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Scald BurnFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Cool Water & Loose Cover
Preparation & Use
Immediately hold the burned area under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–15 minutes. Remove any clothing near the burn before it swells. Cover loosely with a clean, dry cloth.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not apply ice, butter, or toothpaste.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the burn is larger than the person's palm, or if it forms large blisters.
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Scald Burn (Child)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Cool Water & Loose Cover
Preparation & Use
Immediately hold the burned area under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–15 minutes. Remove any clothing near the burn before it swells. Cover loosely with a clean, dry cloth.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Children's skin is thinner and burns more deeply.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the burn is larger than the child's palm, or if it forms large blisters.
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Scorpion StingFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Wash Ice & Immobilize
Preparation & Use
Wash the sting site with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the affected limb still and at or below heart level. Try to safely identify the scorpion.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Scorpion venom can cause severe muscle spasms and breathing difficulties, especially in children.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, or severe spreading pain.
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Seizure (Epileptic Fit)First Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Protect Head & Time It
Preparation & Use
Clear the area of hard or sharp objects. Place something soft (like a folded jacket) under their head. Do NOT hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Turn them gently onto their side once the shaking stops to keep the airway (the passage for breathing) clear.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Putting objects in the mouth can break teeth or block the airway.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if they get injured, or if it is their first seizure.
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Seizure (Febrile / Child)First Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Protect Head & Time It
Preparation & Use
Place the child on their side on a soft surface. Clear the area of hard objects. Do not put anything in their mouth or try to hold them still. Time the seizure. Once it stops, give fever-reducing medication as directed by a doctor.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Febrile seizures are usually harmless but look terrifying.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if it is the child's first seizure.
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Seizure (Post-Ictal Care)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Rest & Reassure
Preparation & Use
Keep the person on their side. Speak calmly and reassure them as they wake up, as they may be confused. Do not offer food or drink until they are fully alert.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: The person may be disoriented and try to walk.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the person does not regain consciousness within a few minutes, or if another seizure begins.
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Shock (Medical)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Lay Flat & Keep Warm
Preparation & Use
Lay the person flat on their back. Elevate their legs about 12 inches (unless you suspect a head, neck, or spine injury). Cover them with a blanket to prevent heat loss. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Shock means vital organs are not getting enough blood.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance while treating for shock.
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Snake BiteFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Transport
Preparation & Use
Move away from the snake. Keep the person calm and completely still. Remove rings or tight clothing near the bite. Keep the bitten limb immobilized (kept completely still) and at or slightly below heart level. Do NOT cut the wound, suck the venom, or apply a tight tourniquet or ice.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Old myths (cutting/sucking) cause more harm and waste time.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Rush to the nearest hospital that has anti-snake venom.
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Snake Bite (Non-Venomous)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Wash & Disinfect
Preparation & Use
Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic. Cover with a clean bandage. Monitor for signs of infection.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: If you are unsure if the snake was venomous, treat it as a venomous bite.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the wound becomes red, swollen, painful, or if you are unsure about the snake's species.
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Splinter (Under Nail)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Soak & Professional Removal
Preparation & Use
Soak the finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes to soften the skin. If the splinter is visible and sticking out, gently pull it with sterilized tweezers. Do not dig under the nail.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Digging under the nail can cause severe pain and infection.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the splinter is deep under the nail, painful, or shows signs of infection (redness, pus).
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Splinter (Wood)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Clean & Tweezers
Preparation & Use
Wash the area with soap and water. Sterilize (make free of germs) a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol. Gently pull the splinter out in the same direction it went in. Wash again and apply an antibiotic ointment.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Do not dig deeply into the flesh.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the splinter is deep, under the nail, near the eye, or if the area becomes red and swollen later.
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Splinters (Deep)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Clean & Tweezers
Preparation & Use
Wash the area with soap and water. Sterilize (make free of germs) a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol. Gently pull the splinter out in the same direction it went in. Wash again and apply an antibiotic ointment.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Do not dig deeply into the flesh.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the splinter is deep, under the nail, near the eye, or if the area becomes red and swollen later.
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Sprain (Joint)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
R.I.C.E. Method
Preparation & Use
Rest the injured joint. Apply Ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes. Compress with an elastic bandage (not too tight). Elevate the limb above the heart to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not apply heat in the first 48 hours.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you cannot bear any weight on the joint, or if it looks deformed (suspected fracture).
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Sprain (Wrist)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
R.I.C.E. Method
Preparation & Use
Rest the wrist. Apply Ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes. Compress with an elastic bandage (not too tight). Elevate the hand above the heart to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not apply heat in the first 48 hours.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you cannot move the wrist, or if there is severe pain and swelling (suspected fracture).
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Stab Wound (Abdomen)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Do Not Remove & Control Bleeding
Preparation & Use
Do NOT remove the object if it is still in the wound. Apply firm pressure around the object (not directly on it) with clean cloths to control bleeding. Keep the person lying flat with knees bent.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: High risk of severe internal organ damage and bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance and keep the person completely still.
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Stab Wound (Chest)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Seal & Monitor Breathing
Preparation & Use
If the wound is 'sucking' air (making a hissing sound), cover it with a plastic wrapper or sterile dressing taped on three sides (leaving one side open to let air escape). Do not remove any embedded object. Keep the person sitting up or leaning toward the injured side.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Can cause a collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance immediately.
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Stingray StingFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Hot Water Soak & Clean
Preparation & Use
Immerse (soak) the affected area in hot (but not scalding) water for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. Gently wash the wound with soap and water. Do not try to dig out the barb.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Stingray barbs can break off inside the wound and cause infection.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or if the sting is on the chest or abdomen.
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Strain (Muscle)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
R.I.C.E. Method
Preparation & Use
Rest the injured muscle. Apply Ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes. Compress with an elastic bandage. Elevate the limb if possible.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not stretch or massage the muscle in the first 48 hours.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you hear a 'pop' at the time of injury, or if you cannot move the muscle at all.
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