Basic Guidelines

Basic First Aid Guidelines

Below you will find some basic guidelines to help you help yourself and others during a medical crisis. The information presented here is to be used as an introduction to First Aid. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice and care, treatment by trained emergency personnel, or first aid and CPR training. If you are in a life- or limb-threatening emergency, CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.

Emergency Warning Signs

Look for these emergency warning signs that indicate a person could suffer major harm or die without immediate care. Call 911 immediately if one or more of these signs are present.

Prolonged chest pain (lasting two or more minutes)
Uncontrolled bleeding
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Choking or vomiting blood
Severe pain
A weak or nonexistent heartbeat when checking for a pulse on the neck alongside the Adam's apple
Sudden weakness, change in vision, or dizziness
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Confusion or difficulty arousing

Remain calm, be aware of your surroundings, and closely evaluate the scene to protect yourself and others from further injury.
Do not move a critically injured person unless insturcted by emergency medical professionals.
Do not try to drive someone who is critically ill or injured to a hospital unless there is no way to summon emergency help.
Call 911 or ask someone else to call:

- If you think there is a medical emergency,
- If the crisis could get worse left untreated or not treated properly.

Listen carefully to the 911 dispatcher's questions. Answer them calmly and quickly.
Remain on the line until the dispatcher tells you it's okay to hang up.
Ask someone to wait outside to meet emergency personnel if it is safe to do so.
Paramedics may want to know a brief summary of the circumstances that caused the emergency. Remain calm and cooperative as they gather information.

NOTE: Information here and in the links within this section is not a substitute for professional medical advice and care, treatment by trained emergency personnel, or first aid and CPR training. If you believe a life- or limb-threatening emergency exists, CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.