1. THE HUMAN BODY
To administer first aid you do not need to be an expert, but basic knowledge of the body’s structures and how they work will help you recognize and understand injuries and illnesses.

2. ANATOMICAL TERMS
Using correct anatomical terms will provide the most accurate information to an emergency dispatcher or paramedic.

3. DIRECTIONS AND LOCATIONS
Anterior: Any part of the body towards the front.
Posterior: Any part of the body towards the back.
Superior: Any part of the body towards the head.
Inferior: Any part of the body towards the feet.
Medial / Lateral: Midline of the body.
Proximal: Refers to any part of the body close to the trunk (chest, abdomen, pelvis).
Distal: Refers to any part of the body that is away from the trunk and closer to the extremities (arms and legs).

4. POSITIONS

5. ANATOMICAL POSITION
Person stands upright with arms down at the sides and palms facing forwards

6. The person is lying face up on his / her back.
SUPINE POSITION
The person is lying face up on his / her back.

7. The person is lying face down on his / her stomach.
PRONE POSITION
The person is lying face down on his / her stomach.

8. LATERAL RECUMBENT POSITION
The person is lying on his / her right or left side.

9. FOWLER’S POSITION
The person is lying on his / her back with the upper body elevated to a 45 – 60 degree angle.

10. BODY CAVITIES
The organs of the body are located within hollow spaces in the body referred to as cavities.

11. BODY CAVITIES Cranial Cavity:
Contains the brain and is protected by the skull.
Spinal Cavity:
Extends from the bottom of the skull to the lower back.
Protected by spinal column and contains spinal cord.
Thoracic Cavity:
Located in the trunk between the diaphragm and the neck.
Contains the heart and the lungs.
Protected by the rib cage and sternum.

12. BODY CAVITIES Abdominal Cavity: Pelvic Cavity:
Located in the trunk between the diaphragm and the pelvis.
Divided into four quadrants.
Contains the liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and intestines.
Pelvic Cavity:
Located in the lowest part the trunk.
Contains the bladder, rectum and internal female organs.