QA Guide To Assessing First Aid Qualifications

Qualsafe Awards
Guide to Assessing
First Aid Qualifications
QA-GTAFA-V19 April 2018 Copyright © 2018 Qualsafe Awards. All rights reserved
Contents
1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 03
2 Qualification assessment.............................................................................................. 04
3 Practical assessment........................................................................................................ 09
4 Multiple Learner practical assessment papers:
4a Unconscious casualty practical assessment.............................................................................12
4b CPR practical assessments.................................................................................................................13
4c Use of AED practical assessment...................................................................................................14
4d Choking casualty & Choking casualty
(paediatric) practical assessments................................................................................................15
4e Choking casualty and recovery position
practical assessment.............................................................................................................................15
4f Wounds, bleeding and shock & Paediatric
wounds, bleeding and shock practical assessment...............................................................16
4g Catastrophic bleeding (+F) practical assessment..................................................................17
4h Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra)
practical assessment.............................................................................................................................18
4i Secondary survey practical assessment......................................................................................19
4j Management of fractures & Management of
paediatric fractures practical assessments...............................................................................21
5 Qualifications with individual Learner practical assessment papers:

5a QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of
an Automated External Defibrillator (RQF)..............................................................................21
5b QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support for
Adults and Children (RQF)..................................................................................................................23
5c QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and
Management of Anaphylaxis...........................................................................................................24
5d QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF).................................25
5e QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (Annual Refresher) (RQF)............................25
5f Safe Use of an Auntomated External Defibrillator (QAR)................................................26
6 Multiple choice question paper/theory assessments..................................... 27

7 Access to assessment....................................................................................................... 27
8 Unforeseen circumstances............................................................................................ 27
9 Conflict of interest............................................................................................................. 28
10 Further information....................................................................................................... 28
QA-GTAFA-V19 April 2018 Copyright © 2018 Qualsafe Awards. All rights reserved
Qualsafe Awards
Guide to Assessing First Aid Qualifications
1 Introduction
Welcome to the Qualsafe Awards (QA) Guide to Assessing First Aid Qualifications.
This guide provides details of the practical assessment processes used in for the QA First Aid suite of
qualifications and includes:
• General guidance for practical assessments
• Information about multiple Learner practical assessment papers
• Information about individual Learner practical assessment papers
• Further information
Trainers should refer to the QA Multiple Choice Question Paper Guidelines for full guidance on invigilating
theory assessments.
The qualifications include:
• QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)
• QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
• QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF)
• QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
• QA Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
• QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (Annual Refresher) (RQF)
• QA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF)
• QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF)
• QA Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials (RQF)
• QA Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation (RQF)
• QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (RQF)
• QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (RQF)
• QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Management of Anaphylaxis (RQF)
• Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (QAR)
QA-GTAFA-V19 April 2018 Copyright © 2018 Qualsafe Awards. All rights reserved 3
Qualsafe Awards
2 Qualification assessment
This section shows the assessments required for QA’s first aid qualifications. Before delivering any
qualification, you should make sure you read all the relevant sections of this guide as shown in the
tables below and fully understand the elements to assess.
QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)

(18 hour over a minimum of 3 day course
First Aid at Work
or 2 day requalifying course – 2 units)
Unit Assessments required Section to read
Unconscious casualty 3 and 4a
CPR and safe use of an AED 3 and 4b
Choking casualty 3 and 4d
Emergency
First Aid in the Wounds, bleeding and shock 3 and 4f
Workplace
Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra) 3 and 4h
Multiple choice question paper – theory 6
Additional information 7 to 10
Secondary survey 3 and 4i
Recognition and
Management of Management of fractures 3 and 4j
Illness and Injury Multiple choice question paper – theory 6
in the Workplace
QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)

Emergency First Aid at Work (6 hour over a minimum of 1 day course – 1 unit)

CPR and safe use of AED 3 and 4b
Emergency
First Aid in the Wounds, bleeding and shock 3 and 4f
Workplace
Qualsafe Awards
QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

Paediatric First Aid (12 hour over a minimum of 2 day course – 2 units)

Child CPR and safe use of an AED 3 and 4b
Infant CPR and safe use of an AED 3 and 4b
Emergency Choking casualty (paediatric) 3 and 4d
Paediatric First
Aid Paediatric wounds, bleeding and shock 3 and 4f
Managing Management of paediatric fractures 3 and 4j

Paediatric Illness,
Injuries and Multiple choice question paper – theory 6
Emergencies Additional information 7 to 10
QA Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

Emergency Paediatric First Aid (6 hour over a minimum of 1 day course – 1 unit)

Child CPR and safe use of an AED 3 and 4b
Infant CPR and safe use of an AED 3 and 4b

Emergency Choking casualty (paediatric) 3 and 4d
Paediatric First
Aid Paediatric wounds, bleeding and shock 3 and 4f
Qualsafe Awards
QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF)

Activity First Aid (12 hour over a minimum of 2 day course – 2 units)

CPR and safe use of an AED (FAE) 3 and 4b

First Aid
Wounds, bleeding and shock 3 and 4f
Essentials
Secondary survey 3 and 4i

Management of Management of fractures 3 and 4j
Illness and Injury
in Activities Multiple choice question paper – theory 6
QA Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials (RQF)

First Aid Essentials (6 hour over a minimum of 1 day course – 1 units)

CPR and safe use of an AED (FAE) 3 and 4b
First Aid Essentials Wounds, bleeding and shock 3 and 4f
QA Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated

External Debibrillation (RQF)
CPR and AED (6 hours over a minimum of 1 day course – 1 units)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/AED) 3 and 4b
Cardiopulmonary Use of AED 3 and 4c
Resuscitation and
Choking casualty and recovery position 3 and 4e
Automated External
Defibrillation Skills Multiple choice question paper – theory 6
Qualsafe Awards
QA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF)

Forestry First Aid +F (2 hour course – 1 unit)

Catastrophic bleeding (+F) 3 and 4g
Forestry First
Aid +F
QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated
External Defibrillator (RQF)
BLS and Using an AED (3 to 5 hours over a minimum of half day course – 1 unit)

CPR 3, 5a and 4b
Basic Life Support
and Using an Use of AED (BLS/AED) 3 and 5a
Automated External Recovery position 3 and 5a
Defibrillator
Additional information 7 and 10
QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (RQF)
(3 to 4 hour over a minimum of
BLS for Adults and Children
half day course – 1 unit)
CPR and safe use of an AED 3, 5b and 4b
Child CPR and safe use of an AED 3, 5b and 4b
Basic Life Support Infant CPR and safe use of an AED 3, 5b and 4b
for Adults and
Children Choking casualty (BLSA&C) 3, 5b and 4d
Unconscious casualty (BLSA&C) 3 and 5b
QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Management of

Anaphylaxis (RQF)
(3 to 5 hour over a minimum of
BLS and Anaphylaxis
half day course – 1 unit)

CPR and safe use of an AED 3, 5c and 4b
Basic Life Support Management of anaphylaxis 3 and 5c
and Management
of Anaphylaxis Recovery position 3 and 5c
Qualsafe Awards
QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

FAW Annual Refresher (3 hour course)

CPR and safe use of an AED 3, 5d and 4b
Unconscious casualty 3, 5d and 4a
Annual Refresher Choking casualty 3, 5d and 4d
Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra) 3 and 5d
QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

Paeditric FA Annual Refresher (3 hour course)

Child CPR and safe use of an AED 3, 5e and 4b
Infant CPR and safe use of an AED 3, 5e and 4b
Unconscious casualty (paediatric) 3, 5e and 4a
Annual Refresher
Choking casualty (paediatric) 3, 5e and 4d
Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra) 3 and 5e
Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (QAR)

Safe Use of an AED (3 hour course)

CPR 3, 5f and 4b
Safe Use of
Use of AED 3 and 5f
an AED
Qualsafe Awards
3 Practical assessments
Apply the following general rules for all practical assessments:
• Assessment papers:

o Prior to each course, download the relevant assessment papers from the Customer Portal
o For qualifications with practical assessments and multiple choice question paper/theory
assessments, use multiple Learner practical assessment papers to record results for up to 12
Learners on 1 paper. You can ask Learners to fill in their own name, this should be in full
and legible
o For qualifications with practical assessments that do not have a multiple choice question paper/
theory assessments or those with multiple assessments on the same paper, use an individual
Learner practical assessment paper showing a unique Learner number to record results of 1
Learner on 1 paper
• Assessments:
o The Trainer may assess Learners as they demonstrate the technique in an informal group
environment, but the Learner should be aware they are being formally assessed and carry out the
skills unprompted

o The Trainer must give clear guidance before the assessment and feedback at the end
o Only cover the elements on the assessment papers. Trainers must not create their own questions
or scenarios
o Allow the Learner to carry out the task uninterrupted unless the Trainer needs to prevent injury. If
a Learner does something potentially dangerous (e.g. that could result in injury), the Trainer should
stop the Learner immediately, explain the problem and refer the Learner to retake the assessment
from the start
o It is important that no Learner is turned away from a training course due to any barrier to
assessment, e.g. physical or mental impairment, learning difficulties, see Section 7 Access to
assessment. To assess competence and gain certification however, the Learner will need to
demonstrate certain practical skills, e.g. demonstrating the treatment of a casualty who is on the
floor. The Learner does not necessarily have to kneel on the floor to achieve this, but must perform
the required skills without assistance from a third party
• Completing assessment papers see Sample practical assessment paper and Sample incorrectly
completed practical assessment paper below, the Trainer must make valid, fair and reliable
assessment decisions, with an appropriate evidence trail, by:

o Inserting a tick to show the Learner has passed that action

o Leave the box blank to show the Learner has not passed that action
o Circle ‘P’ for Pass or ‘R’ for Referral

o Sign the declaration to confirm that the Learners have been assessed against the required
assessment criteria
Note: To generate a credible piece of assessment evidence, Trainers must complete all these actions to
meet regulatory requirements for authenticity and reliability of the assessment. It is not acceptable
to leave all boxes blank and just circle ‘pass’. Incorrect completion of assessment papers may result in
a sanction being placed on your Centre and/or removal of Direct Claims Status (DCS).
• Refer a Learner who fails an assessment, the Trainer should give the Learner feedback on their
performance and assess them again. There is no limit to the amount of attempts but if the Learner
does not pass during the allocated time, give them the chance to come back on another course to
retake the assessment. There is a maximum period for achieving a qualification as shown in the
appropriate qualification specification. The Learner does not need to retake the course again (unless
they want to); they just need to retake the referred assessment. Contact QA if further information
is needed
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Sample practical assessment paper
Practical assessment: CPR and safe use of an AED

Learner’s name:
Learners’ names
The Learner must demonstrate all essential

actions to pass, (shown in bold and highlighted
David St Helen
Mary Hornby
with an asterisk*).
Hamish McDonald
Abdul Mohammed
Craig Smith
Other items are very desirable. The Learner
Juan Carlos
must not miss more than 3 very desirable
Sue Pickering
actions to pass.
Sequence:
Checks for further danger* √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Learners all did this
action correctly so
Response – gently shakes and shouts* √ √ √ √ √ √ √ you tick boxes
Opens airway – head tilt, chin lift* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Checks for normal breathing (max 10 secs)* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Calls 999/112 and sends for defibrillator/AED* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Positions hands in centre of chest* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Depresses chest – 5 to 6 cm* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Gives 30 compressions (approx) √ √ √ √ √ √
Rate of 100 to 120 per minute (approx)* √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Two Learners did
not pass these
Gives 2 rescue breaths (max 2 attempts) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ actions, so you do
not tick these boxes
Repeats cycles of 30:2 (approx)* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
At least 50% of breaths make the chest rise* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Places AED pads in correct position* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Follows AED instructions* √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Knows to change rescuers every 2 mins √ √ √ √ √ √
Knows to continue until:
1) Rescuer becomes exhausted

√ √ √ √ √ √ √
2) Casualty is definitely waking up, moving,
opening eyes and breathing normally √ √ √ √ √ √ √
3) A health professional tells you to stop √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Ask the Learner how to treat agonal gasps?*
Knows to give CPR and safe use of an AED √ √ √ √ √ √ √
All Learners passed,
so you circle each P
Please circle P for Pass or R for Referral: P P P P P P P P P P P P P
R R R R R R R R R R R R R
Trainer use
Centre name Best Ever First Aid Training Date 13/01/2018
I confirm I have assessed these Learners against the actions on this practical assessment paper in accordance with the QA
Ann Supertrainer
Guide to Assessing First aid Qualifications.
Trainer’s name Ann Supertrainer Trainer’s signature
A-CPR-SUOAED-SPA-V1 April 2018 Copyright © 2018 Qualsafe Awards Ltd. All rights reserved
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Sample incorrectly completed practical assessment paper
Practical assessment: CPR and safe use of an AED

Learner’s name:
This is NOT
acceptable, it
does not include
The Learner must demonstrate all essential Learners’ surnames/
actions to pass, (shown in bold and highlighted
David St Helen
full names so they
Mary Hornby
with an asterisk*). cannot be properly
Abdul Mohammed
identified
Craig Smith
Other items are very desirable. The Learner
Juan Carlos
must not miss more than 3 very desirable
actions to pass. Hamish
Sue
Sequence:
Checks for further danger*
Response – gently shakes and shouts*
Opens airway – head tilt, chin lift*
Checks for normal breathing (max 10 secs)*
Calls 999/112 and sends for defibrillator/AED*
Positions hands in centre of chest*
Depresses chest – 5 to 6 cm*
Gives 30 compressions (approx)
Rate of 100 to 120 per minute (approx)* This is NOT

acceptable, it is
Gives 2 rescue breaths (max 2 attempts)
highly unlikely that all
Repeats cycles of 30:2 (approx)* Learnerrs would pass
all the actions. You
At least 50% of breaths make the chest rise* tick each box to show
if that Learner has
Places AED pads in correct position*
passed that action
Follows AED instructions*
Knows to change rescuers every 2 mins
Knows to continue until:
1) Rescuer becomes exhausted

2) Casualty is definitely waking up, moving,
opening eyes and breathing normally
3) A health professional tells you to stop
Ask the Learner how to treat agonal gasps?* This is NOT
Knows to give CPR and safe use of an AED acceptable, it does
not show which
Please circle P for Pass or R for Referral: P P P P P P P P P P Learners
P Ppassed, P
you must circle
R R R R R R R R R R each
R P orRR to R
show
individual results
Trainer use
Centre name Best Ever First Aid Training Date 13/01/2018
I confirm I have assessed these Learners against the actions on this practical assessment paper in accordance with the QA
Ann Supertrainer
Guide to Assessing First aid Qualifications.
Trainer’s name Ann Supertrainer Trainer’s signature
A-CPR-SUOAED-SPA-V1 April 2018 Copyright © 2018 Qualsafe Awards Ltd. All rights reserved
Qualsafe Awards
4 Multiple Learner practical assessment papers

This section is divided into subsections showing the practical assessments for assessment papers to
record multiple Learners’ actions.
4a Unconscious casualty practical assessment
This assessment is required in:
Also included in multiple assessment papers, see Section 5 for:
Record the Learner’s actions on the appropriate practical assessment paper.
The Trainer may assess Learners as they demonstrate the technique in an informal group environment,
but the Learner should be aware they are being formally assessed and carry out the skills unprompted.
Scenario
For an adult and child, the assessment must start with the unconscious casualty laid on the floor, on
their back with their arms at their sides and legs straight. There should be ample space for the Learner
to kneel at the side of the casualty. Do not position the casualty in any other position.
The Learner does not necessarily have to kneel on the floor, but must perform the required skills without
assistance from a third party.
The Learner must demonstrate conducting a primary survey on an adult or child (depending on
which qualification), and placing an adult or child into the recovery position. For an infant, the Learner
must demonstrate holding an infant in the recovery position, i.e. on its side.
For an adult and child, the Learner must demonstrate the treatment on a full bodied manikin or another
person, usually another Learner, who acts as the unconscious casualty. For an infant, the Learner must
demonstrate the treatment on an infant manikin.
The Learner should be considered to have achieved the recovery position if they place the casualty
onto their side so fluids are able to drain from the airway and the chest is not flat to the floor.
See Section 7 Access to assessment.
Note: There are additional questions on this practical assessment paper which Trainers must ask Learners.
Pass or refer?
On the practical assessment paper, there are:
• Essential actions (highlighted in bold with an asterisk)
• Very desirable actions

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To pass the unconscious casualty assessment, the Learner must:

• Demonstrate all the essential actions
• Not miss more than the stipulated desirable actions
The Learner should be deemed to have completed the recovery position if they placed the casualty
onto their side, so that fluids drain from the airway and the chest is not flat to the floor, as that may
impede breathing. This does not necessarily have to be the perfect recovery position so long as it will
protect the airway – just turning someone onto their side may suffice. For the infant assessment, the
Learner must make sure there is no danger of the infant falling off the surface.
4b CPR practical assessments
Name of practical
assessment
QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
Also included in multiple assessment papers for:
CPR and safe use of an QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (RQF)
AED QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (RQF)
QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Management of Anaphylaxis (RQF)
QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF)
Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (QAR)

Child CPR and safe use
Also included in multiple assessment papers for:
of an AED

Infant CPR and safe use
Also included in multiple assessment paper for:
of an AED
CPR and safe use of an QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF)
AED (FAE)* QA Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials (RQF)
Cardiopulmonary
QA Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation (RQF)
resuscitation (CPR/AED)
Record the Learner’s actions on the appropriate CPR practical assessment paper.
The Trainer may assess Learners as they demonstrate the technique in an informal group environment, but
the Learner should be aware they are being formally assessed and carry out the skills unprompted.
*Note: There are additional questions on the modifications to CPR for children which Trainers must ask
Learners.
Scenario
For an adult and child, the assessment must start with an appropriate adult or child resuscitation manikin
with an appropriate AED trainer on the floor. There should be ample space for the Learner to kneel at the
side of the manikin.
If the Learner has difficulty kneeling on the floor, they may practise with the manikin on a table or chair if it
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is safe. In real life, the casualty is likely to fall to the floor, so the Learner must demonstrate CPR and the
safe use of an AED with the manikin on the floor at least once. Padding such as a folded coat may
be provided to kneel on during the assessment. When using an AED trainer, the Learner must perform the
skill without assistance from a third party. See Section 7 Access to assessment.
The Learner must demonstrate at least 2 cycles of CPR before applying the AED pads in the correct
position and then follow the AED instructions for at least 2 further cycles without assistance from a third
party. An appropriate training AED or AED trainer that simulates a live AED must be available to Learners.
For an infant, the assessment must start with an appropriate infant resuscitation manikin on a safe, firm
surface. The Learner must demonstrate at least 2 cycles of CPR before applying the AED pads in the
correct position and then follow the AED instructions for at least 2 further cycles without assistance from a
third party.
Note: There are additional questions on each practical assessment paper which Trainers must ask
Learners, these vary depending on the qualification.
Pass or refer?
To pass the CPR and safe use of an AED assessment, the Learner must:
4c Use of AED practical assessment

Record the Learner’s actions on the Use of AED practical assessment paper.
Scenario
The assessment must start with an appropriate adult resuscitation manikin on the floor using an
appropriate AED trainer that simulates a live AED. There should be ample space for the Learner
to kneel at the side of the manikin. If the Learner has difficulty kneeling on the floor, they may practise
with the manikin on a table or chair if it is safe. In real life, the casualty is likely to fall to the
floor, so the Learner must demonstrate CPR and the safe use of an AED with the manikin on the floor at
least once. Padding such as a folded coat may be provided to kneel on during the assessment.
When using an AED trainer, the Learner must perform the skill without assistance from a third party.
Note: There are additional questions on this practical assessment paper which Trainers must ask
Learners.
Pass or refer?
On the practical assessment paper, all the actions are essential. (highlighted in bold with an asterisk)
The Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
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4d Choking casualty & Choking casualty (paediatric) practical assessments

• QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at work (RQF)
Also included in multiple assessment papers, see Section 5, for:
Record the Learner’s actions on the appropriate practical assessment paper.
Scenario
The Learner must demonstrate the management of a choking casualty as per Resuscitation Council
(UK) guidelines. The Learner must be assessed at least once performing the skills with suitable choking
rescue manikins/trainers. The Learner must demonstrate back blows and abdominal thrusts (chest
thrusts for infants). The Learner must perform the required skills without assistance from a third party.
Note: There are additional questions on the practical assessment papers which Trainers must ask
Learners.
Pass or refer?
On the practical assessment paper, all the actions are essential (highlighted in bold with an asterisk).
4e Choking casualty and recovery position practical assessment

Record the Learner’s actions on the Choking casualty and recovery position practical assessment paper.
Scenario
The choking casualty sequence should be carried out in the same way as the Choking casualty &
Choking casualty (paediatric) practical assessment in Section 4d.
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The recovery positon sequence must start with the casualty laid on the floor, on their back with their
arms at their side and legs straight. There should be ample space for the Learner to kneel at the side of
the casualty. Do not position the casualty in any other position. The Learner does not necessarily have
to kneel on the floor to achieve this, but must perform the required skills without assistance from a third
party. See Section 7 Access to assessment.
The Learner must demonstrate conducting a primary survey on an adult and placing them into the
recovery position. This does not necessarily have to be the prescribed recovery position. The Learner
should be considered to have achieved the recovery position practical if they place the casualty onto
their side so fluids are able to drain from the airway and the chest is not flat to the floor. The Learner
must demonstrate the treatment on a full bodied manikin or another person, usually another Learner,
who acts as the casualty.
Pass or refer?
To pass the choking casualty and recovery position assessment, the Learner must:
• Not miss more than the stated desirable actions
4f Wounds, bleeding and shock & Paediatric wounds, bleeding and shock
practical assessments
Name of practical
assessment

Wounds, bleeding and QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
shock QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF)
QA Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials (RQF)
Paediatric wounds, QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

bleeding and shock QA Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
Record the Learner’s actions on the appropriate wounds, bleeding and shock practical assessment paper.
Provide the Learner with disposable gloves and 2 medium wound dressings (or equivalent) to complete
the task. The dressing does not need to ‘look neat’, but it must be effective.
Note: An essential action in this assessment is ’maintains aseptic technique’. To achieve this skill, the
Learner should demonstrate sufficient awareness of minimising the risk of infection to themselves and
others. This must include:
• Washing their hands before and after casualty contact
• Wearing protective gloves
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• Checking that dressings are sterile, undamaged and in date
• Avoiding contamination of dressings (e.g. by touch)
• Appropriate disposal of clinical waste
Scenario
The assessment must start with a casualty who has accidentally cut the palm of their hand with a sharp
knife. Ideally use a replica wound to indicate the location of the injury.
The Learner must demonstrate the treatment for bleeding including the application of a dressing and
demonstrate placing a casualty in a position suitable for the treatment of hypovolaemic shock, i.e. laid
down with legs elevated. The Learner must demonstrate the treatment on another person, usually
another Learner, who acts as the injured adult, infant or child. The Learner must perform the skill
without assistance from a third party, but may ask the casualty to help using their uninjured arm only.
There are additional questions on the practical assessment papers which Trainers must ask Learners.
Pass or refer?
To pass the wounds, bleeding and shock assessment, the Learner must:
To pass the paediatric wounds, bleeding and shock assessment, the Learner must:
4g Catastrophic bleeding (+F) practical assessment

• QA level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF)
Record the Learner’s actions on the Catastrophic bleeding (+F) practical assessment paper.
Provide the Learner with a manufactured tourniquet, improvised tourniquet equipment and an imitation
haemostatic agent to complete the task.
Note: Any haemostatic agent may be used but as a minimum, provide Learners with a crepe bandage
and a normal dressing or bandage.
Scenario
The Learner must demonstrate the correct application of a manufactured and improvised tourniquet to
a model/training limb and demonstrate the correct application of a haemostatic agent to a replica
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wound. The Learner must perform the skills without assistance from a third party. See Section 7 Access
to assessment.
Note: In the learning environment do not apply manufactured tourniquets or real haemostatic dressings
to another person.
Pass or refer?
On the practical assessment paper, all the actions are essential (highlighted in bold with an asterisk).
4h Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra) practical assessment

Also included in multiple assessment papers, see Section 5, for:
Following the publication of the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2015
Section 9. First Aid, the Health and Safety Executive advised employers to consider providing
appropriate equipment if they identify a specific risk of life-threatening bleeding during a first aid needs
assessment and make sure that first aiders are trained in their use.
While training and assessment of these skills is currently optional, we strongly recommend training in
these lifesaving skills is provided as standard on all first aid courses.
The Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra) is an optional extra to the wounds, bleeding and shock
practical assessment. Record the Learner’s actions on the optional extra section of the Wounds,
bleeding and shock or Paediatric wounds, bleeding and shock practical assessment papers.
but the Learner should be aware they are being assessed and carry out the skills unprompted.
Scenario
The Learner must demonstrate the treatment for catastrophic bleeding including the correct application
of a manufactured tourniquet and an improvised tourniquet to a model/training limb, and the packing
of a wound correctly. When applying a control method for bleeding, the Learner must perform the skill
without assistance from a third party. See Section 7 Access to assessment.
Provide the Learner with a manufactured tourniquet and equipment to enable them to improvise a
tourniquet (e.g. a triangular bandage and a desert spoon). For wound packing, provide the Learner with
Qualsafe Awards
an imitation deep open wound and a bandage (a crepe bandage is ideal, it is best if the learner does not
use a real haemostatic dressing as chitosan particles can irritate eyes).
Note: In the learning environment do not apply manufactured tourniquets, improvised tourniquets or
real haemostatic dressings to another person.
Pass or refer?
For the catastrophic bleeding (optional extra) sequence, all the actions are essential (highlighted in bold
with an asterisk). The Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
4i Secondary survey practical assessment

Record the Learner’s actions on the Secondary survey practical assessment paper.
but the Learner should be aware they are being formally assessed and carry out the skills unprompted
Scenario
The Learner must demonstrate the skills using another Learner as the conscious casualty. The casualty
should be laid on the floor with sufficient space to allow the Learner to attend unobstructed. The
Learner must demonstrate the secondary survey on a conscious casualty who is on the floor. The
Learner does not necessarily have to kneel on the floor to achieve this, but must perform the required
skills without assistance from a third party). See Section 7 Access to assessment.
Assume the primary survey has already been completed. Tell the Learner the scene is safe and there are
no immediate life-threatening problems.
The casualty is conscious and should answer questions. Keep the scenario simple, such as ‘they
slipped on a wet floor and they are unsure if they should get up’. The casualty must then act as though
they are uninjured; answering in the negative when they are asked if anything hurts. This is to enable
the Learner to demonstrate the full secondary survey sequence and not have to stop to deal with
specific injuries. Remember, this assessment is testing the Learner’s ability to carry out the secondary
survey sequence, not their ability to deal with specific injuries.
Pass or refer?
The Learner must not miss more than 4 items from the Secondary survey practical assessment paper to
pass the assessment.
Important – the secondary survey is 1 of the most complex practical assessments due to the wide
possible variations in casualty condition. To make sure all assessors mark the secondary survey
the same, you should be fully conversant and comply with the in-depth guide below.
Qualsafe Awards
Completing the secondary survey assessment – in-depth guide:
Assessment item Tick the box if the Learner:
• Asks:
o For an explanation of what happened, or
Obtains history
o Bystanders if they know what happened, or
(asks what happened)
o About the casualty’s medical history, or
o About allergies, medication and when the casualty last ate
• Asks:
o how the casualty is feeling
Asks/looks for signs
o if they have any pain, or
and symptoms
• Makes an observation related to signs (such as the casualty looks pale), or
• Carries out a top to toe survey to identify further signs and symptoms
• Asks for the casualty’s consent prior to carrying out the secondary survey
Asks for consent
Note: The Learner could say something like ‘I need to assess you for injuries is that ok?’
• Makes a quick judgement on breathing, e.g. it seems normal/fast/shallow/wheezy, etc, or

Breathing
• Measures the breathing rate
• Measures the pulse, or

Pulse (or capillary refill) • Does a capillary refill test, or
• Feels the pulse and says it feels regular/irregular/fast/slow
• Looks at the pupils, or

Pupils • Makes an observation on the size of the pupils or
• Says if the pupils are equal/unequal
• Appears to check the head/face, or

Head/face • Looks for abnormality, or
• Asks the casualty if they have any pain around the head/face area
Neck • Considers if there could be a neck injury, based on what has happened to the casualty, or
(considers possibility
of neck injury) • Asks the casualty if they have any pain in the neck area
• Looks for abnormality, or

Shoulders • Asks the casualty if they have any pain in the shoulders, or
• Asks the casualty to carefully move the joint if there is no pain
• Looks at the chest movement when the casualty breathes, or

• Asks the casualty to take a breath in and out, or
Chest
• Asks if taking a breath hurts, or
• Comments regarding the bilateral movement of the chest
• Asks the casualty if they have any abdominal pain

Abdomen
Note: The pelvis should not be squeezed or rocked
• Asks a conscious casualty if they have any pain in the legs/joints, or

Legs
• Asks the casualty to carefully move the joints if there is no pain
• Appears to check the arms/hands for abnormality, or

Arms • Asks a conscious casualty if they have any pain in the arms/joints, or
• Asks the casualty to carefully move the joints if there is no pain
• Checks for medic-alert information, or

Clues • Checks for needle marks on arms, or
• Looks for other clues
Qualsafe Awards
4j Management of fractures & Management of paediatric fractures practical assessments
Name of practical
assessment

Management of fractures
QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF)
Management of paediatric fractures QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
Record the Learner’s actions on the appropriate assessment paper.
Provide the Learner with a triangular bandage for the slings assessment, Learners should apply both:
• A support sling, and
• An elevated sling
Scenario
The manual inline stabilisation (MILS) assessment must start with the unconscious casualty laid on the
floor, on their back with their arms at their side and legs straight. There should be ample space
for the Learner to kneel at the side and above the head of the casualty. Do not position the casualty in
any other position. It may be possible to practise with a casualty on a safe higher surface such
as a stage. In real life, the casualty is likely to fall to the floor, so the Learner must demonstrate
MILS at least once with the casualty laid on the floor. Padding such as a folded coat may be provided
to kneel on during the assessment. Certain Learners may be able to develop effective techniques
without actually kneeling on the floor. The technique must still be effective. When applying a sling, the
Learner must perform the skill without assistance from a third party, but may ask the casualty to help
using their uninjured arm only. See Section 7 Access to assessment.
The Learner must demonstrate MILS on another person, usually another Learner, who acts as the
unconscious casualty with a suspected spinal injury.
Note: It is accepted that some movement of the neck may occur when a first aider turns an
unconscious casualty to protect their airway. A modified recovery position is acceptable, the Learner
should demonstrate placing a casualty into the recovery position whilst minimising neck movement as
much as possible (e.g. using the spinal recovery position).
For the slings assessment, the Learner must demonstrate the application of both a support and an
elevation sling on another person, usually another Learner.
Pass or refer?
In the management of fractures practical assessment, all the actions are essential (highlighted in bold
with an asterisk). The Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
To pass the management of paediatric fractures practical assessment, the Learner must:
• Demonstrate all the essential items
• Not miss more than the stipulated desirable items
Note: There are additional questions on the practical assessment paper which Trainers must ask Learners.
Qualsafe Awards
5 Qualifications with individual Learner practical

assessment papers
This section is divided into subsections for qualifications that:
• Do not have multiple choice question/theory assessments, or
• Have assessment papers used to record individual Learners’ actions

The practical assessments are provided on uniquely numbered papers giving each Learner a unique
identifier for our computer systems.
You must order and download the papers before the course. Record 1 Learner’s practical assessments
per assessment paper.
5a QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an Automated External
Defibrillator (RQF)
Record the Learner’s actions on the BLS and AED practical assessment paper.
There are 3 practical assessments for this qualification:
CPR
This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the CPR and safe use of an
AED practical assessment described in section 4b.
Use of AED (BLS/AED)

Scenario
The assessment must start with an appropriate adult resuscitation manikin on the floor. There
should be ample space for the Learner to kneel at the side of the manikin and an appropriate
AED that simulates a live AED must be available to Learners. The Learner must demonstrate
using an AED safely and perform the skill without assistance from a third party. See Section 7
Access to assessment.
Recovery position
Scenario
The assessment must start with the casualty laid on the floor, on their back with their arms at
their side and legs straight. There should be ample space for the Learner to kneel at the side
of the casualty. Do not position the casualty in any other position. The Learner does not
necessarily have to kneel on the floor to achieve this, but must perform the skill without
assistance from a third party. See Section 7 Access to assessment.
The Learner must demonstrate the treatment on a full bodied manikin or another person, usually
another Learner who acts as the casualty. The Learner should be considered to have achieved
the recovery position practical assessment if they place the casualty onto their side so fluids are
able to drain from the airway and the chest is not flat to the floor.
Qualsafe Awards
Pass or refer?
To pass the CPR assessment the Learner must:
• Demonstrate all the essential actions (highlighted in bold with an asterisk)
In the Use of AED (BLS/AED) and Recovery position practical assessments, all the actions are essential
actions (highlighted in bold with an asterisk) and the Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
5b QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (RQF)
Record the Learner’s actions on the BLS for Adults and Children practical assessment paper.
CPR and safe use of an AED

This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the CPR and safe use of an AED
practical assessment described in Section 4b.
Child CPR and safe use of an AED

This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the Child CPR and safe use of an
AED practical assessment described in Section 4b, except there is no question regarding seizures on
the BLS for Adults and Children paper.
Infant CPR and safe use of an AED

This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the Infant CPR and safe use of an
AED practical assessment described in Section 4b.
Choking casualty (BLSA&C)

This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the Choking casualty & Choking
casualty (paediatric) practical assessment in Section 4d.
Unconscious casualty (BLSA&C)

This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the Unconscious casualty practical
assessment in Section 4a, except there is no question: ’knows to change rescuers every 2 mins’ on the
BLS for Adults and Children paper, also Learners must not miss more than TWO very desirable actions.
Pass or refer?
To pass the CPR assessments the Learner must:
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In the Choking casualty (BLSA&C) practical assessment, all the actions are essential actions and the
Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
In the Unconscious casualty (BLSA&C) practical assessment, the Learner must:
5c QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Management of Anaphylaxis (RQF)

Record the Learner’s actions on the BLS and Anaphylaxis practical assessment paper.

Management of anaphylaxis
Scenario
For this assessment, the Learner must demonstrate the safe use of an adrenaline auto-injector
training device.
As a minimum this must be either an Epipen, Jext or Emerade training device. The Learner must
also place a casualty in a position suitable for the treatment of anaphylaxis. The Learner must
demonstrate the treatment on another person, usually another Learner who acts as the casualty.
Although the Learner must perform the skills without assistance from a third party, the casualty
may assist with the administration of the adrenaline auto-injector. See Section 7 Access to
assessment.
Recovery position
Scenario
The assessment must start with the casualty laid on the floor, on their back with their arms at
their sides and legs straight. There should be ample space for the Learner to kneel at the side of
the casualty. Do not position the casualty in any other position. See Section 7 Access to
assessment.
The Learner must demonstrate the treatment on a full bodied manikin or another person, usually
another Learner who acts as the casualty. The Learner should be considered to have achieved
the recovery position practical assessment if they place the casualty onto their side so fluids are
able to drain from the airway and the chest is not flat to the floor.
Pass or refer?
In the Management of anaphylaxis and Recovery position practical assessments, all the actions
are essential. (highlighted in bold with an asterisk). The Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
Qualsafe Awards
5d QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

Record the Learner’s actions on the First Aid at Work Annual Refresher practical assessment paper.

Unconscious casualty
assessment described in Section 4a.
Choking casualty
Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra)

This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the Catastrophic bleeding practical
assessment in Section 4h.
Pass or refer?
To pass the CPR and safe use of an AED and Unconscious casualty assessments the Learner must:
In the Choking casualty, and Catastrophic bleeding practical assessments, all the actions are
essential (highlighted in bold with an asterisk). The Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
5e QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

Record the Learner’s actions on the Paediatric First Aid Annual Refresher practical assessment paper.
Child CPR and safe use of an AED

Qualsafe Awards
Infant CPR and safe use of an AED

Unconscious casualty
assessment described in Section 4a.
Choking casualty (paediatric)

Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra)

This practical assessment should be carried out in the same way as the Catastrophic bleeding practical
assessment in Section 4h.
Pass or refer?
To pass the Child CPR and safe use of an AED & Infant CPR and safe use of an AED and the
Unconscious casualty assessment the Learner must:
In the Choking casualty (paediatric and the Catastrophic bleeding practical assessments, all the actions
are essential (highlighted in bold with an asterisk). The Learner must demonstrate all actions to pass.
5f Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (QAR)

Record the Learner’s actions on the Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator practical
assessment paper.
CPR
Use of AED
Scenario
The assessment must start with an appropriate adult resuscitation manikin on the floor. There should be
ample space for the Learner to kneel at the side of the manikin and an appropriate AED that simulates
a live AED must be available to Learners. If the Learner has difficulty kneeling on the floor,
Qualsafe Awards
they may practise with the manikin on a table or chair if it is safe. In real life, the casualty is likely to fall
to the floor, so the Learner must demonstrate CPR and the safe use of an AED with the manikin on the
floor at least once. Padding such as a folded coat may be provided to kneel on during the assessment.
When using an AED trainer, the Learner must perform the skill without assistance from a third
party. See Section 7 Access to assessment.
The Learner must demonstrate using an AED safely and demonstrate using a resuscitation barrier device.
Pass or refer?
In the Use of AED practical assessment, all the actions are essential (highted in bold with an asterisk).
6 Multiple choice question/theory assessments

Trainers should refer to the QA Multiple Choice Question Paper Guidelines which gives full details on
how they should undertake this part of the assessment process.
7 Access to Assessment
Also known as Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations.
Qualsafe Awards is committed to equal opportunities for all who participate in our programmes,
assessments and tests. The Centre should take all reasonable steps to identify any special assessment
requirements prior to the assessment taking place.
See QA Centre Handbook and Access to Assessment Policy for further guidance on requests for
reasonable adjustment or if there are special circumstances.
Trainers should also refer to the QA Multiple Choice Question Paper Guidelines if they consider a
Learner has been unfairly disadvantaged in taking the theory assessment.
Qualsafe Awards
8 Unforeseen circumstances
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, such as a fire alarm:
• Follow Health and Safety Policy
• Stop the Learners performing the assessment
• Collect the Learner register and evacuate the assessment room in line with the instructions given
• Advise Learners to leave all assessment papers and materials in the assessment room
When the emergency has passed:
• Allow the Learners the remaining time set for the assessment, or
• A full retake of the assessment must take place
Complete a QA Special Consideration Form and forward to QA for approval if an extension to the
registration period is required to complete the assessment. Centres should retain a copy of this form for
their own records.
9 Conflict of interest
Avoid conflict of interest whenever possible when regulated qualifications are being assessed.
A possible conflict of interest might include a Trainer assessing their spouse or family member. The QA
Conflict of Interest Policy is on the Customer Portal.
If this situation cannot be avoided, for example due to available resources, declare the conflict of
interest to QA immediately by completing and submitting a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form available
from the Customer Portal.
Failure to declare actual or potential conflicts of interest could be seen as malpractice or

maladministration and lead to sanctions being taken against the Centre. For full details see the QA
Malpractice and Maladministration Policy, available on the Customer Portal.
10 Further information
If you require any further information or would like to discuss anything in this document, please contact
our dedicated Centre support team:
Tel: 0845 644 3305 Email: info@qualsafeawards.org

QA Guide To Assessing First Aid Qualifications

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5 Qualifications with individual Learner practical assessment papers:

6 Multiple choice question paper/theory assessments..................................... 27

• General guidance for practical assessments

• Information about multiple Learner practical assessment papers

• Information about individual Learner practical assessment papers

The qualifications include:

• QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)

• QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)

• QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

• QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

• QA Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

• QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

• QA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF)

• QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF)

• QA Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials (RQF)

• QA Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation (RQF)

• QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Management of Anaphylaxis (RQF)

• Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (QAR)

QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)

QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

Managing Management of paediatric fractures 3 and 4j

QA Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

Child CPR and safe use of an AED 3 and 4b

Infant CPR and safe use of an AED 3 and 4b

Catastrophic bleeding (optional extra) 3 and 4h

Multiple choice question paper – theory 6

QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

CPR and safe use of an AED (FAE) 3 and 4b

Choking casualty 3 and 4d

Multiple choice question paper – theory 6

Secondary survey 3 and 4i

QA Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

QA Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated

Unit Assessments required Section to read

QA Level 3 Award in Forestry First Aid +F (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

Unit Assessments required Section to read

 QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Management of

Unit Assessments required Section to read

QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

QA Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (Annual Refresher) (RQF)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

Safe Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (QAR)

Unit Assessments required Section to read

Sample practical assessment paper

Practical assessment: CPR and safe use of an AED

The Learner must demonstrate all essential

Other items are very desirable. The Learner

1) Rescuer becomes exhausted

Sample incorrectly completed practical assessment paper

Practical assessment: CPR and safe use of an AED

Other items are very desirable. The Learner

Response – gently shakes and shouts*

Opens airway – head tilt, chin lift*

Checks for normal breathing (max 10 secs)*

QA Level 2 Award in First Aid Essentials (RQF)

QA Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated

QA Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Management of

QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Annual Refresher) (RQF)