First aid

Most accidental injuries are minor and can be treated using simple first aid measures. But in the unlikely event of a serious accident or sudden illness, knowledge of first aid techniques could help you to save someone’s life.

Accidents can be prevented. Simple measures like smoke detectors, non-slip bath mats, and safe storage of medicines and toxic materials can help. It’s also wise to keep basic first aid materials easily available in your Home Medicine Chest

Basic first aid items

A selection of 20 plasters in assorted sizes.
Six medium, two large and two extra-large sterile dressings.
Triangular bandages.
Two sterile eye pads.
Safety pins, tweezers, sharp scissors and disposable gloves.

In this section

By following the basic guidelines provided here you will be able to deal with most day-to-day accidents and injuries. Information on dealing with emergencies is also provided. To get more detailed information, and training in emergency first aid, contact the The British Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance or your local NHS ambulance service (see your local phone book).

Emergencies

Seek URGENT medical attention for:

Head injury with bleeding from eyes, ears or nose, drowsiness or vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Broken bone or dislocation
Severe chest pain or breathlessness
Sudden severe stomach pain that won’t go away
Unresolved choking and difficulty breathing
Severe bleeding.

The main things to remember in any emergency situation are:

Remain calm and confident
Do all you can to help but don’t put yourself in danger
Do not give the patient anything to eat, drink or smoke.

Getting help

Sometimes, the quickest way of getting medical help is to take the patient directly to the accident department of your local hospital. But call an ambulance and do not move the patient if:

You think he or she may have a back or neck injury, or any other injury that could be made worse by movement
The person is in shock and needs your constant attention
The person has severe chest pain or breathlessness

The recovery position

This is a safe position for an unconscious person, which allows easy breathing and prevents choking if the patient vomits. After checking the person is breathing normally, turn them on their side. Ensure the airway is open with the jaw pulled forward and their head tipped slightly back. Note that one hand supports the head.

Reproduced under the terms of Click-Use Licence number C2009000382. The content of this page has been published under a Click-Use Licence (link this to http://www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/index) which covers the use of core Crown copyright information. The original material can be found on NHS Choices.