Browse Categories
First Aid & Emergency
Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.
Advanced Search — Refine Results
Fainting (Syncope)First Aid & Emergency · First AidUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Lie Down & Elevate Legs
Preparation & Use
Lay the person flat on their back. Raise their legs about 12 inches to improve blood flow to the brain. Loosen tight clothing. Do not give them food or drink until fully awake.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: If they do not wake up within 1 minute, call an ambulance.
When to Seek Medical Help
If they do not wake up quickly, or if fainting is accompanied by chest pain or seizure.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Fire or Flame BurnFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Stop, Drop, and Roll
Preparation & Use
If clothing is on fire: Stop, Drop to the ground, and Roll to smother (put out a fire by cutting off its oxygen) the flames. Once out, cool the burn with running water for 15 minutes. Remove smoldering (burning slowly with smoke but no flame) clothing only if it is not stuck to the skin.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: High risk of severe tissue damage and shock.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: All flame burns require professional medical evaluation.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Food Poisoning (Severe)First Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Hydration (ORS) & Rest
Preparation & Use
Stop eating solid foods. Sip ORS (a mixture of water, salt, and sugar to replace lost fluids) slowly and frequently. Rest in a comfortable position.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Dehydration is the main danger, especially in children and the elderly.
When to Seek Medical Help
If vomiting/diarrhea lasts >24 hours, there is blood in stool, or the person cannot keep any fluids down.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Foreign Body in EarFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Tilt & Gravity
Preparation & Use
Tilt the person's head to the affected side to let gravity help the object fall out. Gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the canal. Do not use cotton swabs (which can push the object deeper).
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: If it is an insect, shine a light into the ear to encourage it to crawl out, or use mineral oil to suffocate it.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the object does not come out easily, or if it is a battery or sharp object.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Foreign Body in Eye (Embedded)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Do Not Remove & Cover Both Eyes
Preparation & Use
Do NOT try to remove the object. Cover the injured eye with a rigid shield (like a paper cup) to prevent pressure. Cover the uninjured eye as well, because both eyes move together, and covering both prevents movement of the injured eye.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Removing an embedded object can cause severe, permanent vision loss.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to an emergency room or eye hospital immediately.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Foreign Body in NoseFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Mouth Breathing & Gentle Blow
Preparation & Use
Have the person breathe through their mouth. If they are old enough, have them gently blow out through the unaffected nostril while you block the other one. Do not probe (poke or explore) with tweezers or fingers.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Probing can push the object further up into the airway.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the object cannot be easily blown out, or if it is a button battery (which can cause severe chemical burns).
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Fracture (Arm or Wrist)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Sling & Ice Pack
Preparation & Use
Do not try to straighten the arm. Support the arm against the chest using a makeshift (temporary and improvised) sling (a cloth used to support an injured arm). Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Moving a fractured arm can damage nerves or blood vessels.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the hospital for an X-ray and proper casting.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Fracture (Finger)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Buddy Tape & Ice
Preparation & Use
Remove any rings immediately. Buddy tape (tape the injured finger to the healthy finger next to it) for support. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not try to pull or straighten a deformed finger.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the finger is visibly deformed, numb, or cannot be moved.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Fracture (Leg or Ankle)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Elevate
Preparation & Use
Do not let the person put weight on the leg. Keep the leg as still as possible. Place pillows under the leg to elevate it slightly. Apply an ice pack. Do not attempt realignment (putting a broken bone back into its correct position).
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Do not attempt to realign the bone.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call for transport to a hospital for an X-ray and splinting.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Frostbite (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Gradual Rewarming
Preparation & Use
Move to a warm place. Warm the affected area (like nose, ears, or fingers) using body heat (e.g., placing cold fingers in armpits). Do not rub or massage the frozen skin.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not use direct heat like a fire or heating pad, as numb skin can burn easily.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the skin remains white, hard, or numb after rewarming, or if blisters form.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Frostbite (Severe)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Gradual Rewarming & Medical Care
Preparation & Use
Move to a warm place. Do not rub or massage the frozen area. Immerse (soak) the affected area in warm (not hot) water for 15-30 minutes. Wrap in sterile (germ-free) dressings.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Severe frostbite can lead to tissue death and amputation.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the skin is white, hard, numb, or blistered.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.