First Aid

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Summary

Accidents happen. Someone chokes on an ice cube or gets stung by a bee. It is important to know when to call 911 -- it is for life-threatening emergencies. While waiting for help to arrive, you may be able to save someone's life. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is for people whose hearts or breathing has stopped and the Heimlich maneuver is for people who are choking.

You can also learn to handle common injuries and wounds. Cuts and scrapes, for example, should be rinsed with cool water. To stop bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure, using gauze. If blood soaks through, add more gauze, keeping the first layer in place. Continue to apply pressure.

It is important to have a first aid kit available. Keep one at home and one in your car. It should include a first-aid guide. Read the guide to learn how to use the items, so you are ready in case an emergency happens.

Start Here

ER101 (American College of Emergency Physicians)
First Aid and Safety (Nemours Foundation)
First-Aid Kits: Stock Supplies That Can Save Lives (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Know When to Go to the ER (American College of Emergency Physicians) Also in Spanish

Specifics

Anaphylaxis: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Choking: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Electrical Burns: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Foreign Object in the Nose: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Foreign Object in the Skin: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Frostbite: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Head Trauma: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Heart Attack: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke (American Academy of Family Physicians)
Hiking and Backpacking First Aid Kit: Contents and Checklist (American Red Cross)
Nosebleeds (American Academy of Family Physicians)
Seizures (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Shock: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Unconsciousness, First Aid (VisualDX)
What Do I Need in My First Aid Kit? (American Academy of Family Physicians)