Emergencies can happen anytime. Knowing basic first aid helps you respond quickly, stay calm, and possibly save a life.

Cuts & Bleeding

• Clean the wound with running water.
• Apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding.
• Cover with a sterile bandage.
• Seek medical care if the cut is deep, would not stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection.
• For heavy or spurting bleeding, go to a hospital emergency.

Burns

• Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Do not pop blisters.
• Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing.
• Get medical help for large burns or burns on the face, hands, feet, or groin.

Sprains & Strains

• Rest the injured area.
• Ice for 20 minutes at a time.
• Compress with an elastic bandage.
• Elevate above heart level.
• Seek urgent care if pain is severe, the joint looks deformed, or movement is limited.

Choking

• For adults and older children, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
• For infants, give back blows followed by chest thrusts.
• Seek hospital emergency if the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough.

Heart Attack & Stroke

Promptly get medical care if you notice chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, neck, or jaw. For stroke, check the FAST symptoms:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to rush to hospital emergency

Be Prepared

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home and save emergency numbers on your phone. Taking a first-aid course can build confidence and help you act fast when it matters most.