🩹 Stuff Every First Aider Should Know: Training Guide

Check, Call, Care

Before you help, check the scene for dangers such as traffic, fire, or downed power lines. Your safety comes first, because a helper who becomes a victim adds to the emergency. Only approach when the scene is safe.

If the problem is serious, call 911 as soon as you know. Emergency dispatchers can give first aid instructions by phone while help travels. Do not wait until you have tried everything yourself.

At a traffic scene, check for moving vehicles before approaching. A bystander can watch for oncoming traffic while you help. Never put yourself in the path of cars.

Stay far away from downed power lines and keep others away too. They may still be live even if they look still. Call 911 and wait for trained help.

Consent and Good Samaritan Protection

Before helping a responsive person, ask clearly if you may help. Consent can be spoken or shown with a nod. Respect the person's answer.

If a person is unresponsive, the law in most states assumes they would consent to needed emergency care. This is called implied consent. Give only care within your training.

Good Samaritan laws may protect people who voluntarily give reasonable emergency help in good faith. In most states the protection is inclusive, but each state has its own law. Check the law where you live before you need it.

Protect Yourself

Put on gloves when blood or body fluids may be present. Gloves create a barrier between your skin and germs. Remove them without touching the outside when you are done.

Wash your hands with soap and water after removing gloves. Gloves can have small holes or tears, so handwashing helps remove germs. Wash for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Sanitizer reduces germs when hands are not visibly dirty, but it does not remove dirt or visible blood.

Avoid touching blood and body fluids with bare hands. Germs can enter through tiny cuts on your hands. Use gloves or another barrier whenever you can.

Check Responsiveness, Breathing, and the Recovery Position

Check if a person is responsive by tapping their shoulders and asking loudly if they are okay. A response means they are responsive. If there is no response, call 911 and check breathing.

Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Look for chest rise and listen for breath. Gasping is not normal breathing.

If an unconscious person is not breathing normally, call 911 right away and begin CPR. If another person is nearby, you can have that person call 911 while you start chest compressions. Gasping is not normal breathing.

Place an unconscious breathing person in the recovery position to help keep the airway open. It lets fluids drain from the mouth and helps prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Watch the person closely until help arrives.

Use the recovery position for someone who is breathing but not fully awake. Do not use it for a person who is awake and talking. Start CPR if the person is not breathing.

Shock

Shock in first aid is a life threatening condition from poor blood flow. Emotional surprise is not the medical shock taught in first aid. It can worsen quickly and needs emergency help.

Signs of shock may include cold, clammy skin, fast breathing, and weakness. A person in shock may feel thirsty, but do not give food or drink. Look for changes from the person's normal.

For suspected shock, place the person on their back and elevate the legs a little, unless that causes pain, injury, or breathing problems. Call 911 for suspected shock.

Keep the person warm to help prevent heat loss. Do not use direct high heat or give food or drink. Loosen tight clothing if it helps the person breathe.

Fainting and Unconsciousness

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. It is often caused by a brief drop in blood flow to the brain, and the person usually wakes up. It is not the same as a seizure.

When someone faints, lay the person flat and raise the legs. Check for breathing and call 911 if they do not wake quickly. Loosen tight clothing around the neck.

After a person wakes from fainting, keep them lying down until they feel better. Getting up too fast can cause another faint. Call 911 if fainting came with chest pain, trouble breathing, or injury.

Unconscious means the person cannot respond to people or activities. It is not normal sleep. An unconscious person may still be breathing.

In an unconscious person, you must check whether they are breathing normally. If not breathing, call 911 and start CPR. Look for chest rise and listen near the mouth.

Never give food or drink to an unconscious person by mouth. The person cannot swallow safely, and food or drink could block the airway.

Choking Care

If a choking adult can cough forcefully or speak, encourage them to keep coughing and stay with them. Call 911 and give care if the cough becomes weak or they cannot speak.

If a choking adult cannot speak or breathe, give back blows and abdominal thrusts. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts. Have someone call 911.

For a choking child over 1 year old who cannot breathe, give back blows and abdominal thrusts. Call 911 if the child does not improve.

For a choking infant under 1 year old, give back blows and chest thrusts, not abdominal thrusts. Support the infant's head and neck during care.

Call 911 for a choking person when they cannot cough, speak, or cry. If you are alone with a choking adult, call 911 on speaker while you give first aid.

If a choking person becomes unresponsive, call 911 and start CPR. A trained responder may look for a visible object before breaths, but never performs a blind finger sweep.

Chest Compressions and Breaths

The target chest compression rate during CPR is 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This pace helps move blood without rushing so much that compressions become shallow.

Adult CPR chest compressions should usually be at least 2 inches deep. Avoid pressing deeper than 2.4 inches, and let the chest return after each push.

For a child, compress the middle of the chest about 2 inches. One or two hands may be used depending on the child and rescuer.

Conventional adult CPR uses cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Each rescue breath should last about one second and make the chest rise.

CPR for a child or infant should include compressions with breaths. Breathing problems often cause pediatric cardiac arrest, so breaths matter.

Hands-Only CPR and Compression Quality

Hands-Only CPR is recommended after witnessing the sudden collapse of a teen or adult. Children, infants, drowning victims, and opioid emergencies benefit from breaths when the rescuer is trained.

The two steps of Hands-Only CPR are call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Hands-Only CPR does not include mouth-to-mouth breaths.

After each CPR chest compression, let the chest return to normal. Full recoil lets the heart refill before the next compression. Locked elbows and shoulders over the hands help produce straight compressions.

Keep CPR compression interruptions under 10 seconds. Long pauses stop the blood flow that compressions create, so organize breaths and AED use to restart compressions quickly.

AED Use

When an AED arrives, turn it on and follow its prompts. Keep CPR going while another person prepares the device when possible.

Before attaching AED pads, expose the chest and wipe it dry. Pads must stick directly to bare skin, so remove clothing over the chest and quickly dry wet skin.

Standard adult AED pads go on the upper right chest and lower left chest. Follow the pictures on the pads because designs can vary. If pads might touch, one may go on the chest and one on the back.

While an AED analyzes the rhythm, everyone must stand clear of the person. The AED, not the rescuer, decides whether a shock is advised.

After an AED shock or a no-shock message, resume CPR immediately. Follow the AED prompts until EMS takes over or the person shows signs of life. Leave the pads attached.

You may stop CPR when the person shows an obvious sign of life, the scene becomes unsafe, you are exhausted, an AED is ready for analysis, or another trained responder or EMS takes over. If rescuers can switch, do so every 1 to 2 minutes with minimal interruption.

Heart Attack and Stroke

Chest discomfort or pressure is the most common warning sign of a heart attack. The feeling may be pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain, and it can come and go. Call 911 right away even if you are not sure.

Shortness of breath can occur with or without heart attack chest discomfort. Other warning signs include cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, unusual tiredness, or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

If you think someone may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can start care on the way to the hospital and prepare for fast transport. Do not wait because the signs seem mild or unclear.

The F in the FAST stroke check stands for face drooping. Ask the person to smile and look for one-sided drooping or numbness. Call 911 right away if you see this sign.

Severe Allergic Reaction and Asthma

A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, may cause face swelling and trouble breathing. Other signs include hives, shock, or a change in how responsive the person is. Call 911 and help the person use prescribed epinephrine.

Epinephrine is the medicine used for anaphylaxis. An auto-injector is placed on the outer middle thigh. Note the time, call 911, and give the used device to EMS. Some epinephrine devices are nasal sprays rather than auto-injectors.

If a sting causes anaphylaxis, use the person's prescribed epinephrine auto-injector immediately and call 911. Antihistamines do not replace epinephrine for a severe reaction. Symptoms may return after improving, so emergency care is still needed.

Wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing can be signs of an asthma attack. A severe attack may make it hard to speak normally or fail to improve after quick-relief medicine. Call 911 for serious breathing trouble.

When someone has an asthma attack, help them sit upright and assist with their prescribed quick-relief inhaler. Follow the directions on the medicine. Call 911 if breathing is severely difficult or the medicine does not help.

Seizures and Diabetic Emergencies

During a convulsive seizure, clear dangerous objects away. Let the seizure run its course and protect the person from injury. Do not restrain them, and time the seizure so you can report its duration.

Do not put anything in a person's mouth during a seizure. People cannot swallow their tongues. An object could break teeth, block the airway, or hurt the helper.

Call 911 if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. Also call for a first seizure, repeated seizures, injury, breathing trouble, or a seizure in water.

A diabetic emergency may cause shakiness, sweating, and confusion. Other signs include weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, behavior changes, or trouble walking. A medical ID may identify diabetes.

If a conscious person may have a diabetic emergency, a source of sugar can help. Glucose tablets, gel, or a regular sugary drink may help low blood sugar. Do not give food or drink to someone who cannot swallow safely, and diet drinks do not contain the needed sugar.

Opioid Overdose

An opioid overdose may cause the person to be unable to wake, have slow breathing, and make gurgling noises. Gurgling or unusual snoring in someone who cannot wake can signal breathing trouble. Call 911.

Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose. It blocks opioid effects temporarily and can restore breathing. It works on opioids such as fentanyl, heroin, and some prescription pain medicines.

If naloxone is given but opioids caused no overdose, it will not harm the person. If an opioid overdose is suspected, act instead of waiting for certainty.

After giving naloxone, call 911 and stay with the person. Keep them awake and breathing if possible. Place them on their side to prevent choking if they are breathing, and follow 911 instructions. Anyone can carry naloxone and potentially save a life.

Bleeding and Wounds

The first step to control most external bleeding is to apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. Direct pressure slows bleeding so clots can form. Call 911 for serious bleeding, and if blood seeps through, add more gauze or cloth on top.

A tourniquet is appropriate for life threatening bleeding on an arm or leg. While waiting for one, or if none is available, use direct pressure. After applying a tourniquet, leave it in place for medical professionals.

Clean a minor open wound by washing it with mild soap and water. Use direct pressure first if it is bleeding, then cover it with a clean bandage. Get medical help if debris is stuck in the wound.

A deep cut or one reaching bone needs prompt medical evaluation for possible stitches. A wound deeper than one-quarter inch, on the face, or reaching bone should be checked. A large or deep wound needs care even when bleeding is not severe.

A tetanus shot after an injury depends on the wound type and vaccine history. Ask a clinician about your vaccine history and the wound. Dirty or major wounds use a 5-year threshold after a complete series, while clean minor wounds use a 10-year threshold.

Common signs of wound infection include increasing redness, pus, and fever. Other signs are warmth, swelling, pain, or a red streak extending from the wound. Seek prompt medical care.

Burns

Treat a minor burn right away by cooling it with running water for 5 to 20 minutes. Do not use ice. Remove clothing or jewelry near the burn unless it is stuck, and call 911 for a critical burn.

For a second degree burn with blisters, cool with water and do not break the blisters. Cover the area loosely with a clean nonstick dressing. Get medical help for large, deep, or critical-area burns.

For a suspected third degree burn, call 911 and cover the burn cleanly with a clean dry dressing. Do not remove stuck clothing. A third-degree burn can damage nerves and may be painless.

Broken Bones, Sprains, and Spine

A broken bone may look deformed or rest in an unnatural position. Pain, swelling, trouble moving, and a visible or felt bump can also suggest a fracture. Keep the injured area still and get medical care.

For an open fracture with bone visible, call 911. Control bleeding around the wound, cover it with a clean cloth, and immobilize the limb. Do not push exposed bone back in.

Initially treat a sprain with rest, elevation, and cold. Keep an injured joint above heart level as often as possible, and use a wrapped cold pack for swelling. Seek care if pain is severe or the joint cannot be used.

With a suspected spine injury, do not move the person unless absolutely necessary. Keep the head, neck, and back aligned, and call 911 immediately. Unnecessary movement can worsen spinal cord damage.

Move someone with a possible spine injury only for safety, CPR, or bleeding control. Otherwise, leave them where found and call 911 first.

Specific Injuries

To stop a nosebleed, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose. Pinch for 10 minutes without releasing. Avoid blowing the nose for several hours afterward, and call 911 if bleeding does not stop or is caused by injury.

Recurrent nosebleeds should prompt medical care. Frequent nosebleeds can signal an underlying problem, so keep a record of frequency and duration. Call 911 for bleeding that will not stop.

Handle a knocked-out permanent tooth by the crown, not the root. If it cannot be replaced gently, keep it moist in milk and get emergency dental care immediately. A knocked-out baby tooth is not replanted.

Remove a visible bee stinger promptly, such as by scraping with a fingernail. Do not dig for one below the skin. Wash the site with soap and water, and call 911 for anaphylaxis.

For a bleeding mouth injury, make sure the person can breathe. For a bleeding tongue, apply clean gauze and direct pressure. A seated, slightly forward position lets blood drain from the mouth, and call 911 for blocked breathing or another serious injury.

Heat and Cold Emergencies

Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, cool clammy skin, and weakness. Move the person to a cool place, loosen clothing, and cool the skin. Give sips of cool fluid only if the person is fully alert and not vomiting, and call 911 if symptoms worsen.

A key sign of heat stroke is confusion with very high body temperature. Call 911 and begin rapid cooling immediately. Sweating may stop during heat stroke, but its presence does not rule it out.

Signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and poor coordination. Shivering may stop at extremely low body temperatures. Call 911 for suspected hypothermia.

If shivering stops in a cold person, it can signal severe hypothermia. Handle the person gently, call 911, and begin passive rewarming. Severe hypothermia victims can appear dead but may be saved with proper hospital care.

Treat frostbite by protecting the area and seeking medical care. Rewarm only when refreezing is not possible, using warm, not hot, water. Do not rub the area or use direct heat.

Prevent frostbite by wearing layers and keeping hands, feet, and head covered. Change out of wet clothes immediately and limit time in extreme cold. Mittens are warmer than gloves.

Water Safety and Drowning

The best way to prevent drowning is constant adult supervision and barriers. Use several layers of protection, including close, constant supervision, four-sided fencing, and swimming skills. A four-sided fence should fully enclose the pool and separate it from the house.

After removing a nonbreathing drowning victim from the water, call 911 and start CPR with breaths and chest compressions. Do not delay CPR to drain water. Drowning cardiac arrest usually follows severe lack of oxygen, making breaths important.

Poisons, Chemicals, and Sun Safety

For inhaled poison or fumes, move to fresh air and call Poison Control. Call 1-800-222-1222 or 911 if the person is unconscious. Do not enter a dangerous area yourself.

For a chemical burn on skin, protect yourself with gloves. Brush off dry chemicals, remove contaminated clothing, and rinse the area for at least 20 minutes. Call Poison Control or 911 as appropriate.

Prevent sunburn by using shade, clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen as directed, especially after swimming or sweating. Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.