First Aid Emergency Guide
Complete step-by-step emergency first aid instructions for life-threatening situations. Learn CPR, choking response, bleeding control, and more with AI assistance.
π¨ MEDICAL EMERGENCY?
If someone is unconscious, not breathing, or in immediate danger
π CALL 911 NOWCPR - Cardiac Arrest
No pulse or breathing
When someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances.
Choking
Airway obstruction
When someone cannot speak, cough, or breathe due to blocked airway. Requires immediate action.
Severe Bleeding
Heavy blood loss
Control life-threatening bleeding with direct pressure, elevation, and pressure points.
Stroke (FAST)
Brain emergency
Recognize stroke symptoms quickly: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
Burns
Thermal, chemical, electrical
Cool running water for 20 minutes, remove from heat source, assess severity.
Shock
Life-threatening condition
Pale, cold, clammy skin with rapid pulse. Elevate legs, keep warm, monitor breathing.
Seizure
Convulsions
Protect from injury, time the seizure, place in recovery position when it stops.
Severe Allergic Reaction
Anaphylaxis
Swelling, difficulty breathing, hives. Use EpiPen if available, call 911 immediately.
Fractures & Sprains
Bone & joint injuries
Immobilize the injury, apply ice, elevate if possible, seek medical attention.
CPR - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
β οΈ CRITICAL - Call 911 First!
Before starting CPR, ensure emergency services are called. If alone, call 911 immediately. If others are present, have someone call while you begin CPR.
1
Check Responsiveness
Tap shoulders firmly and shout "Are you okay?" Look for normal breathing (not gasping).
2
Call for Help
Call 911 (or local emergency number) and request an AED if available.
3
Position Hands
Place heel of one hand on center of chest (lower half of breastbone). Place other hand on top, interlacing fingers.
4
Push Hard and Fast
Push at least 2 inches deep at 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow complete chest recoil between compressions.
5
Continue Until Help Arrives
Don't stop CPR until emergency services arrive or the person starts breathing normally.
CPR Timer
00:00
Track CPR duration for emergency responders
π‘ Key Points
- Hands-only CPR is effective for adults and teens
- Push to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" (100-120 BPM)
- Switch with another rescuer every 2 minutes if possible
- Don't be afraid to break ribs - it's normal and necessary
Choking - Heimlich Maneuver
β οΈ Signs of Choking
Universal choking sign (hands to throat), inability to speak/cough, blue lips/face, panicked expression.
For Adults & Children Over 1 Year:
1
Ask "Are You Choking?"
If they can speak or cough, encourage coughing. If they cannot speak or breathe, proceed immediately.
2
Call 911
Have someone call emergency services while you perform the Heimlich maneuver.
3
Position Yourself
Stand behind the person. Wrap arms around their waist.
4
Make a Fist
Place fist above navel, below breastbone. Cover fist with other hand.
5
Thrust Upward
Give quick, upward thrusts. Continue until object is expelled or person becomes unconscious.
For Infants Under 1 Year:
1
Position Infant
Hold infant face-down on your forearm, supporting head and neck.
2
Back Blows
Give 5 firm back blows between shoulder blades with heel of hand.
3
Chest Thrusts
Turn infant face-up. Give 5 chest thrusts with 2 fingers on center of chest.
4
Repeat
Continue alternating back blows and chest thrusts until object is expelled.
π¨ If Person Becomes Unconscious
Begin CPR immediately. Before giving rescue breaths, look in mouth and remove visible objects with finger sweep (only if you can see the object).
Severe Bleeding Control
β οΈ Life-Threatening Bleeding
Bright red blood spurting or flowing rapidly, blood soaking through bandages, or person showing signs of shock.
1
Ensure Scene Safety
Protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens. Use gloves if available, or barrier like plastic bag.
2
Call 911
Get emergency medical help immediately for severe bleeding.
3
Apply Direct Pressure
Press firmly on wound with clean cloth, gauze, or your hands. Don't remove blood-soaked materials - add more on top.
4
Elevate if Possible
Raise injured area above heart level if no broken bones suspected.
5
Apply Pressure Points
If bleeding continues, apply pressure to pressure points between heart and wound.
6
Tourniquet (Last Resort)
For life-threatening limb bleeding only. Apply 2-3 inches above wound, tighten until bleeding stops, note time.
π‘ Important Notes
- Never remove embedded objects - stabilize them instead
- Don't use ice directly on wounds
- Monitor for signs of shock (pale, cold, rapid pulse)
- Keep person warm and lying down
Stroke Recognition - FAST Test
β οΈ Time is Brain!
Every minute counts in stroke treatment. Call 911 immediately if ANY stroke signs are present.
F
Face Drooping
Ask person to smile. Does one side of face droop or feel numb? Is smile uneven or lopsided?
A
Arm Weakness
Ask person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Is there weakness or numbness in one arm?
S
Speech Difficulty
Ask person to repeat simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange? Are words hard to understand?
T
Time to Call 911
If ANY of these signs are present, call 911 immediately. Note time symptoms first appeared.
Additional Stroke Signs:
π§ Other Warning Signs
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
- Sudden numbness of face, arm, or leg
1
Call 911 Immediately
Don't drive to hospital. Paramedics can start treatment en route.
2
Note Time
Record when symptoms first appeared. This information is crucial for treatment decisions.
3
Keep Person Comfortable
Lay person down with head and shoulders slightly elevated. Loosen tight clothing.
4
Don't Give Food or Water
Stroke can affect swallowing. Don't give anything by mouth.
Burns Treatment
β οΈ Call 911 For:
- Burns larger than palm of hand
- Burns on face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints
- Third-degree burns (white/charred skin)
- Chemical or electrical burns
- Signs of infection
First Degree Burns (Red skin, no blisters):
1
Cool the Burn
Run cool (not cold) water over burn for 20 minutes. Don't use ice.
2
Remove Heat Source
Remove from heat source. Remove jewelry/clothing before swelling begins.
3
Apply Aloe or Moisturizer
Apply aloe vera or cool, moist compresses. Avoid butter, oil, or ice.
Second Degree Burns (Blisters present):
1
Cool with Water
Cool running water for 20 minutes. Don't break blisters.
2
Cover Burn
Cover with sterile gauze or clean cloth. Don't use cotton.
3
Seek Medical Care
See healthcare provider for burns larger than 2 inches.
Third Degree Burns (White/charred skin):
1
Call 911
Immediate emergency medical attention required.
2
Don't Cool with Water
Don't apply water to severe burns. Cover with clean, dry cloth.
3
Treat for Shock
Elevate legs, cover with blanket, monitor breathing.
Medical Shock
β οΈ Signs of Shock
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
1
Call 911
Medical shock is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.
2
Lay Person Down
Have person lie down on back. Elevate legs 8-12 inches if no spinal injury.
3
Keep Warm
Cover with blanket or clothing to maintain body temperature.
4
Monitor Breathing
Watch for changes in breathing or consciousness. Be ready to perform CPR.
5
Don't Give Food or Water
Nothing by mouth - person may need surgery.
Seizure Response
β οΈ Call 911 If:
- Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- Person doesn't wake up after seizure
- Another seizure starts
- Person is injured during seizure
- Person is pregnant or diabetic
- First-time seizure
1
Keep Person Safe
Move dangerous objects away. Don't hold person down or put anything in their mouth.
2
Time the Seizure
Note start time. Most seizures last 1-3 minutes.
3
Protect the Head
Place something soft under head if possible.
4
Turn to Side
After seizure stops, turn person to recovery position to prevent choking on fluids.
5
Stay with Person
Person may be confused after seizure. Stay calm and reassuring.
β Don't Do This
- Don't put anything in their mouth
- Don't hold them down
- Don't give water or food until fully alert
- Don't perform CPR unless they stop breathing after seizure
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
β οΈ Life-Threatening Signs
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe full-body rash
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
1
Call 911 Immediately
Anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes. Emergency treatment required.
2
Use EpiPen if Available
Remove cap, press firmly into outer thigh for 3 seconds. Massage injection site.
3
Remove Trigger
If known allergen is present, remove person from exposure.
4
Position Person
If breathing is difficult, help person sit up. If feeling faint, lay down with legs elevated.
5
Be Ready for CPR
Monitor breathing and pulse. Be prepared to start CPR if person becomes unconscious.
π‘ EpiPen Instructions
- Remove blue cap (don't remove orange tip yet)
- Hold with orange tip pointing down
- Place against outer thigh (through clothing is OK)
- Push down firmly until it clicks
- Hold for 3 seconds, then remove
- Massage injection site for 10 seconds
Fractures & Sprains
β οΈ Call 911 If:
- Bone protruding through skin
- Suspected spinal injury
- Loss of circulation (blue/pale fingers/toes)
- Severe deformity
- Multiple injuries
For Suspected Fractures:
1
Don't Move Person
Keep injured area still. Don't try to realign bone or push protruding bone back in.
2
Control Bleeding
Apply pressure around (not on) protruding bone. Cover wound with clean cloth.
3
Immobilize
Splint above and below injury with rigid material. Don't tie splint too tightly.
4
Apply Ice
Wrap ice in cloth, apply for 20 minutes. Don't apply ice directly to skin.
5
Treat for Shock
Keep person warm, monitor for signs of shock.
For Sprains (RICE Method):
R
Rest
Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.
I
Ice
Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours for first 48 hours.
C
Compression
Use elastic bandage, not too tight (should not cause numbness).
E
Elevation
Raise injured area above heart level when possible.
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