First aid

Bleeding

Bleeding may be minor or it may be a life-threatening medical emergency.

Burns

Immediate first aid for all burns is to hold the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

Burns and scalds - children

Most hot tap water scald injuries to children happen in the bathroom.

Child safety - children and animals

Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets.

Choking

Don’t slap a choking person on the back while they are upright – gravity may cause the object to slip further down their windpipe.

Electric shock

Always disconnect the power supply before trying to help a victim of electric shock.

Fainting

Common causes of fainting include heat, pain, distress, the sight of blood, anxiety and hyperventilating.

Frostbite

Exhaustion, hunger and dehydration further lower the body’s defences against frostbite.

Head injuries - first aid

A hard blow to the head can injure the brain or spinal cord even when there are no visible signs of trauma.

Heat stress - preventing heat stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can lead to organ damage and death.

Hypothermia

The early responses to hypothermia will be moving around, seeking shelter, hair standing on end (goosebumps) and shivering.

Nosebleeds

Bleeding from the nose is common in children and is usually not severe or serious.

Shock

Shock is when there is not enough blood circulating in the body. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Skin cuts and abrasions

The body begins repairing a wound immediately and the process may continue for days, weeks, months or even years.

Sports injuries

A sports injury may be more severe than you think.

Sprains and strains

It is important to get the correct treatment for a sprain or strain as soon as possible after the injury to help you recover quickly.

Teeth - when a tooth is knocked out

A knocked out permanent tooth can survive if it is immediately put back. Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back.