Title: First Aid for Common Emergencies
Type: Lesson
Your job in a medical emergency is not to diagnose or cure. It’s to:
Keep the person alive
Prevent the situation from getting worse
Provide comfort and control bleeding or other issues
Wait with the person until professional help arrives
Below are common emergencies and basic first aid steps:
Put on gloves (if available)
Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
Do not remove soaked dressings — add more layers on top
If possible, raise the injured area above the heart
Call 911 if bleeding is uncontrolled or severe
Cool the burn with water (not ice)
Cover loosely with a sterile bandage
Avoid ointments or creams unless instructed
Call 911 immediately
Do not remove stuck clothing
Cover loosely with a clean cloth or sheet
Monitor for shock
Shock can happen with trauma, blood loss, or severe illness.
Signs include:
Pale, cold, or clammy skin
Confusion or anxiety
Weak pulse or rapid breathing
What to do:
Lay the person down and elevate legs (if no injury prevents it)
Keep them warm and calm
Do not give food or drink
Call 911 immediately
Adult/child (conscious):
Ask, “Are you choking?”
If they can’t speak or breathe, give abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
Continue until object is dislodged or they become unresponsive
Infant (under 1 year):
5 back blows
5 chest thrusts using 2 fingers
Repeat until airway is clear or baby becomes unresponsive
Do not move the injured area unless the person is in danger
Support the injury with a splint or sling if trained
Apply ice to reduce swelling
Call EMS if bone is visible, there is severe pain, or the limb is misshapen
Stay calm, protect yourself, and take action within your level of training. Even basic steps like applying pressure or calling 911 can save a life.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 5: Legal & Safety Considerations, where we’ll cover Good Samaritan protections, consent, and PPE use in emergencies.