First Aid
Basic first aid knowledge can help us deal with minor injuries to ensure they don’t become worse and, in more serious cases, help us keep the patient safer until a medical professional can take over.
- What can I do to treat cuts and scrapes?
- What can I do to treat burns?
- What can I do if someone breaks a bone?
- What can I do if someone goes into shock?
- What items should I include in my basic first aid kit?
What can I do to treat cuts and scrapes?
For minor cuts, scratches, and scrapes:
- Make sure your hands are clean and dry.
- Cover any cuts on your own hands.
- Clean the affected area with running water.
- Pat the area dry using a sterile dressing or lint-free cloth.
- Raise the affected area above the heart if possible.
- Temporarily cover the cut to clean around it with soap and water.
- Pat the surrounding skin dry.
- Cover the affected area completely with a bandage or sterile dressing.
- Treat the person for shock if necessary.
What can I do to treat burns?
To treat minor burns and scalds:
- Remove clothing or jewelry near the affected area, unless it is stuck.
- Cool the area with cool or lukewarm water for at least 10 minutes.
- Do not use lotions, ointments, or creams.
- Do not break any blisters.
- Cover the area with a bandage or non-adhesive sterile dressing.
- Treat the person for shock.
- Manage pain with a medication like ibuprofen.
- If the burn is deep or large, seek immediate medical attention.
What can I do if someone breaks a bone?
If someone breaks a bone:
- Support the injured area.
- Immobilize it to prevent further damage.
- Call 9-1-1.
- Treat the person for shock.
What can I do if someone goes into shock?
To treat shock:
- Treat the injury that caused it.
- Lay the person down with head low and legs raised and supported.
- Call 9-1-1 if not already done.
- Loosen tight clothing, cover with a blanket or coat, and comfort them.
- Monitor breathing and pulse.
What items should I include in my basic first aid kit?
Items recommended for a first aid kit:
- Emergency phone numbers and contacts
- Antiseptic wipes or soap
- Sterile gauze pads in various sizes
- Bandages and adhesive tape
- Scissors, tweezers, and safety pins
- Instant ice packs and disposable gloves
- Pencil, pad, and flashlight with extra batteries
- Emergency blanket, eye patches, and thermometer
- Masks and coins for emergencies
- First aid manual
For more information, consult with a pharmacist or medical professional.
This health information was sourced from the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca), St. John Ambulance – United Kingdom (www.sja.org.uk), the National Health Service (www.nhs.uk), and the Government of Canada (healthycanadians.gc.ca). It is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace first aid training or consultation with a healthcare professional. This material and affiliated entities are not liable for errors, omissions, or inconsistencies, nor do they accept liability for reliance on the contained information.