First Aid - All Articles

First aid refers to the immediate care given to an injured or ill person until full medical treatment is available. You might perform CPR for cardiac arrest, apply pressure to stop bleeding, or use an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergic reactions. Knowledge of basic first aid techniques and access to a first aid kit are crucial for providing timely assistance.

Common Questions & Answers

What is the purpose of first aid?
First aid is administered to treat an injury right after it occurs, and in some cases, save a person’s life while they await medical care.
For a minor burn, run it under cool (not cold) water for several minutes.
Pinching the nostrils and leaning forward for several minutes may stop a nosebleed.
The Heimlich maneuver consists of performing abdominal thrusts on a person who is choking to dislodge something that is obstructing the airway.
CPR — or cardiopulmonary resuscitation — is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. CPR involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
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Resources
  1. First-aid basics. Mayo Clinic.

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