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Foreign Body in NoseFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Mouth Breathing & Gentle Blow
Preparation & Use
Have the person breathe through their mouth. If they are old enough, have them gently blow out through the unaffected nostril while you block the other one. Do not probe (poke or explore) with tweezers or fingers.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Probing can push the object further up into the airway.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the object cannot be easily blown out, or if it is a button battery (which can cause severe chemical burns).
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Fracture (Arm or Wrist)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Sling & Ice Pack
Preparation & Use
Do not try to straighten the arm. Support the arm against the chest using a makeshift (temporary and improvised) sling (a cloth used to support an injured arm). Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Moving a fractured arm can damage nerves or blood vessels.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the hospital for an X-ray and proper casting.
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Fracture (Finger)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Buddy Tape & Ice
Preparation & Use
Remove any rings immediately. Buddy tape (tape the injured finger to the healthy finger next to it) for support. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not try to pull or straighten a deformed finger.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the finger is visibly deformed, numb, or cannot be moved.
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Fracture (Leg or Ankle)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Elevate
Preparation & Use
Do not let the person put weight on the leg. Keep the leg as still as possible. Place pillows under the leg to elevate it slightly. Apply an ice pack. Do not attempt realignment (putting a broken bone back into its correct position).
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Do not attempt to realign the bone.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call for transport to a hospital for an X-ray and splinting.
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Frostbite (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Gradual Rewarming
Preparation & Use
Move to a warm place. Warm the affected area (like nose, ears, or fingers) using body heat (e.g., placing cold fingers in armpits). Do not rub or massage the frozen skin.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not use direct heat like a fire or heating pad, as numb skin can burn easily.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the skin remains white, hard, or numb after rewarming, or if blisters form.
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Frostbite (Severe)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Gradual Rewarming & Medical Care
Preparation & Use
Move to a warm place. Do not rub or massage the frozen area. Immerse (soak) the affected area in warm (not hot) water for 15-30 minutes. Wrap in sterile (germ-free) dressings.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Severe frostbite can lead to tissue death and amputation.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the skin is white, hard, numb, or blistered.
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Gas Inhalation (Carbon Monoxide)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Fresh Air & Emergency Call
Preparation & Use
Immediately move the person to an area with fresh air. Call emergency services. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR. Do not re-enter the area.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Carbon monoxide prevents blood from carrying oxygen.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Always seek hospital evaluation for suspected CO poisoning, even if symptoms seem mild.
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Gunshot WoundFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Control Bleeding & Keep Still
Preparation & Use
Call emergency services immediately. Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Do not remove any embedded objects. Keep the person calm and still.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: High risk of severe internal bleeding and organ damage.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: This requires immediate paramedic and trauma center care.
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Gunshot Wound (Extremity)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Direct Pressure & Elevation
Preparation & Use
Call emergency services immediately. Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Elevate the injured limb above the heart if possible. Do not remove any embedded objects.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: High risk of severe bleeding and bone/nerve damage.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: This requires immediate paramedic and trauma center care.
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Head Injury (Concussion)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Monitor Closely
Preparation & Use
Have the person sit or lie down in a quiet place. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bump for 15 minutes. Watch them closely for vomiting, confusion, or unequal pupils. Do not let them sleep immediately if they are confused.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Hidden brain bleeding can be fatal.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If they vomit, lose consciousness, or complain of a worsening severe headache.
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Head Laceration (Forehead)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Direct Pressure & Clean Dressing
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding (head wounds bleed heavily). Once bleeding slows, gently clean with water and cover with a sterile bandage.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Monitor for signs of concussion (a mild brain injury), such as dizziness or confusion.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the cut is deep, gaping, won't stop bleeding, or was caused by a dirty object.
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Head Laceration (Scalp)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Direct Pressure & Clean Dressing
Preparation & Use
Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding (scalp wounds bleed heavily). Once bleeding slows, gently clean with water and cover with a sterile bandage.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Monitor for signs of concussion (a mild brain injury), such as dizziness or confusion.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the cut is deep, gaping, won't stop bleeding, or was caused by a dirty object.
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Heart Attack (Suspected)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Aspirin & Call Ambulance
Preparation & Use
Call emergency services immediately. Have the person sit comfortably and rest. If they are not allergic and it is available, have them chew a regular aspirin. Loosen tight clothing. Start CPR (chest compressions and breaths to restart the heart) if they become unconscious and stop breathing.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Every minute counts to save heart muscle.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance right away; do not drive them yourself if possible.
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Heat CrampsFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Rest, Cool Down & Hydrate
Preparation & Use
Stop all physical activity. Move to a cool place. Gently stretch and massage the cramped muscle. Drink water or a sports drink containing electrolytes (minerals like sodium and potassium).
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Can progress to heat exhaustion if ignored.
When to Seek Medical Help
If cramps last longer than an hour, or are accompanied by heavy sweating and weakness.
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Heat ExhaustionFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Cool Down & Hydrate
Preparation & Use
Move the person to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned place. Have them lie down and elevate their legs slightly. Give them cool water or ORS to sip. Loosen tight clothing.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Can quickly turn into life-threatening Heat Stroke.
When to Seek Medical Help
If symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs, or the person stops sweating and becomes confused (signs of Heat Stroke).
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Heat RashFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Cool & Dry the Skin
Preparation & Use
Move to a cooler environment. Keep the affected area dry. Apply cool compresses. Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing. Avoid heavy creams that block pores.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the rash becomes painful, swells, or shows signs of infection (pus).
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Heat Stroke (Severe)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rapid Cooling
Preparation & Use
Move the person to a shaded or cool area. Remove excess clothing. Sponge their body with cool water and fan them vigorously. Place ice packs wrapped in cloth on the neck, armpits, and groin (the area where the legs meet the body). Do not give them fluids if they are unconscious.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: This is life-threatening and can cause organ failure.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance while cooling them down.
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Heimlich Maneuver (Self-Administration)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Self-Thrusts or Chair Leaning
Preparation & Use
Make a fist (a hand with fingers tightly curled inside) and place it above your navel. Grab it with your other hand and push inward and upward. Alternatively, lean your upper abdomen over the back of a sturdy chair and push down forcefully.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Use only when choking and alone.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: After successfully dislodging the object, to check for internal injury.
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