Basic First Aid

Steps:

1. Call for help: Contact emergency services (999)
2. Apply pressure: Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply direct pressure to the wound
3. Maintain pressure: Keep pressure for 10-15 minutes without removing the cloth
4. Elevate: If possible, raise the injured area above heart level
5. Apply tourniquet: If bleeding doesn't stop, apply a tourniquet above the wound (for limbs only)
6. Monitor: Check for signs of shock (pale, cold, sweating)
7. Position: Lay patient flat with legs elevated (unless head injury)

For Conscious Adults:

1. Encourage coughing: Ask patient to cough forcefully
2. Back blows: Give 5 sharp blows between shoulder blades with heel of hand
3. Abdominal thrusts: Perform 5 quick upward thrusts just above navel
4. Repeat: Alternate back blows and abdominal thrusts until object is dislodged
5. Call emergency: If unsuccessful after 1 minute, call 999

Steps:

1. Check responsiveness: Tap shoulders and shout "Are you okay?"
2. Call emergency: Contact 999 immediately
3. Check airway: Open mouth, clear any obstructions
4. Check breathing: Look, listen, feel for breathing (max 10 seconds)
5. Recovery position: Place in recovery position (see Recovery Position page)
6. Monitor: Continue monitoring breathing and pulse
7. CPR: If not breathing, begin CPR if trained

Steps:

1. Stop burning: Remove from heat source, extinguish flames
2. Cool burn: Run cool (not cold) water over burn for 10-20 minutes
3. Remove jewelry: Remove rings, bracelets before swelling occurs
4. Cover: Use clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing
5. Pain relief: Give paracetamol or ibuprofen if conscious
6. Elevate: Raise burned area above heart level if possible
7. Seek help: For severe burns (larger than 3cm or deep), call 999

RICE Protocol:

• Rest: Stop activity immediately
• Ice: Apply ice pack for 15-20 minutes (wrapped in cloth)
• Compression: Wrap with elastic bandage
• Elevation: Raise injured limb above heart level

Additional Steps:

1. Immobilize the injured area
2. Apply sling if arm is injured
3. For severe fractures, call 999
4. Do not move the injured limb

Signs of Shock:

• Pale, cold, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weakness or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting

Treatment:

1. Call emergency: Contact 999 immediately
2. Lay flat: Position patient lying down
3. Elevate legs: Raise legs 30cm above heart level
4. Keep warm: Cover with blanket (not too hot)
5. Monitor: Check pulse and breathing regularly
6. Do not: Give food or drink

Steps:

1. Call emergency: Contact 999 immediately
2. Identify poison: If possible, identify the substance
3. Remove source: Move away from source of poison
4. Do not induce vomiting: Unless specifically instructed
5. Position: Place in recovery position if unconscious
6. Monitor: Watch for changes in condition
7. Bring container: Have poison container available for paramedics