This does not certify you in First Aid. For certification, take a course through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Assessing an Emergency
Before helping, assess the situation. Your safety comes first — you can't help if you become a victim.
Check Scene
Look for hazards: traffic, fire, electrical
Check Person
Tap shoulders, shout "Are you okay?"
Call 911
Or have someone else call
Provide Care
Help within your training level
Treating Cuts & Wounds
Proper wound care prevents infection and promotes healing.
- Control bleeding: Apply direct pressure with clean cloth. Elevate if possible.
- Clean the wound: Rinse with clean water once bleeding stops.
- Apply antibiotic: Thin layer of antibiotic ointment prevents infection.
- Cover it: Use sterile bandage to keep wound clean.
- Change dressings: Replace daily or when wet/dirty.
Deep wounds, bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of pressure, animal/human bites, signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever), or embedded objects.
Burns
Burns are classified by depth: 1st degree (superficial), 2nd degree (blisters), 3rd degree (full thickness).
- Stop the burning: Remove from heat source. Remove hot clothing unless stuck to skin.
- Cool the burn: Run cool (NOT cold/ice) water for 10-20 minutes.
- Cover loosely: Use sterile, non-stick bandage. Don't pop blisters.
- Manage pain: OTC pain relievers can help.
Burns larger than 3 inches, burns on face/hands/feet/joints, 3rd degree burns (white/charred), electrical or chemical burns, burns with difficulty breathing.
Choking
Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway. Signs: clutching throat, can't speak/cough, turning blue.
- Ask "Are you choking?" If they can cough forcefully, encourage coughing.
- If they can't speak/cough: Stand behind them, wrap arms around waist.
- Give abdominal thrusts: Make a fist above the navel, grasp with other hand, thrust inward and upward.
- Repeat: Continue until object is expelled or person becomes unconscious.
- If unconscious: Lower to ground, call 911, begin CPR.
If choking alone, call 911 if possible, then perform self-administered abdominal thrusts or thrust your abdomen against a firm surface like a chair back.
Bleeding Emergencies
Severe bleeding is life-threatening. Quick action can save a life.
- Apply direct pressure: Use cloth, bandage, or bare hand if necessary. Press firmly.
- Don't remove: If blood soaks through, add more material on top.
- Elevate: Raise injured limb above heart level if possible.
- Call 911: For any severe or uncontrolled bleeding.
- Tourniquet: For life-threatening limb bleeding when direct pressure fails, apply 2-3 inches above wound.
When to Call 911
Know when a situation requires emergency medical services.
- Unconsciousness or altered mental status
- Difficulty breathing or no breathing
- Severe bleeding that won't stop
- Chest pain or signs of heart attack/stroke
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes
- Serious burns, head injuries, or broken bones
- Poisoning or overdose
All 50 states protect people who provide emergency help in good faith. Don't let fear of liability stop you from helping someone in need.
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