Basic First Aid
"By being prepared and understanding the basics of First Aid, the public can be of great help until the emergency services arrive to take over - it helps save lives."
Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer
Knowing what to do in an emergency is vitally important. Consider getting some First Aid training and a First Aid kit, and familiarise yourself with how to deal with some of the more common situations opposite. If someone is injured, the following steps will keep them as safe as possible until professional help arrives:
- If people are seriously injured call 999 immediately
- Keep calm
- Make sure you and the injured person are not in danger
- Assess the injured person carefully and act on your findings using the basic First Aid steps opposite - remember, these are not a complete First Aid guide
- Keep an eye on the injured person's condition until the emergency services arrive
Unconsciousness
- If the person is unconscious with no obvious sign of life, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. If you or any bystander has the necessary skills, give them mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while you wait for the emergency services.
Bleeding
- Control severe bleeding by applying firm pressure to the wound using a clean, dry dressing and raise it above the level of the heart. Lay the person down, reassure them, keep them warm and loosen tight clothing.
Burns
- For all burns, cool with water for at least 10 minutes. Wrap the affected part in clingfilm, do not apply dry dressings, keep the patient warm and call an ambulance.
Broken bones
- Try to avoid as much movement as possible.
If you'd like more information or advice, go to www.redcross.org.uk/firstaid [External website] or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk [External website]
[return to top]
