Browse Categories
First Aid & Emergency
Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.
Advanced Search — Refine Results
Abdominal Trauma (Blunt Force)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Monitor for Shock
Preparation & Use
Have the person lie flat with their knees slightly bent to relieve tension on the stomach muscles. Do not give them anything to eat or drink. Monitor for pale skin, rapid pulse, or confusion.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Blunt force can cause invisible internal bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is severe pain, a hard/rigid stomach, or signs of shock.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Abrasion (Minor Scrape)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Clean & Protect
Preparation & Use
Rinse the area gently with clean water to remove dirt. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. Cover with a sterile (germ-free) bandage to keep it clean while it heals.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the wound is very large, contains embedded dirt that cannot be washed out, or shows signs of infection.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Acid Burn (Skin)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Flush with Water & Remove Clothing
Preparation & Use
Immediately flush (wash continuously with a large amount of water) the area with cool, running water for at least 20 minutes. Carefully remove any clothing that has the chemical on it.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Chemical burns can continue to damage tissue if not washed thoroughly.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: After flushing, go to the hospital, especially if the burn is large or on the face.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Acute Asthma AttackFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rescue Inhaler & Upright Posture
Preparation & Use
Help the person sit upright. Assist them in using their rescue inhaler (a medication that quickly opens narrowed airways). Stay calm and encourage slow breathing.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: A severe attack can be life-threatening.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the inhaler does not work, or if the person is struggling to speak in full sentences.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Acute Panic AttackFirst Aid & Emergency · Mental Health
First Aid Approach
Grounding & Calm Breathing
Preparation & Use
Move the person to a quiet place. Speak in a calm voice. Guide them to breathe in slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 2, and exhale for 6 seconds. Ask them to name 5 things they can see to ground them (bring focus back to reality).
Safety & Precautions
SAFE support. CAUTION: Ensure it is not a heart issue, which can have similar symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Help
If chest pain radiates (spreads) to the arm or jaw, or if they have a history of heart disease.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Allergic Reaction (Food)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Stop Eating & Monitor
Preparation & Use
Stop eating the suspected food immediately. If mild, take an antihistamine. If there is any swelling of the lips or throat, use an epinephrine auto-injector (a device that delivers adrenaline to reverse severe allergies) if prescribed.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Food allergies can escalate to anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction) rapidly.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is trouble breathing, facial swelling, or dizziness.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Allergic Reaction (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Wash & Apply Cream
Preparation & Use
Wash the affected area with mild soap and cool water to remove the allergen (the substance causing the allergy). Apply hydrocortisone (a mild steroid cream to reduce itching) or calamine lotion.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Monitor closely in case it escalates.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the rash spreads rapidly, or if breathing difficulties develop.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Allergic Reaction (Severe / Anaphylaxis)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Epinephrine & Emergency Call
Preparation & Use
Call an ambulance immediately. Help the person use their epinephrine auto-injector (a device that delivers a dose of adrenaline to reverse severe allergy symptoms) into the outer thigh. Have them lie flat with legs elevated.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: This can cause the airway to close within minutes.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Always go to the hospital after using an epinephrine injector, even if symptoms improve.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Amputation (Partial Finger)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Control Bleeding & Protect Part
Preparation & Use
Apply firm pressure to stop bleeding. Do not pull or stretch the attached part. Wrap the hand in a clean, dry cloth. Keep the hand elevated above the heart.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Time is critical for surgical reattachment.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the nearest trauma center or emergency room.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Angina (Chest Pain)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Nitroglycerin
Preparation & Use
Stop all physical activity and sit down immediately. If prescribed, place a nitroglycerin tablet (a medication that widens blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart) under the tongue.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: If pain does not go away in 5 minutes, treat it as a heart attack.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the pain lasts more than 15 minutes or is accompanied by sweating and shortness of breath.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Animal Bite (Dog or Cat)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Wash & Seek Medical Care
Preparation & Use
Immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic (a liquid that kills germs). Do not bandage tightly. Go to a hospital for a rabies (a deadly virus from animal bites) and tetanus vaccine.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Rabies is 100% fatal if vaccines are delayed.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: For rabies and tetanus shots, even if the wound looks small.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Animal Scratch (Cat)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Wash & Disinfect
Preparation & Use
Wash the scratch immediately with soap and running water for 5 minutes. Apply an antiseptic (a liquid that kills germs). Cover with a clean bandage.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Cat scratches can introduce bacteria deep into the skin.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the scratch becomes red, swollen, warm, or if a fever develops in the following weeks.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Ankle Sprain (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
R.I.C.E. Method
Preparation & Use
Rest the ankle. 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 ankle, or if it looks deformed (suspected fracture).
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Ant Sting (Fire Ant)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Wash & Soothe
Preparation & Use
Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Use hydrocortisone cream (a mild steroid cream to reduce itching) to relieve the burning sensation. Do not pop the blisters.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the person experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or dizziness.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Arterial Bleeding (Limb)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Direct Pressure & Tourniquet
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop, apply a tourniquet (a tight band wrapped around a limb to stop severe bleeding) 2-3 inches above the wound. Tighten until bleeding stops.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Arterial bleeding can be fatal within minutes.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance and maintain pressure until help arrives.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Asthma Attack (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Rescue Inhaler & Calm Breathing
Preparation & Use
Help the person sit upright. Assist them in using their rescue inhaler (a medication that quickly opens narrowed airways). Stay calm and encourage slow, steady breathing.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Monitor closely to ensure it does not worsen.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the inhaler does not work, or if the person is struggling to speak in full sentences.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Avulsion Injury (Skin Tear)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Control Bleeding & Preserve Tissue
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. If a piece of skin is torn off, wrap it in a clean, damp cloth, place it in a sealed bag, and keep it cool. Do not try to reattach it yourself.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Avulsion wounds bleed heavily and are prone to infection.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the hospital for professional cleaning, possible stitches, and tetanus care.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.
Back Injury (Suspected Spinal)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Wait for Help
Preparation & Use
Do not move the person. Stabilize (keep completely still) their head and neck by placing your hands on both sides of their head. Wait for professional paramedics to arrive with a backboard.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Moving a spinal injury victim can cause permanent paralysis.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance for any suspected spinal injury.
My Reading Checklist
These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.