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First Aid
First Aid
First aid is immediate care given to a person who is ill or injured. The purpose of first aid is to
- preserve life
- prevent further harm or the condition from worsening
- promote recovery
In every emergency situation, you should check the scene for safety. Make sure the person is breathing properly and has a pulse. Control severe bleeding first if necessary. Call 911 for help if in doubt. It is better to let the trained professionals assess the person’s condition if the situation is not a minor injury.
Always ask a conscious person if you can help. They may not be able to respond, but try to get their consent by saying, “I know what to do. Can I help?”
When to Call 911
Always call 911 for:
- fires
- unconscious person
- choking or trouble breathing
- crime or violence happening
- car accidents
In addition, you should call 911 if you are in doubt about how serious the emergency might be, or if you feel your knowledge of first aid might not be adequate to handle the situation. It is better to call for help in these situations so that a professional can assess the person’s condition (Source: TeensHealth from Nemours).
Will You Help?
Some people may not be willing to help in an emergency situation. They may feel they do not know what to do. They may be afraid they could do further injury or harm to the person. Some fear infection from body fluids of the injured person. Others may not be aware of Good Samaritan laws, and may think they could be sued if something goes wrong.
Knowing basic steps for first aid care goes a long way to reduce the pain and suffering of an injured person. It can, in fact, save lives. Your knowledge of first aid can protect an injured person, bystanders, and yourself from further harm.
First Aid Procedures
First Aid for Choking
When a foreign object such as food gets stuck in a person’s throat, they have a blocked airway. They cannot speak or breathe. The person will lose consciousness without help.
The universal sign for choking is to place both hands on the throat.
If the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe, you can perform the Heimlich Maneuver to try to clear their airway. The video on the next slide will show you how.
If you are unable to unblock the airway, call 911 immediately.
Heimlich Maneuver Demonstration
Watch Heimlich Maneuver to see how to clear a blocked airway. For more information on first aid for choking, read Choking: First Aid from the Mayo Clinic.
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First Aid for Seizures
Seizures are caused by a surge of electrical activity in the brain, which briefly disturbs brain function. A person having a seizure might collapse, shake uncontrollably, lose consciousness, or stare into space without responding.
Seizures can look scary, but most only last a few minutes, and they are rarely life-threatening. The person having a seizure does need help, however.
Read Seizures from TeensHealth by Nemours to understand more about why seizures happen, learn how to perform first aid for seizures, and find out when to call a doctor for a seizure.
First Aid for Burns: Degrees of Burns
First aid for burns depends on how severe the burn is. Burns can be first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree.
First-degree burns are minor. They cause redness and pain. Sunburn is one example of a first-degree burn.
Second-degree burns are more serious, and cause blisters and pain.
Third-degree burns are the most serious. They cause deep tissue damage, which sometimes means the person who has been burned cannot feel pain due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns are deep, result in charred skin, or are burns covering larger than a 3-inch area.
First- and second-degree burns can be treated with first aid techniques, which you can read about on the next slide. Call 911 or seek immediate medical care for third-degree burns.
First Aid for Burns: Treating Minor Burns
To treat a minor burn:
- Remove the source of heat to prevent further damage.
- Cool the burn with cool running water or a cool, wet compress – never use ice.
- Remove jewelry and tight items in case of swelling.
- Do not break blisters. Fluid-filled blisters protect against infection.
- Apply lotion after the burn has cooled.
- Bandage the burn loosely with sterile gauze.
- May take over-the-counter pain medication (with adult supervision).
To read more about treating minor burns, see Burns: Diagnosis and Treatment from the Mayo Clinic.
First Aid for Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can be triggered by foods, insect stings, pets, medicine, and many other things. Symptoms of allergic reactions can range from itching, stuffy nose, and skin irritation, to severe breathing difficulties (anaphylaxis) and fainting.
Read First Aid: Allergic Reactions from KidsHealth by Nemours to learn how to give care for a mild allergic reaction.
In the case of a severe allergic reaction, medical help is needed right away. Many people who know they have severe allergies carry injectable epinephrine, often called an EpiPen, which slows the process of anaphylaxis. The video on the next slide will show you how to use an EpiPen.
Remember: whether an EpiPen is available or not, a person who has had a severe allergic reaction needs to go to the emergency room quickly. EpiPens help with symptoms, but the person will still need medical treatment.
Treating a Severe Allergic Reaction
Watch Severe Allergic Reactions to learn how to use an EpiPen.
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First Aid for Cuts, Scratches, and Scrapes
Many bleeding wounds can be treated with basic first aid and do not require medical attention. If the injury isn’t serious, follow these steps:
Stop the bleeding. Hold pressure on the wound with a clean cloth.
Remove debris and clean the wound with warm water and gentle soap.
Dry and bandage the wound, using an antibiotic ointment if desired.
Gently wash and rebandage the wound daily. Watch for signs of infection.
If blood is spurting out of a cut, or it won’t stop bleeding, seek medical help. Keep pressure on the wound and raise the body part above your head if possible. Cuts and wounds that are very long, wide, or deep may need to be held closed with stitches or medical glue, which can be applied by a doctor.
To read more about first aid for bleeding wounds, read Cuts, Scratches, and Scrapes on TeensHealth.
More First Aid Resources
For more information about many other first aid injuries and treatments, visit:
First Aid and Injuries (for Teens) at TeensHealth from Nemours
First Aid from the Mayo Clinic
Accident and Injury Prevention
Prevent Accidents and Injuries
Almost all accidents can be prevented. Acting responsibly, wearing safety equipment properly, and following rules and regulations are important preventative measures. Strive to prevent accidents to reduce the threat of injuries. Being prepared and willing to help by providing first aid can prevent most situations from becoming worse.
On the following slides, you will learn some strategies to prevent sports injuries, prevent accidents in the home, and practice water safety.
Prevent Sports and Recreational Accidents
To prevent accidents and injuries while playing sports or taking part in recreational activities,
Use well-fitted sports and safety equipment.
Follow rules and regulations.
Warm up before activity.
Do not play hurt.
Prevent Accidents in the Home
There are several precautions you can take to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries in your home:
Prevent falls by keeping stairs and pathways clutter-free and well-lighted.
Store medicines and cleaning chemicals safely.
Have properly working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Do not leave food cooking, candles, or open flames unattended.
Have a fire escape safety plan.
Make sure everyone in the home knows your safety plans and what to do in case of an emergency.
Prevent Accidents In and Around Water
Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, and can happen quickly and quietly. Make water activities safer for yourself and those around you by following these tips:
Do not let children swim alone.
Wear properly fitted life jackets when boating.
Be aware of hidden dangers below surface water in lakes and ponds.
Do not ride in a boat with anyone using alcohol.
Be Prepared
Emergencies and injuries happen when we least expect them. By learning basic first aid skills and being prepared ahead of time, you can be ready to respond appropriately when the unexpected happens. You might even save a life!