First Aid — what the evidence says

What is first aid? Accidents happen. Someone starts to choke, gets stung by a bee, sprains an ankle, or gets a minor burn or cut while cooking. First aid is the care you give right away for an injury or sudden illness before medical help arrives.

Knowing basic first aid, and when to call 911, can help you stay calm and act quickly. When is 911 needed? Call 911 right away for life-threatening emergencies, such as when someone collapses, can't breathe, or is unresponsive. While you wait for help, you may be able to save a life: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help someone whose heart or breathing has stopped.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) can also help. It's used along with CPR to help someone in cardiac arrest. You'll often find one in public places like gyms, airports, and offices. Back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) can help someone who is choking.

What are the treatments for common injuries? Consider taking a CPR or first aid class to build hands-on skills you can use in an emergency. You may also learn to handle many common injuries, these may include: Cuts and scrapes Rinse the area with clean water. Apply firm, steady pressure with gauze to stop the bleeding.

If blood soaks through, add more gauze on top rather than removing the first layer, and keep applying pressure. Seek medical care if the bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure, or if the wound is deep, gaping, or caused by a dirty or rusty object. Poisoning If someone swallows something dangerous, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. They can often help you figure out what to do, including whether you need to call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Heat-related illness Learn how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses and other common emergencies before they become serious. What should be in a basic first aid kit? It's a good idea to keep a first aid kit at home and in your car. First aid kits come in many types and sizes.

Some are built for specific needs like travel, workplaces, or sports, and include more supplies than a basic kit. You can create your own first aid kit that includes personal items such as emergency phone numbers or medicines. A basic first aid kit should include: Adhesive bandages Sterile gauze pads Adhesive tape Antiseptic wipes Disposable gloves Scissors A first-aid guide, so you know how to use each item Check the kit regularly to replace expired items.

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