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First Aid & Emergency
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Head Injury (Concussion)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Monitor Closely
Preparation & Use
Have the person sit or lie down in a quiet place. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bump for 15 minutes. Watch them closely for vomiting, confusion, or unequal pupils. Do not let them sleep immediately if they are confused.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Hidden brain bleeding can be fatal.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If they vomit, lose consciousness, or complain of a worsening severe headache.
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Head Laceration (Forehead)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Direct Pressure & Clean Dressing
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding (head wounds bleed heavily). Once bleeding slows, gently clean with water and cover with a sterile bandage.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Monitor for signs of concussion (a mild brain injury), such as dizziness or confusion.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the cut is deep, gaping, won't stop bleeding, or was caused by a dirty object.
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Head Laceration (Scalp)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Direct Pressure & Clean Dressing
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding (scalp wounds bleed heavily). Once bleeding slows, gently clean with water and cover with a sterile bandage.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Monitor for signs of concussion (a mild brain injury), such as dizziness or confusion.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the cut is deep, gaping, won't stop bleeding, or was caused by a dirty object.
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Heart Attack (Suspected)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Aspirin & Call Ambulance
Preparation & Use
Call emergency services immediately. Have the person sit comfortably and rest. If they are not allergic and it is available, have them chew a regular aspirin. Loosen tight clothing. Start CPR (chest compressions and breaths to restart the heart) if they become unconscious and stop breathing.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Every minute counts to save heart muscle.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance right away; do not drive them yourself if possible.
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Heat CrampsFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Rest, Cool Down & Hydrate
Preparation & Use
Stop all physical activity. Move to a cool place. Gently stretch and massage the cramped muscle. Drink water or a sports drink containing electrolytes (minerals like sodium and potassium).
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Can progress to heat exhaustion if ignored.
When to Seek Medical Help
If cramps last longer than an hour, or are accompanied by heavy sweating and weakness.
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Heat ExhaustionFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Cool Down & Hydrate
Preparation & Use
Move the person to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned place. Have them lie down and elevate their legs slightly. Give them cool water or ORS to sip. Loosen tight clothing.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Can quickly turn into life-threatening Heat Stroke.
When to Seek Medical Help
If symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs, or the person stops sweating and becomes confused (signs of Heat Stroke).
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Heat RashFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Cool & Dry the Skin
Preparation & Use
Move to a cooler environment. Keep the affected area dry. Apply cool compresses. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing. Avoid heavy creams that block pores.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the rash becomes painful, swells, or shows signs of infection (pus).
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Heat Stroke (Severe)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rapid Cooling
Preparation & Use
Move the person to a shaded or cool area. Remove excess clothing. Sponge their body with cool water and fan them vigorously. Place ice packs wrapped in cloth on the neck, armpits, and groin (the area where the legs meet the body). Do not give them fluids if they are unconscious.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: This is life-threatening and can cause organ failure.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance while cooling them down.
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Heimlich Maneuver (Self-Administration)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Self-Thrusts or Chair Leaning
Preparation & Use
Make a fist (a hand with fingers tightly curled inside) and place it above your navel. Grab it with your other hand and push inward and upward. Alternatively, lean your upper abdomen over the back of a sturdy chair and push down forcefully.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Use only when choking and alone.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: After successfully dislodging the object, to check for internal injury.
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HyperventilationFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Calm Breathing Techniques
Preparation & Use
Speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Encourage the person to breathe in slowly through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale slowly through pursed lips (like whistling) for 6 seconds.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Ensure it is not asthma or a heart issue.
When to Seek Medical Help
If breathing does not normalize, or if accompanied by chest pain or fainting.
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Hypoglycemia (Severe / Unconscious)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Recovery Position & Glucagon
Preparation & Use
Do NOT put food or liquid in the mouth of an unconscious person (risk of choking). Place them in the recovery position (lying on their side). If a glucagon injection kit (a hormone that raises blood sugar) is available and you are trained, administer it.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Severe low blood sugar can cause seizures or coma.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance immediately.
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Hypothermia (Extreme Cold)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Gradual Warming
Preparation & Use
Move the person to a warm room. Remove any wet clothing. Wrap them in dry, warm blankets. Give warm, sweet drinks if they are fully awake. Do not rub their skin or put them in a hot bath, as this can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Warming too fast can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If they are shivering uncontrollably, confused, or losing consciousness.
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