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Puncture Wound (Foot)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Clean & Monitor
Preparation & Use
Let the wound bleed briefly to help flush out bacteria. Wash gently with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage. Do not probe (poke or explore) the wound.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Puncture wounds trap bacteria deep inside, creating a high risk for infection and tetanus.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the object was rusty or dirty, or if signs of infection develop.
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Rabies Exposure (Animal Bite Follow-up)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immediate Vaccination
Preparation & Use
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic. Go to a hospital immediately to start the rabies vaccine series and get a tetanus shot.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but 100% preventable with timely vaccines.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: On the same day as the bite, regardless of how small the wound is.
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Radiation Exposure (Minor)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Remove Clothing & Wash
Preparation & Use
Carefully remove all clothing (this removes up to 90% of radioactive material). Wash the entire body gently with lots of soap and lukewarm water. Do not scrub the skin hard.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Avoid spreading contamination to others or clean areas.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: For professional decontamination and health monitoring.
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Rectal Bleeding (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
High Fiber & Sitz Bath
Preparation & Use
Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water to prevent straining. Sit in a warm bath (sitz bath) for 15 minutes to soothe the area. Avoid wiping hard; use wet wipes instead.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Any rectal bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious causes.
When to Seek Medical Help
If bleeding is heavy, persistent, or accompanied by severe pain or dizziness.
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Respiratory Distress (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Upright Posture & Calm Breathing
Preparation & Use
Have the person sit upright and lean slightly forward. Encourage slow, deep breathing. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck or chest.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Monitor closely, as mild distress can quickly become severe.
When to Seek Medical Help
If breathing does not improve, or if lips/fingers turn blue.
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Rib FractureFirst Aid & Emergency · First AidUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Rest & Ice
Preparation & Use
Rest in a comfortable, semi-upright position. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the painful area for 15-20 minutes. Avoid deep breathing exercises that cause sharp pain, but do not wrap the chest tightly.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Wrapping the chest can prevent deep breathing and lead to pneumonia.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or severe pain.
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Ring Removal (Swollen Finger)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Elevation & Lubrication
Preparation & Use
Raise the hand above the heart to reduce swelling. Apply a generous amount of lubricant (like soap, oil, or Windex) to the finger. Gently twist and pull the ring off. If it does not move, do not force it.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: A trapped ring can cut off blood flow, leading to tissue damage.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the ring cannot be removed within 15 minutes, go to a fire station or hospital to have it safely cut off.
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Road Rash (Severe Abrasion)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Gentle Cleaning & Sterile Dressing
Preparation & Use
Rinse the wound gently with clean water or saline (a clean saltwater solution) to remove dirt and gravel. Do not scrub. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick sterile (germ-free) bandage.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Road rash is highly prone to infection and scarring.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the wound is large, deeply embedded with dirt, or on the face/joints.
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Scald BurnFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Cool Water & Loose Cover
Preparation & Use
Immediately hold the burned area under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–15 minutes. Remove any clothing near the burn before it swells. Cover loosely with a clean, dry cloth.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Do not apply ice, butter, or toothpaste.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the burn is larger than the person's palm, or if it forms large blisters.
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Scald Burn (Child)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Cool Water & Loose Cover
Preparation & Use
Immediately hold the burned area under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–15 minutes. Remove any clothing near the burn before it swells. Cover loosely with a clean, dry cloth.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Children's skin is thinner and burns more deeply.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If the burn is larger than the child's palm, or if it forms large blisters.
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Scorpion StingFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Wash Ice & Immobilize
Preparation & Use
Wash the sting site with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the affected limb still and at or below heart level. Try to safely identify the scorpion.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Scorpion venom can cause severe muscle spasms and breathing difficulties, especially in children.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: If there is difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, or severe spreading pain.
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Seizure (Epileptic Fit)First Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Protect Head & Time It
Preparation & Use
Clear the area of hard or sharp objects. Place something soft (like a folded jacket) under their head. Do NOT hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Turn them gently onto their side once the shaking stops to keep the airway (the passage for breathing) clear.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Putting objects in the mouth can break teeth or block the airway.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if they get injured, or if it is their first seizure.
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Seizure (Febrile / Child)First Aid & Emergency · FA/E
First Aid Approach
Protect Head & Time It
Preparation & Use
Place the child on their side on a soft surface. Clear the area of hard objects. Do not put anything in their mouth or try to hold them still. Time the seizure. Once it stops, give fever-reducing medication as directed by a doctor.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Febrile seizures are usually harmless but look terrifying.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if it is the child's first seizure.
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Seizure (Post-Ictal Care)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Rest & Reassure
Preparation & Use
Keep the person on their side. Speak calmly and reassure them as they wake up, as they may be confused. Do not offer food or drink until they are fully alert.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: The person may be disoriented and try to walk.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the person does not regain consciousness within a few minutes, or if another seizure begins.
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Shock (Medical)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Lay Flat & Keep Warm
Preparation & Use
Lay the person flat on their back. Elevate their legs about 12 inches (unless you suspect a head, neck, or spine injury). Cover them with a blanket to prevent heat loss. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Shock means vital organs are not getting enough blood.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call an ambulance while treating for shock.
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Snake BiteFirst Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Immobilize & Transport
Preparation & Use
Move away from the snake. Keep the person calm and completely still. Remove rings or tight clothing near the bite. Keep the bitten limb immobilized (kept completely still) and at or slightly below heart level. Do NOT cut the wound, suck the venom, or apply a tight tourniquet or ice.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Old myths (cutting/sucking) cause more harm and waste time.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Rush to the nearest hospital that has anti-snake venom.
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Snake Bite (Non-Venomous)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Wash & Disinfect
Preparation & Use
Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic. Cover with a clean bandage. Monitor for signs of infection.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE first aid. CAUTION: If you are unsure if the snake was venomous, treat it as a venomous bite.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the wound becomes red, swollen, painful, or if you are unsure about the snake's species.
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Splinter (Under Nail)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach
Soak & Professional Removal
Preparation & Use
Soak the finger in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes to soften the skin. If the splinter is visible and sticking out, gently pull it with sterilized tweezers. Do not dig under the nail.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Digging under the nail can cause severe pain and infection.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the splinter is deep under the nail, painful, or shows signs of infection (redness, pus).
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