Health & Social Care

    SIAS
    Vocational

    Specification: 610/5634/0

    The SIAS Vocational Health & Social Care specification covers 2 topics with 23 learning objectives (610/5634/0). 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.

    2

    Units

    23

    Learning Outcomes

    18

    Assessment Guidance

    19

    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 assess for danger before approaching the casualty, compromising personal safety.
    • •Confusing the sequence of DRABC, particularly missing the ‘C’ for circulation in a primary survey.
    • •Applying abdominal thrusts to a choking casualty who is coughing effectively, rather than encouraging them to cough.
    • •Failing to maintain airway patency when placing a casualty in the recovery position, e.g., not tilting the head back sufficiently.
    • •Using a tourniquet as a first-line treatment for bleeding, when direct pressure is the recommended method.
    • •Mismanaging shock by sitting the casualty upright or giving them food/drink, which can worsen their condition.
    • •Failing to check for responsiveness by shouting and gently shaking the casualty’s shoulders
    • •Performing chest compressions too slowly or too shallowly, often due to fear of causing harm

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •In practical assessments, verbalise your actions clearly (e.g., 'I am checking for dangers') to demonstrate your thought process.
    • •For written questions on roles and responsibilities, remember to reference key legislation and your organisation’s policies.
    • •When demonstrating CPR, ensure you compress to the correct depth (5–6 cm) and allow full chest recoil, as this is a critical assessment criterion.
    • •Always state the need to call for emergency help (999/112) as early as possible in any scenario where the casualty’s condition is serious or deteriorating.
    • •For choking scenarios, distinguish between mild and severe obstruction and describe the appropriate response for each.
    • •During practical assessments, narrate each step of the DRABC approach to evidence your knowledge
    • •Memorise current Resuscitation Council UK guidelines, particularly the 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio
    • •For choking, clearly state whether the casualty is conscious or unconscious, as this determines the intervention

    Qualification Units

    2 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

    The SIAS Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work equips learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills to manage emergency situations in the workplace. It covers the legal frameworks, roles, and responsibilities of a first aider, alongside the assessment and treatment of casualties presenting with conditions such as unresponsiveness, choking, bleeding, shock, and minor injuries. Successful completion ensures learners can act confidently and competently as a designated workplace first aider.

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

    15 learning outcomes22 guidance points2 criteria

    Recognition and Management of Illness and Injury in the Workplace

    This subtopic equips first aiders with the practical skills to conduct a secondary survey and manage a range of workplace injuries and acute illnesses. It covers recognition and immediate care for musculoskeletal trauma, head and spinal injuries, chest wounds, burns, eye damage, poisoning, anaphylaxis, and major medical emergencies such as heart attack or stroke. Emphasis is placed on systematic assessment, safe intervention, and timely escalation to emergency services.

    SIAS Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work

    8 learning outcomes15 guidance points

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    Health & Social Care SIAS Vocational Topics & Revision