Online first aid advice

The website contains the most up-to-date first aid advice

First aid saves lives. Our online advice will help you deal with a range of common accidents and conditions so you can help. Always remember that in an emergency, dial 999 as soon as possible.

Bleeding

First aid advice for bleeding wounds including nose bleeds, severe bleeding and shock including what to do and when to get medical assistance.

Bones and muscles

First aid advice for injuries to bones and muscles including fractures, dislocated joints, sprains and strains, spinal injuries and recovery from a spinal injury.

Breathing difficulties

First aid advice for breathing problems including asthma attacks, croup, drowning and hyperventilation.

Choking

First aid advice for choking adults, children and babies including what to do and when to get medical assistance.

Effects of heat and cold

First aid advice for minor and serious burns, chemical burns, dehydration, burns to the eye, frostbite, hypothermia, heat exhaustion and heat rash.

Head injuries

First aid advice for head injuries including adults, children and babies.

Heart

First aid advice for angina attacks, heart attacks and cardiac arrest.

Injuries and minor conditions

First aid advice for a variety of common minor injuries including what to do and when to get medical assistance.

Meningitis

Anyone of any age can get meningitis. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Paediatric first aid

First aid advice for children and babies including choking, croup, drowning, head injuries, hypothermia, how to do a primary survey, CPR and the recovery position.

Poisoning

First aid advice for different types of poisoning. Find out what to do for different poisons including alcohol, drugs, carbon monoxide, narcotics, painkillers and solvents.

Seizures

First aid advice for seizures in adults, children and babies.

Sepsis

First aid advice for sepsis in babies, young children, older children, and adults.

Severe allergic reaction

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or ‘trigger’ substance. A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylactic shock. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Hay Fever

A common condition caused by an allergy to pollen

Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency and you need to act FAST. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Unresponsive casualty

First aid advice for an unresponsive casualty. Find out what to do if someone faints, how to put someone in the recovery position and how to do CPR.

How to do CPR on an adult

If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.

How to do the primary survey

Use the primary survey to quickly assess the situation and check the casualty for injuries or conditions that could be immediately life threatening. Find out what to do.

How to use a defibrillator

By using a defibrillator before an ambulance arrives, you can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival. Learn what to do.

Arm sling - check circulation in fingertips

How to make an arm sling

An arm sling holds the forearm in a raised or horizontal position and can support an injured upper arm, forearm and wrist. The sling is also a useful visual warning to others that someone is injured.

How to do CPR on a child

If a child is unresponsive and not breathing normally you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and perform child CPR straight away. Learn what to do.

How to do CPR on a baby (under one year old)

If a baby is not responding to you and not breathing normally, you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.

Elevation sling - tie two ends together in reef knot above collar bone

How to make an elevation sling

An elevation sling is different to an arm sling. It supports the casualty's forearm and hand in a raised position.

How to handle difficult first aid situations

When responding to an emergency, it is important to recognise the emotional and physical needs of everyone involved, including your own.

How to do the secondary survey

After performing a primary survey and dealing with any life-threatening conditions, you can move on to the secondary survey.

How to apply a dressing

When you have a wound, you should always cover it with a dressing as this can help to prevent infection. Find out what to do.

Severe bleeding first aid - apply direct pressure to the wound, call 999 or 112

How to put on a bandage

Bandages can be used to support injured joints, secure dressings and control bleeding.

How to bandage a hand

When you have hurt your hand, you can use a roller bandage to hold a dressing in place, or to support a sprained wrist. Find out what to do.

Elevation sling - ask the casualty to support the

How to do elbow and knee bandages

Elbow and knee injuries such as sprains and strains can be supported by a roller bandage. Find out how to do elbow and knee bandages.

How to use a plaster

A plaster, or adhesive dressing, can be used to cover small cuts and grazes. Learn what to do.

How to use a cold compress

Cooling an injury like a sprain or bruise can help to reduce the swelling and pain. Find out how to use two types of cold compress.

First aider practices putting bandages on a casualty's arm

The role of the first aider

First aid is the help given to someone who is injured or ill to keep them safe and to cause no further harm. Learn what to do as a first aider.

When to call an ambulance

At some point in their life, most people will witness or be involved in an accident or medical emergency. Knowing what to do and when you should call the emergency services can potentially save lives.

Man practices using a fire extinguisher during fire marshal training course.

General health and safety advice

Specific advice on mental health and physical safety

Download our free first aid lesson plans and teaching resources for Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, and Key Stage 4.

Check out our full list of first aid lesson plans and resources to teach first aid at your school.

Get support to set up a first aid club at your school.

Get first aid advice at your fingertips with our life saving apps.

Download our first aid posters for your fridge, staff room or school notice board.

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Millie Bright lying on the floor wearing a CPR bra.

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First aid topics

Get advice on a range of common conditions.