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First Aid & Emergency
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Rabies Exposure (Animal Bite Follow-up)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immediate Vaccination
Preparation & Use
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic. Go to a hospital immediately to start the rabies vaccine series and get a tetanus shot.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but 100% preventable with timely vaccines.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: On the same day as the bite, regardless of how small the wound is.
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Radiation Exposure (Minor)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Remove Clothing & Wash
Preparation & Use
Carefully remove all clothing (this removes up to 90% of radioactive material). Wash the entire body gently with lots of soap and lukewarm water. Do not scrub the skin hard.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Avoid spreading contamination to others or clean areas.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: For professional decontamination and health monitoring.
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Rectal Bleeding (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
High Fiber & Sitz Bath
Preparation & Use
Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water to prevent straining. Sit in a warm bath (sitz bath) for 15 minutes to soothe the area. Avoid wiping hard; use wet wipes instead.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Any rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious causes.
When to Seek Medical Help
If bleeding is heavy, persistent, or accompanied by severe pain or dizziness.
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Respiratory Distress (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Upright Posture & Calm Breathing
Preparation & Use
Have the person sit upright and lean slightly forward. Encourage slow, deep breathing. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck or chest.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Monitor closely, as mild distress can quickly become severe.
When to Seek Medical Help
If breathing does not improve, or if lips/fingers turn blue.
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Rib FractureFirst Aid & Emergency · First AidUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Ice
Preparation & Use
Rest in a comfortable, semi-upright position. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the painful area for 15-20 minutes. Avoid deep breathing exercises that cause sharp pain, but do not wrap the chest tightly.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Wrapping the chest can prevent deep breathing and lead to pneumonia.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or severe pain.
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Ring Removal (Swollen Finger)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Elevation & Lubrication
Preparation & Use
Raise the hand above the heart to reduce swelling. Apply a generous amount of lubricant (like soap, oil, or Windex) to the finger. Gently twist and pull the ring off. If it does not move, do not force it.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: A trapped ring can cut off blood flow, leading to tissue damage.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the ring cannot be removed within 15 minutes, go to a fire station or hospital to have it safely cut off.
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Road Rash (Severe Abrasion)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Gentle Cleaning & Sterile Dressing
Preparation & Use
Rinse the wound gently with clean water or saline (a clean saltwater solution) to remove dirt and gravel. Do not scrub. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick sterile (germ-free) bandage.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Road rash is highly prone to infection and scarring.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the wound is large, deeply embedded with dirt, or on the face/joints.
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