First Aid Basics

What is First Aid?

Definition and purpose

First aid is the initial assistance provided to someone experiencing an injury or sudden illness before professional medical care can be delivered. It aims to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, relieve pain, reduce the risk of complications, and support recovery. It is a practical, action-oriented set of steps that anyone can learn and apply.

Key principles of first aid

The core principles guide every first aid response and help keep both the casualty and the helper safe. They include:

• Scene safety: ensure the area is safe for you and the person in distress.
• Assess responsiveness and breathing to determine the appropriate response.
• Call for help or summon emergency services when needed.
• Provide appropriate care without taking unnecessary risks or moving someone unless absolutely required.
• Monitor the person and stay with them until professional help arrives.
• Avoid giving anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Core First Aid Skills

CPR Basics (adult, child, infant)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving skill used when someone is not breathing or has no pulse. Start by checking responsiveness and calling for help. If there is no breathing or only agonal breaths, begin chest compressions. For adults, compress about 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. For children, compress about one‑third of the chest depth (roughly 2 inches or 5 cm). For infants, compress about 4 cm (1.5 inches) with two fingers. After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths (if trained). Continue cycles until help arrives or the person resumes breathing. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, turn it on and follow its prompts.

Choking relief for adults and children

Choking occurs when an airway becomes blocked. For conscious adults and children, stand behind them, wrap your arms around the waist, and perform repeated abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich) until the object is dislodged or help arrives. If the person cannot breathe or speaks only faintly, call emergency services immediately and proceed with the thrusts. For pregnant individuals or those with a recent abdominal injury, provide chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. For infants under one year, deliver five back slaps followed by five chest thrusts, repeating until the object is expelled or the baby is helped by professionals.

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABC) basics

The ABC approach prioritizes opening the airway, ensuring breathing, and supporting circulation. If the person is unresponsive, check for breathing and a pulse where trained to do so. Clear the airway if you can see an obstruction. If breathing is absent or inadequate, start CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths. If you are alone and need to call for help, do so early and then return to provide CPR as indicated.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED analyzes the person’s heart rhythm and can deliver a shock to restore a normal rhythm if needed. Turn the device on, attach the adhesive pads as indicated, and follow the prompts. Ensure no one is touching the person during analysis or shock delivery. If a shock is advised, deliver it and immediately resume CPR starting with compressions. Continue until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of life and begins breathing.

Injury and Wound Care

Bleeding control strategies

Controlling bleeding is a priority. Wear gloves if available, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing, and maintain pressure until bleeding slows or stops. If bleeding is heavy, raise the injured area if possible and continue to apply pressure. If bleeding continues after several minutes, consider adding another dressing and seek urgent medical help. A tourniquet should only be used if you are trained and bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure.

Wound cleaning and dressing

Rinse wounds with clean water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid scrubbing the wound, which can damage tissue. Gently pat dry and apply an antiseptic if available. Cover with a sterile dressing or bandage to protect against infection. Change dressings if they become wet or dirty, and monitor the wound for signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.

Burns and scalds: care and when to seek help

Cool the burn under running water for 10–20 minutes to dissipate heat and relieve pain. Remove jewelry and tight clothing near the burned area before swelling begins. Do not pop blisters or apply greasy substances. Cover with a clean, nonstick dressing. Seek urgent medical care for large burns, burns on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals, chemical burns, or electrical burns, and for any burn that causes severe pain or threatens breathing.

Medical Conditions and Red Flags

Allergic reactions and epinephrine use

Allergic reactions range from mild hives to life‑threatening anaphylaxis. Signs of a severe reaction include swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, and fainting. If someone has an epinephrine auto‑injector prescribed, administer it promptly according to the device’s instructions and call emergency services. After administration, monitor the person closely while waiting for professional care, as symptoms can recur.

Seizures: what to do

During a seizure, protect the person from injury by moving objects away and cushioning the head. Do not try to restrain movements or place objects in the mouth. Time the seizure duration. After it ends, place the person on their side in the recovery position if it is safe, and check for breathing. Call emergency services if it is the first seizure, if seizures continue, if a person is injured, pregnant, diabetic, pregnant, or if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

Stroke and heart attack signs and actions

Recognize stroke using quick signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. A heart attack may present as chest or upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain in the jaw, neck, back, or arms. If you suspect a stroke or heart attack, call emergency services immediately. If the person is conscious and not allergic to aspirin, offering a standard 325 mg tablet of aspirin (chewed) may be advised, but only if instructed by a medical professional. Stay with the person, keep them comfortable, and monitor their condition.

First Aid Kit Essentials

What to include in a basic kit

A well-stocked basic kit should cover common emergencies. Consider including:

• Sterile wound dressings in multiple sizes
• Adhesive bandages and gauze pads
• Adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment
• Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex)
• Scissors and tweezers
• Instant cold packs and a small blanket
• CPR face shield or mask and a whistle
• Emergency contact card and small notebook with a pen
• Personal medications and an extra supply of essential items

Maintenance and regular checks

Check the kit monthly for expired items, damaged packaging, and completeness. Replace used or expired contents and re-stock from a single, accessible location. Keep the kit in a waterproof container and ensure it is readily available in the home, car, and workplace. Update medical information and emergency contacts as needed.

Safety, Ethics, and Legal Considerations

Consent and bystander responsibility

Respect a person’s autonomy whenever possible. If a person is conscious and can consent, obtain permission before providing aid. If they refuse, respect their decision unless they are unable to make a rational choice in a life-threatening situation, in which case acting in their best interests is appropriate.

Good Samaritan laws and training

Many jurisdictions offer Good Samaritan protections to encourage people to provide aid without fear of liability, as long as actions are reasonable and performed in good faith. Training is beneficial and improves the quality of care you can provide. If possible, seek formal training to build confidence and competence.

Practice, Training, and Resources

Scenario-based practice

Regular practice helps you recognize emergencies quickly and respond with calm, effective actions. Use scenario-based drills that combine CPR, bleeding control, wound care, and simple decision-making. Practice with partners or training aids to reinforce correct techniques and timing.

Online and in-person courses

A range of formats supports different needs, including online theory with in-person practice, blended programs, and fully in-person CPR and first aid courses. Look for courses that include AED training, provide hands-on practice, and issue verifiable certifications from reputable providers.

Certification options and ongoing learning

Most first aid and CPR certifications require renewal every 1–2 years, with additional continuing education encouraged. Ongoing learning helps you stay current with updated guidelines and best practices, ensuring you can respond safely and confidently when emergencies arise.

Trusted Source Insight

The WHO emphasizes early recognition and safe, simple life-saving actions as core components of emergency care. This aligns with first aid basics by highlighting CPR, bleeding control, airway management, and the need to seek timely professional help. World Health Organization.