First Aid

Burns

🔹 Cool burns immediately with cool (not cold) running water for 10–20 minutes. This reduces damage to deeper tissues.

• Do not apply ice, butter, oils, or creams — they can worsen damage.
• Remove jewellery or tight clothing near the burn before swelling starts.
• Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing (cling film works well).
• Seek medical help for burns larger than a 50p coin, on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints.

Radiation Exposure

🔹 Protect yourself first: get indoors, close windows/doors, and stay sheltered.

• Remove outer clothing carefully to reduce contamination (ideally seal it in a plastic bag).
• Gently wash exposed skin with warm water and soap — do not scrub hard.
• Stay tuned to official advice before going outside.

Chemical Exposure

🔹 Remove the cause quickly but safely.

• Remove contaminated clothing — cut it off rather than pulling over the head if needed.
• Rinse affected skin with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes.
• Avoid spreading chemicals — wash from the affected area outwards.
• Call emergency services for serious exposure.

Bleeding

🔹 Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing.

• Elevate the wounded area if safe to do so.
• If bleeding soaks through, apply another dressing on top — do not remove the original.
• Severe bleeding: Call 999 immediately.

Fractures (Broken Bones)

🔹 Immobilise the area — support with a sling or padding.

• Don’t try to straighten a broken limb.
• Apply ice (wrapped in cloth) to reduce swelling.
• Call for medical help.

Choking

🔹 Encourage coughing first if the person can breathe a little.

• If ineffective, deliver up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
• Then up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre).
• Alternate until the blockage clears or help arrives.

Heatstroke / Heat Exhaustion

🔹 Move to a cool place immediately.

• Loosen clothing, apply cool water or a damp cloth to the skin.
• Give small sips of water if conscious.
• If confused, vomiting, or unconscious: call 999.

Shock

🔹 Lay the person down and elevate legs if no injury prevents it.

• Keep warm with blankets or coats.
• Do not give food or drink.
• Call 999 and stay with them.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

🔹 For Adults (Unresponsive & Not Breathing Normally):

1. Call 999 or ask someone to do it immediately.
2. Check for response: Shake gently and shout. If no response, continue.
3. Open airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin.
4. Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
5. Begin chest compressions:
   • Place one hand over the other in the centre of the chest.
   • Push hard and fast — about 5–6cm deep, at 100–120 compressions per minute.
   • Let the chest rise fully between compressions.
6. Optional (if trained): Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
7. Keep going until emergency help arrives or the person starts breathing.

🔹 Using an AED (Defibrillator):

• Turn it on and follow voice prompts.
• Attach pads as shown on the diagrams.
• Stand clear during shock delivery.

🔹 For Children and Infants:

• Give 5 rescue breaths first, then 30 compressions + 2 breaths (repeat).
• Use 1 hand for children (1–8 yrs), 2 fingers for infants (under 1 yr).
• Call 999 after 1 minute of CPR if you're alone.

General Tips

• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit (plasters, bandages, sterile dressings, gloves, antiseptic wipes, etc).
• Regularly check expiry dates on first aid supplies.
• Learn CPR and other basic life-saving skills.
• Stay calm — your actions can save lives.
• Always call for professional help when needed — don’t delay if in doubt.