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Tachycardia (Rapid Heart Rate)First Aid & Emergency · First AidUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Vagal Maneuvers
Preparation & Use
Have the person sit down and rest. Encourage them to try a vagal maneuver (a simple action like bearing down as if having a bowel movement, or splashing cold water on the face) to help slow the heart rate.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: If accompanied by chest pain or fainting, it is an emergency.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the rapid heart rate does not slow down, or if there is dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
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Tension Headache (First Aid)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Rest, Hydration & Gentle Massage
Preparation & Use
Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room. Drink a glass of water. Gently massage the temples (the flat area on the sides of the forehead) and the back of the neck.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the headache is sudden and severe (the 'worst ever'), or is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, or confusion.
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Tetanus Risk (Post-Injury)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Clean Wound & Seek Booster
Preparation & Use
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water. Apply an antiseptic. Check the person's vaccination records. If it has been more than 5 years since their last tetanus shot (for a dirty wound) or 10 years (for a clean wound), seek a booster.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Tetanus bacteria live in soil and rust, and the infection is life-threatening.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: For a tetanus booster shot if the wound is deep, dirty, or caused by a rusty object.
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Thumb Amputation (Traumatic)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Control Bleeding & Preserve Part
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure to the stump (the remaining part of the thumb) with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Wrap the severed thumb in a clean, damp cloth, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put that bag on ice. Do not let the thumb touch the ice directly.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Time is critical for possible surgical reattachment.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance and transport both the patient and the severed thumb to a trauma center.
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Tick BiteFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Careful Removal & Disinfection
Preparation & Use
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or crush the tick. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not use nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat to make the tick detach.
When to Seek Medical Help
If a rash (especially a bullseye pattern) develops, or if fever and joint pain occur within a few weeks.
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Tourniquet Application (Life-Threatening Bleeding)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Apply High & Tight
Preparation & Use
Place the tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the bleeding wound (not over a joint). Tighten it until the bright red bleeding completely stops. Note the exact time it was applied and tell the paramedics. Do not loosen it once applied.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Only use for life-threatening limb bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance. A tourniquet requires immediate professional medical management.
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Toxic Fume InhalationFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Fresh Air & Monitor Breathing
Preparation & Use
Immediately move the person to an area with fresh air. Ventilate (bring in fresh air to clear out bad air) the area if safe to do so. Loosen tight clothing. If breathing stops, begin CPR.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Do not enter a confined space with toxic fumes without proper protective gear.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the person has difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, or confusion.
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Toxic Plant IngestionFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Identify & Call Poison Control
Preparation & Use
Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Call a poison control center or emergency services immediately. Save a sample or take a photo of the plant for identification.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Some plants cause severe throat swelling or heart issues.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Always seek professional medical advice for any suspected plant poisoning.
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Traumatic AmputationFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Control Bleeding & Preserve Part
Preparation & Use
Apply direct pressure or a tourniquet (a tight band wrapped around a limb to stop severe bleeding) to the stump to stop bleeding. Wrap the severed part in a clean, damp cloth, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put that bag on ice. Do not let the part touch the ice directly.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Time is critical for possible reattachment.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance and transport both the patient and the severed part to a trauma center.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize Head & Monitor
Preparation & Use
Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger. Stabilize (keep completely still) their head and neck with your hands. Monitor closely for vomiting, unequal pupils, or confusion.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Moving a person with a severe head injury can worsen spinal or brain damage.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance for any loss of consciousness, severe headache, or confusion after a head injury.
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