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HyperventilationFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Calm Breathing Techniques
Preparation & Use
Speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Encourage the person to breathe in slowly through the nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, and exhale slowly through pursed lips (like whistling) for 6 seconds.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Ensure it is not asthma or a heart issue.
When to Seek Medical Help
If breathing does not normalize, or if accompanied by chest pain or fainting.
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Hypoglycemia (Severe / Unconscious)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Recovery Position & Glucagon
Preparation & Use
Do NOT put food or liquid in the mouth of an unconscious person (risk of choking). Place them in the recovery position (lying on their side). If a glucagon injection kit (a hormone that raises blood sugar) is available and you are trained, administer it.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Severe low blood sugar can cause seizures or coma.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance immediately.
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Hypothermia (Extreme Cold)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Gradual Warming
Preparation & Use
Move the person to a warm room. Remove any wet clothing. Wrap them in dry, warm blankets. Give warm, sweet drinks if they are fully awake. Do not rub their skin or put them in a hot bath, as this can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Warming too fast can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If they are shivering uncontrollably, confused, or losing consciousness.
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Impaled Object (Abdomen)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Stabilize & Do Not Remove
Preparation & Use
Do NOT pull the object out, as it may be plugging a severed blood vessel. Place bulky dressings or clean cloths around the object to hold it in place. Bandage securely without putting pressure on the object itself.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Removing the object can cause fatal internal bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance and keep the person completely still.
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Insect Bite (Mild / Mosquito)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Wash & Anti-Itch Cream
Preparation & Use
Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone (a mild steroid cream to reduce itching) to relieve itching. Avoid scratching.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the bite becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, or painful (signs of infection).
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Insect Bite (Spider/Scorpion)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Wash Ice & Immobilize
Preparation & Use
Wash the bite with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the bitten limb still and below heart level. Try to safely take a photo of the insect for the doctor to identify the venom type.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Venom can spread quickly and cause severe allergic reactions.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, or severe spreading pain.
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Insect Sting (Hornet)First Aid & Emergency · First AidUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Remove Stinger & Cold Compress
Preparation & Use
Scrape (to gently rub something off the surface) the stinger out with a flat object. Wash with soap and water. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Watch for severe allergic reactions.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is trouble breathing, swelling of the face/lips, or dizziness.
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Jaw FractureFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Support & Ice
Preparation & Use
Support the jaw by holding it gently in place with your hands or a soft bandage. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling. Do not try to eat or speak.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: A broken jaw can compromise the airway (the passage in the throat for breathing).
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the hospital for an X-ray and proper medical management.
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Jellyfish StingFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Vinegar Rinse & Tweezers
Preparation & Use
Rinse the area with vinegar (do not use fresh water or urine, as it triggers more venom release). Carefully pluck out visible tentacles with tweezers. Soak the area in hot (but not scalding) water for 20 minutes to relieve pain.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not rub the area with a towel.
When to Seek Medical Help
If stung on the face, or if the person has trouble breathing or chest pain.
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Joint Dislocation (Knee)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Ice
Preparation & Use
Immobilize (keep completely still) the leg in the exact position it is found. Do not try to push or pull the kneecap back into place. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Forcing a dislocated joint back can tear ligaments or damage nerves.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the hospital for professional reduction (putting the bone back into the joint).
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Joint Dislocation (Shoulder)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Ice
Preparation & Use
Support the arm in the most comfortable position, usually across the chest. Do not try to push or pull the shoulder back into place. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Forcing a dislocated joint back can tear ligaments or damage nerves.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to the hospital for professional reduction (putting the bone back into the joint).
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Kidney Stone Pain (First Aid)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Hydration & Pain Relief
Preparation & Use
Drink plenty of water to help flush the stone. Apply a warm heating pad to the painful area on the back or side. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if approved by a doctor.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Severe pain requires medical evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the pain is unbearable, or if accompanied by fever, chills, or blood in the urine.
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Knocked-Out ToothFirst Aid & Emergency · Dental EmergencyUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Milk Storage & Replant
Preparation & Use
Pick up the tooth by the crown (the visible top part), not the root. Rinse gently with milk or water (do not scrub). If possible, gently place it back in the socket. If not, store it in a glass of cold milk or inside the person's cheek.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Time is critical. The tooth must be replanted within 30-60 minutes.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Go to a dentist or emergency room right away.
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Laceration (Face)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Gentle Pressure & Medical Closure
Preparation & Use
Apply gentle, direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Do not press hard on the eyes or cheeks. Cover with a sterile dressing.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Facial cuts often require professional closure to minimize scarring.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the cut is deep, gaping, near the eye, or bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes.
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Laceration (Torso/Body)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Pressure & Medical Closure
Preparation & Use
Apply direct, firm pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Elevate the area if possible. Do not try to clean a deep wound extensively yourself. Cover it with a sterile dressing.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Deep cuts on the torso require professional closure to prevent infection and check for internal damage.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the cut is deep, gaping, or bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure.
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Ligament Tear (Ankle)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).
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Ligament Tear (Knee)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
R.I.C.E. Method
Preparation & Use
Rest the knee. 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 hear a 'pop', cannot bear weight, or the knee feels unstable.
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Lightning Strike InjuryFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Check Breathing & CPR
Preparation & Use
It is safe to touch a lightning strike victim (they do not carry an electrical charge). Check for breathing and a pulse. Start CPR immediately if they are unresponsive. Treat any burns with cool water and cover them.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Lightning can cause cardiac arrest (when the heart suddenly stops beating) instantly.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance and start CPR if needed.
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