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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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Umbilical Cord Bleeding (Newborn)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Gentle Pressure & Medical Help
Preparation & Use
Apply gentle, steady pressure with a clean, sterile gauze pad directly on the bleeding site. Do not pull on the cord stump. Keep the baby warm and calm.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Newborns have very little blood volume, so even small bleeding is serious.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Seek emergency medical care if bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure.
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Unconscious Breathing Victim (Recovery Position)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Roll to Side & Monitor
Preparation & Use
Check for breathing. If breathing normally, gently roll the person onto their side. Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway (the passage for breathing) open. Monitor their breathing continuously until help arrives.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not give them food or drink.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance for any unexplained loss of consciousness.
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Unconsciousness (Unknown Cause)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Recovery Position & Check Vitals
Preparation & Use
Check for breathing and a pulse. If breathing normally, place them in the recovery position (lying on their side with the head tilted back to keep the airway clear). Do not give them food or drink.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: If not breathing, start CPR immediately.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance for any unexplained loss of consciousness.
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Unconscious Non-Breathing Victim (CPR)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Start CPR Immediately
Preparation & Use
Call emergency services. Place the person on their back on a firm surface. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (at least 2 inches deep, 100-120 times per minute). If trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Brain damage begins within 4 minutes without blood flow.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Continue CPR until paramedics arrive or an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is ready to use.
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Urinary Retention (Acute)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Seek Medical Care for Catheterization
Preparation & Use
Do not force the person to push or strain. Keep them calm. This condition requires professional medical intervention to drain the bladder safely.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: A severely full bladder can rupture or cause kidney damage.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the emergency room for catheterization (inserting a tube to drain urine).
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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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