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Vaginal Bleeding (During Pregnancy)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Immediate Transport
Preparation & Use
Have the pregnant person lie down on their left side. Place a clean sanitary pad to monitor the amount of blood. Do not insert anything into the vagina. Keep them calm.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Can indicate a serious complication for both mother and baby.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance, regardless of the amount of bleeding.
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Vaginal Bleeding (Non-Pregnancy)First Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Rest & Monitor
Preparation & Use
Rest in a comfortable position. Use sanitary pads to monitor the flow. Drink plenty of water or ORS to prevent dehydration (a dangerous lack of fluids).
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Heavy bleeding can lead to severe anemia (low blood count) or shock.
When to Seek Medical Help
If bleeding soaks through a pad in an hour, or is accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or severe pelvic pain.
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Vaginal Bleeding (Postpartum)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Uterine Massage & Immediate Transport
Preparation & Use
Have the person lie flat. Gently but firmly massage the lower abdomen (the uterus) in a circular motion to help it contract and stop bleeding. Keep the person warm and call for emergency transport.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance if bleeding is heavy (soaking a pad in an hour) or if large clots are passed.
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Vascular Injury (Severe Bleeding)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Direct Pressure & Elevation
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure directly over the bleeding site with a clean cloth or your hand. Elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart if possible. Do not remove the cloth if it soaks through; add more on top.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Severe vascular injuries can lead to fatal blood loss in minutes.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance and maintain pressure until help arrives.
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Vertigo Attack (Sudden Dizziness)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Sit Still & Focus
Preparation & Use
Have the person sit or lie down immediately to prevent a fall. Keep their head completely still. Ask them to focus their eyes on a single, stationary object. Avoid sudden head movements.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Ensure the area is clear of hazards to prevent falling.
When to Seek Medical Help
If vertigo is accompanied by a severe headache, double vision, difficulty speaking, or weakness.
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Visceral (Internal) InjuryFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Monitor for Shock
Preparation & Use
Keep the person completely still and lying flat. Do not give them anything to eat or drink. Cover them with a blanket to maintain body temperature. Watch for pale skin, rapid pulse, or confusion.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Internal bleeding is invisible but life-threatening.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance after any severe blow to the chest or abdomen.
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Vision Loss (Sudden)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Protect Eye & Emergency Transport
Preparation & Use
Do not rub or apply pressure to the eye. Keep the person calm and seated. Do not let them drive. Cover the eye loosely with a clean shield or cup if there was trauma.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Sudden vision loss can be a sign of stroke or retinal detachment.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the nearest emergency room or eye hospital immediately.
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Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Side Position & Emergency Call
Preparation & Use
Have the person sit up and lean slightly forward, or lie on their side to prevent choking on the blood. Do not give them anything to eat or drink. Save a sample of the vomit for the doctors if possible.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Indicates severe internal bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance immediately.
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