8.4 First Aid Basics

Notes

First aid is immediate care for an injury or sudden illness until professional help arrives. Wash your hands or wear gloves when possible.

• Bleeding: press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth. Do not remove the cloth if it soaks. Add more on top. Call 911 for severe bleeding.
• Minor burns: cool under running water for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not use ice, butter or oil. Seek help for large or severe burns.
• Nosebleed: sit, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for about 10 minutes.
• Sprain: rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE).
• Choking: if a person can't cough, speak or breathe, call 911 and use back blows and abdominal thrusts as taught in a first aid course.
• Allergic reaction with trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat: call 911 and help the person use their epinephrine auto-injector.
• Taking a first aid course helps you act confidently.