First aid basics everyone

{{whyLabel}}: Ensuring the area is safe prevents you from becoming a second victim and determines the urgency of the situation.

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• Scan for hazards like traffic, fire, or electricity before approaching.
• Tap the person's shoulders and shout loudly, "Are you okay?"
• Check for normal breathing (not gasping) for no more than 10 seconds.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The scene is secured and the victim's status is identified.

{{whyLabel}}: Professional help is the most critical link in the chain of survival.

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• Dial 112 (EU) or 911 (US) immediately if the person is unresponsive.
• Put your phone on speaker mode to keep your hands free for CPR.
• Provide clear location details and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Emergency services are notified and on the way.

{{whyLabel}}: Compressions manually pump blood to the brain and heart when the heart has stopped.

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• Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest with the other hand on top.
• Push hard (2 to 2.4 inches deep) and fast (100–120 bpm, like the beat of 'Stayin' Alive').
• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions; do not lean on the chest.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Continuous compressions are maintained until help arrives or an AED is ready.

{{whyLabel}}: An AED can restart a heart in a lethal rhythm, significantly increasing survival rates.

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• Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts immediately.
• Attach pads to the person's bare chest as shown in the diagrams.
• Ensure no one is touching the person when the AED analyzes or delivers a shock.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The AED is active and following its automated cycle.

{{whyLabel}}: 2025 guidelines emphasize alternating techniques to maximize the chance of clearing a severe airway obstruction.

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• Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
• If the object isn't cleared, perform 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
• Repeat the 5-and-5 cycle until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The airway is cleared or the victim is transitioned to CPR.

{{whyLabel}}: Uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock and death within minutes.

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• Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth.
• If blood soaks through, add more layers without removing the original dressing.
• Maintain pressure until professional help takes over; do not lift to check the wound.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Bleeding is visibly slowed or stopped.

{{whyLabel}}: Early recognition of a stroke is vital for minimizing permanent brain damage.

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• Face: Ask them to smile; check for drooping on one side.
• Arms: Ask them to raise both arms; check if one drifts downward.
• Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase; check for slurring.
• Time: If any signs are present, call emergency services immediately.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A stroke assessment is completed and documented for EMS.

{{whyLabel}}: Immediate action reduces heart muscle damage during a myocardial infarction.

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• Recognize signs: chest pain, pressure, shortness of breath, or pain in the jaw/left arm.
• Have the person sit down and remain calm; loosen tight clothing.
• If they are not allergic, have them chew one adult aspirin (325mg) while waiting for EMS.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The patient is stabilized and aspirin is administered if appropriate.

{{whyLabel}}: 2025 guidelines prioritize early Naloxone use to reverse respiratory depression in opioid emergencies.

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• Look for pinpoint pupils, blue lips, and slow or absent breathing.
• Administer Naloxone (nasal spray) as soon as suspected, even before CPR.
• Start CPR immediately after administration if the person is not breathing.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Naloxone is delivered and rescue efforts are initiated.

{{whyLabel}}: Improper handling during a seizure can cause secondary injuries to the patient.

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• Clear the area of hard or sharp objects; place something soft under their head.
• Do NOT restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.
• Time the seizure; call EMS if it lasts longer than 5 minutes or if it's their first one.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The patient is protected until the seizure ends naturally.

{{whyLabel}}: Immediate cooling stops the burning process and reduces tissue damage.

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• Run cool (not cold) tap water over the burn for at least 20 minutes.
• Do NOT use ice, butter, or ointments, as these can trap heat or cause infection.
• Cover loosely with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean plastic wrap after cooling.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The burn is cooled for the full duration and protected.

{{whyLabel}}: Proper initial care for soft tissue injuries reduces swelling and speeds up recovery.

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• Rest: Avoid using the injured limb.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
• Compression: Wrap with an elastic bandage (snug but not cutting off circulation).
• Elevation: Keep the injury above the level of the heart.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The RICE protocol is initiated on the affected joint.

{{whyLabel}}: Proper cleaning is the most effective way to prevent bacterial infection.

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• Wash your hands and rinse the wound under clean, running water for 5 minutes.
• Use mild soap to clean the surrounding area, but avoid getting soap in the wound.
• Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The wound is clean, treated, and covered.

{{whyLabel}}: Having supplies ready saves critical time during an actual emergency.

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• Include: Assorted bandages, sterile gauze (4x4), medical tape, and antiseptic wipes.
• Add: Paramedic shears, tweezers, nitrile gloves, and a CPR face shield.
• Include basic meds: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and an antihistamine.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A fully stocked kit is stored in an accessible, known location.

{{whyLabel}}: Digital guides provide step-by-step instructions when stress makes it hard to remember training.

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• Download a reputable, free first aid app (e.g., from a national Red Cross or Heart Association).
• Ensure the app has an 'offline mode' so it works without a data connection.
• Review the 'Emergency' section so you know how to navigate it quickly.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The app is installed and tested on your primary device.

{{whyLabel}}: Expired medications and dried-out wipes are useless in a crisis.

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• Set a recurring calendar reminder for every 3 months.
• Check expiration dates on all ointments, medications, and sterile items.
• Replace any used items and check that batteries in flashlights or AEDs are functional.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring reminder is active in your digital calendar.