Emergency Procedures

What is First Aid?

First aid is the immediate care of a victim in an emergency caused by injury or sudden illness. First aid is performed until professional medical care is available. Anyone who is injured or ill can benefit from prompt care. Some injuries, such as a minor wound or bruise, require very simple care, while conditions such as choking or severe bleeding require more complex care.

If you are in a situation in which a person has suffered a severe injury, is unconscious, or is having difficulty breathing, the first step is to follow the ABCs of first aid.

ABCs of first aid

The ABCs of First Aid

  1. Realize an emergency is happening.
  2. Check the scene of the emergency to be sure the surroundings are safe for you to enter.
  3. Dial 9-1-1 or any other emergency number.
  4. Provide ABC care until help arrives:
    • A = Airway – Make sure it is not obstructed.
    • B = Breathing – Check for rise and fall of the person's chest.
    • C = Circulation – Check for a pulse.

Basic First Aid for Common Situations

Basic First Aid for Common SituationsHave you ever been in an emergency situation and not known what to do? Accidents can happen anywhere and knowing first aid will help you cope with the situation. It is beneficial to know how to deal with burns, broken bones, bleeding, choking, sprains, poisoning, and breathing emergencies. In this interactivity, learn the steps you need to take in common situations that require first aid. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

First Aid for Anaphylactic Shock

First Aid for Anaphylactic ShockAnaphylaxis is a potentially severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur very quickly. In many cases, anaphylactic shock takes place within a couple of minutes after exposure to the allergen. In this interactivity, learn the first aid treatment for anaphylactic shock. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 


First Aid Review

First Aid ReviewNow that you have explored basic first aid for common situations and for anaphylactic shock, check your knowledge by completing this non-graded interactivity. Click the player button to get started.

 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPRAt some point in your life, you may have to provide an individual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). You should be trained before performing CPR, or you could seriously injure someone. Contact your local American Red Cross® for courses in CPR. In this interactivity, explore the steps required to perform CPR. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Review

CPR ReviewNow that you have learned the steps to perform CPR, check your knowledge by completing this non-graded interactivity. Click the player button to get started.


Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Using an AEDAn automated external defibrillator (AED) is an electronic device that can help save a life during sudden cardiac arrest. However, even after training, remembering the steps on how to properly use an AED can be difficult. In this interactivity, learn the steps required to use an AED. It may help to write down these steps and keep them on your refrigerator, in your car, or in your book-bag. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Review

Self-Check IconAED ReviewNow that you have learned the steps required to operate an AED, check your knowledge by completing this interactivity. When you reach the end of this interactivity, please print your results or take a screenshot of them and submit them to the designated dropbox. Click the player button to get started.