learners explore the legal and ethical responsibilities of a first aider, systematic incident assessment, and the treatment of life-threatening conditions including unresponsiveness, choking, and catastrophic bleeding. Mastery of these essentials ensures safe and confident intervention during the critical minutes before professional help arrives.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Activity First Aid

    7 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation

    This element equips learners with the essential skills to safely assess emergency situations, deliver effective basic life support including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) on unresponsive casualties. It encompasses protocols for both non-breathing and breathing unconscious individuals, emphasizing rapid intervention, teamwork, and compliance with current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines. Mastery of these competencies is critical for preserving life and preventing deterioration in pre-hospital settings across various health and social care environments.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Recognition and management of anaphylaxis

    This subtopic equips learners with the competence to promptly identify anaphylaxis through key indicators such as acute respiratory compromise, skin changes, and cardiovascular instability, and to deliver immediate, life-saving interventions. Practical application involves systematic casualty assessment, administration of adrenaline using auto-injectors, and provision of basic life support including CPR and recovery positioning, all while coordinating emergency medical services. Mastery ensures the learner can confidently manage an anaphylactic emergency in any context, from first response to handover to professional healthcare providers.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Immediate Management of Anaphylaxis

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Managing paediatric illness, injuries and emergencies

    This element equips learners with the essential first aid skills required to recognise and manage a wide range of paediatric illnesses, injuries, and emergencies. It covers the immediate care principles for fractures, head and spinal trauma, sensory organ conditions, acute medical episodes, thermal extremes, electric shock, burns, poisoning, and anaphylaxis in infants and children. Practical application focuses on safe, prompt, and appropriate interventions that preserve life, prevent deterioration, and promote recovery while awaiting professional medical assistance.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid

    1 learning outcomes18 guidance points

    Recognition and Management of Illness and Injury in the Workplace

    This subtopic equips learners with the essential skills to conduct a secondary survey and provide appropriate first aid for a range of workplace injuries and illnesses, including fractures, head and spinal trauma, chest injuries, burns, eye injuries, poisoning, anaphylaxis, and major illnesses such as heart attack and stroke. Mastery ensures effective casualty assessment, prioritisation of life-threatening conditions, and competent application of first aid techniques to preserve life and prevent deterioration until professional help arrives.

    FAA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Management of Illness and Injuries in Activities

    This element provides comprehensive training in conducting a secondary survey and delivering appropriate first aid for a spectrum of activity-related injuries and illnesses, including musculoskeletal trauma, head and spinal injuries, and environmental conditions. Learners develop practical skills for immediate and interim care in dynamic, often remote settings, bridging the gap until professional medical assistance arrives. Mastery of these competencies is essential for safe and effective incident management across a range of outdoor and activity-based environments.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Activity First Aid

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Outdoor Incident Management

    This unit focuses on managing first aid incidents in remote or outdoor settings, where professional medical help may be delayed and environmental factors critically influence casualty outcomes. Learners will develop the skills to systematically assess scenes, prioritize casualties, and provide prolonged care for a range of injuries and conditions including fractures, head injuries, hypothermia, and heatstroke, adapting standard protocols to adverse terrain and weather.

    FAA Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid

    7 learning outcomes11 guidance points

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