First-aid guides

General first-aid information for common emergencies. These guides do not replace professional medical care; contact local emergency services when needed.

Choking

Choking occurs when an object blocks the throat or windpipe. Act quickly - brain damage can occur within 4-6 minutes.

  1. Assess the situation

    Ask 'Are you choking?' If they can cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing. If they cannot speak, cough, or breathe, proceed to step 2.

  2. Give 5 back blows

    Stand behind the person. Bend them forward at the waist. Give 5 sharp blows between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

  3. Give 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)

    Stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand, place it just above the navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and pull sharply inward and upward.

  4. Repeat

    Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.

    Warning: If unconscious, lower them to the ground and begin CPR.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT perform abdominal thrusts on pregnant women or infants
  • Do NOT try to remove the object with your fingers unless you can clearly see it
  • Do NOT give water to try to wash the object down

CPR (Adult)

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is used when someone's heart has stopped. Every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by 10%.

  1. Check responsiveness

    Tap the person's shoulder and shout 'Are you okay?' If no response, call emergency services immediately (or have someone else call).

  2. Position hands

    Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (between the nipples). Place your other hand on top, interlocking fingers.

  3. Give chest compressions

    Push hard and fast - at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (rhythm of 'Stayin' Alive' song). Allow chest to fully recoil between compressions.

  4. Give rescue breaths (if trained)

    After 30 compressions, tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and give 2 breaths (1 second each). Watch for chest rise.

    Warning: If untrained or uncomfortable, continue hands-only CPR without rescue breaths.

  5. Continue until help arrives

    Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths. Do not stop unless the person starts breathing, an AED is available, or emergency services take over.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT delay starting CPR to look for a pulse
  • Do NOT stop CPR unless the person shows signs of life
  • Do NOT perform CPR on someone who is conscious and breathing

Burns

Burns are classified by depth: first-degree (red skin), second-degree (blisters), third-degree (white/charred). Proper first aid prevents infection and promotes healing.

  1. Remove from heat source

    Move the person away from the source of the burn. If clothing is on fire, have them stop, drop, and roll.

  2. Cool the burn

    Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes. This reduces pain and prevents further tissue damage.

    Warning: Do NOT use ice, butter, or toothpaste on burns.

  3. Remove jewelry/clothing

    Gently remove any jewelry, watches, or tight clothing near the burned area before swelling starts. Do not remove anything stuck to the burn.

  4. Cover loosely

    Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or cling film. Do not wrap tightly.

  5. Seek medical attention if needed

    Seek immediate help if: the burn is larger than your palm, it's on the face/hands/feet/genitals, it's a deep burn, or the person is a child or elderly.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT apply ice directly to the burn
  • Do NOT apply butter, oil, or creams
  • Do NOT break blisters
  • Do NOT remove clothing stuck to the burn

Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding can be life-threatening. The goal is to stop blood loss and prevent shock while waiting for emergency help.

  1. Apply direct pressure

    Use a clean cloth or bandage and press firmly on the wound. Maintain constant, firm pressure.

  2. Elevate the wound

    If possible, raise the injured area above the level of the heart to slow bleeding.

  3. Keep pressure constant

    Do not remove the cloth even if blood soaks through. Add more layers on top and continue pressing.

    Warning: Removing the cloth can disrupt clot formation.

  4. Apply a tourniquet (life-threatening bleeding only)

    If bleeding cannot be controlled and is from a limb, apply a tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound. Note the time of application.

  5. Keep the person calm and warm

    Lay them down, cover with a blanket, and reassure them while waiting for help. Watch for signs of shock.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT remove an embedded object from the wound
  • Do NOT apply a tourniquet to the neck, head, or torso
  • Do NOT give the person anything to eat or drink

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and pain radiating to the arm or jaw.

  1. Call emergency services immediately

    Call 112 (India) or 911 (US) right away. Time is critical - every minute matters.

  2. Have them sit or lie down

    Help the person sit in a comfortable position, usually semi-upright with knees bent. Loosen any tight clothing.

  3. Give aspirin if available

    If the person is not allergic to aspirin, have them chew one regular aspirin (325mg) or four baby aspirins (81mg each).

    Warning: Do NOT give aspirin if allergic or if they've been told not to take it.

  4. Monitor and reassure

    Stay with them, keep them calm, and monitor their breathing. Be prepared to perform CPR if they become unresponsive.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT leave them alone
  • Do NOT let them walk around
  • Do NOT ignore symptoms even if they seem mild
  • Do NOT give aspirin if allergic or already on blood thinners

Snake Bite

Snake bites require immediate medical attention. Many bites are not venomous, but treat every bite as potentially dangerous.

  1. Move away from the snake

    Get the person to safety. Do not try to catch or kill the snake - remember its appearance for identification.

  2. Keep calm and still

    Have the person lie down with the bitten limb below heart level. Movement increases venom spread. Keep them calm.

  3. Remove constricting items

    Gently remove rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite before swelling begins.

  4. Immobilize the limb

    Wrap the entire limb with a bandage, starting from the bite and moving upward. It should be firm but you should be able to slide a finger underneath.

  5. Get to hospital immediately

    The only effective treatment for venomous snake bites is antivenom, which is given at a hospital.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT cut the wound or try to suck out venom
  • Do NOT apply ice or a tourniquet
  • Do NOT give the person alcohol or caffeine
  • Do NOT try to catch the snake

Bone Fracture

A fracture is a broken bone. Signs include severe pain, swelling, deformity, and inability to move the injured area.

  1. Immobilize the injury

    Do not try to realign the bone. Support the injured area in the position you found it.

  2. Apply a splint

    Use a rigid object (board, rolled newspaper, pillow) to immobilize the limb. Extend the splint beyond the joints above and below the fracture.

  3. Apply cold pack

    Wrap ice in a cloth and apply to the area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling. Never apply ice directly to skin.

  4. Treat for shock if needed

    If the person feels faint or has pale skin, lay them down with legs elevated (if it doesn't cause more pain) and keep them warm.

  5. Seek medical attention

    All fractures need professional medical treatment. Call emergency services for severe fractures or if the person cannot be safely transported.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT try to straighten or move the broken bone
  • Do NOT move the person unless absolutely necessary
  • Do NOT give food or drink in case surgery is needed

Drowning

Drowning can cause death within minutes. Quick action is essential. Always prioritize your own safety when attempting a rescue.

  1. Get them out of water

    Reach with a pole, throw a rope or flotation device, or row out to them. Only swim to rescue as a last resort and only if you're a trained swimmer.

  2. Check for breathing

    Once on land, check if they are responsive and breathing. Tilt head back and look, listen, and feel for breath.

  3. Begin CPR if not breathing

    If not breathing, begin CPR immediately. Start with 5 rescue breaths, then continue with 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

    Warning: Do not waste time trying to drain water from the lungs.

  4. Recovery position

    If they start breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking if they vomit.

  5. Keep warm

    Remove wet clothing if possible and cover with dry blankets. Hypothermia is a risk even in warm weather.

Things to avoid

  • Do NOT put yourself in danger - use a reaching or throwing rescue first
  • Do NOT try to pump water from their stomach
  • Do NOT leave them alone even if they seem recovered