1. Introduction
First aid is helping someone until an adult or professional arrives.
What we won't cover:
- CPR
- Choking thrusts
- Injections
- Other advanced medical procedures
Basic First Aid Guide
2. Scene Safety
Before helping anyone, always check if the scene is safe. Look for dangers around you.
Things to look for:
- 🔥 Fire
- 🚗 Traffic
- 🔍 Broken glass
- 🩸 Blood
- 🐕 Aggressive animals
What to do:
- 🚗 Traffic: Do NOT enter if cars are still moving nearby or you would have to stand in the roadway. Try to warn traffic from a safe distance or have someone else do so. Call emergency services.
- 🔍 Broken Glass: If there is a lot of glass on the ground or falling glass, do not enter without protection. Approach only if you can safely avoid it and nothing is still breaking.
- 🩸 Blood: Blood itself isn't a reason to stay back if the scene is safe, but wear gloves or avoid direct contact. If you have no barrier (gloves, plastic bag, cloth), do not touch blood.
- 🐕 Aggressive Animals: Do NOT approach if an animal is acting aggressively or cannot be controlled. Call animal control or wait for professionals.
Remember: Ask yourself "Would I go in or stay back?" Always choose safety first!
3. When to Call 911
Call 911 when someone needs help in an emergency.
Information the dispatcher needs:
- What happened: Describe the situation clearly
- Where you are: Give your exact location or address
- Who is hurt: Tell them how many people need help
- Stay calm: Take deep breaths and speak clearly
Practice tip: Practice calling "fake 911" with an adult pretending to be the operator. This helps you know what to say in a real emergency!
4. Minor Injuries
Small cuts, scrapes, and bruises are common. Here's how to help:
Treatment:
- Cuts: Clean the area and apply antiseptic, then cover with a bandage
- Scrapes: Gently wash with clean water
- Bruises: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth (never put ice directly on skin)
Remember: No hands-on medical practice needed. Always get an adult to help!
5. Burns
Burns can be painful and need special care.
What to do:
- Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water
- Don't pop blisters
- Tell an adult immediately
- If blisters pop, put on a dry dressing and call 911
6. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can look scary, but they're usually easy to stop.
Steps to stop a nosebleed:
- Lean forward (don't lean back!)
- Pinch the nose gently
- Wait 10-15 minutes
- If it doesn't stop, tell an adult
7. Recognizing Choking
It's important to know when someone is choking and needs help.
Signs someone is choking:
- They can't breathe
- They can't speak
- They're holding their throat
- Their face turns red or blue
What to do:
- If they can cough, let them cough - this means they can still breathe
- If they can't breathe at all, call 911 immediately
Remember: We don't teach hands-on choking techniques. Always call 911 and get an adult!
8. First-Aid Kit Tour
It's good to know what's in a first-aid kit so you can help when needed.
Items in a first-aid kit:
- Bandages: For covering cuts and scrapes
- Gauze: For larger wounds
- Gloves: To protect your hands from blood
- Ice pack: For bruises and swelling
- Scissors: For cutting bandages (don't use them yourself - let an adult help)
9. Quiz + Certificates
Test your knowledge and earn a certificate!
After learning all about first aid, take our interactive quiz. Anyone who completes it gets an unofficial certificate to show you've learned these important skills!
Ready to test your knowledge? Click the button below to start the quiz!