{{About|the provision of immediate care|the 'Transformers' character|First Aid (Transformers)}}

[[File:Sign first aid.svg|right|thumb|First Aid symbol]]

'''First aid''' is the provision of initial care for an [[illness]] or [[injury]]. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a sick or injured person until definitive [[medical treatment]] can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care past the first aid intervention. It generally consists of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.

While first aid can also be performed on all animals, the term generally refers to care of human patients.

==History==

The instances of recorded first aid were provided by religious knights, such as the [[Knights Hospitaller]], formed in the 11th century, providing care to pilgrims and knights, and training other knights in how to treat common battlefield injuries.<ref name=medicinenet>[http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52749 First Aid: From Witchdoctors & Religious Knights to Modern Doctors], retrieved December 10, 2006.</ref> The practice of first aid fell largely in to disuse during the [[High Middle Ages]], and organized societies were not seen again until in 1859 Henry Dunant organized local villagers to help victims of the [[Battle of Solferino]], including the provision of first aid. Four years later, four nations met in [[Geneva]] and formed the organization which has grown into the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]], with a key stated aim of "aid to sick and wounded soldiers in the field".<ref name=medicinenet/> This was followed by the formation of [[St. John Ambulance]] in 1877, based on the principles of the Knights Hospitaller, to teach first aid, and numerous other organization joined them with the term first aid first coined in 1878 as civilian ambulance services spread as a combination of 'first treatment' and 'national aid'<ref name=medicinenet/> in large railway centres and mining districts as well as with police forces. First aid training began to spread through the [[British Empire|empire]] through organisations such as St John, often starting, as in the UK, with high risk activities such as ports and railways.<ref>[http://www.sja.org.uk/history/victorian_britain.asp Industrial Revolution: St. John Ambulance], retrieved December 10, 2006.</ref>

Many developments in first aid and many other medical techniques have been driven by wars, such as in the case of the [[American Civil War]], which prompted [[Clara Barton]] to organize the [[American Red Cross]].<ref>[http://www.redcross.org/museum/registry/profile.asp?id=33 American Red Cross -- Museum], retrieved December 10, 2006.</ref> Today, there are several groups that promote first aid, such as the [[military]] and the [[Scouting]] movement. New techniques and equipment have helped make today’s first aid simple and effective.

==Aims==

the key aims of first aid can be summarized in three key points:<ref>{{cite web|title=Accidents and first aid|publisher=NHS Direct|url=http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=450|accessdate=2008-10-04 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080503201513/http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=450 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-05-03}}</ref>

*'''Preserve life''' - the overriding aim of all medical care, including first aid, is to save lives

*'''Prevent further harm''' - also sometimes called '''prevent the condition from worsening''', this covers both external factors, such as moving a patient away from any cause of harm, and applying first aid techniques to prevent worsening of the condition, such as applying pressure to stop a bleed becoming dangerous.

*'''Promote recovery''' - first aid also involves trying to start the recovery process from the illness or injury, and in some cases might involve completing a treatment, such as in the case of applying a plaster to a small wound

First aid training also involves the prevention of initial injury and responder safety, and the treatment phases.

==Key skills==

{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2010}}

[[File:Tongue-blocking-airways.png|right|thumb|300px|In case of tongue fallen backwards, blocking the airway, it is necessary to hyperextend the head and pull up the chin, so that the tongue lifts and clears the airway.]]

Certain skills are considered essential to the provision of first aid and are taught ubiquitously. Particularly the "[[ABC (medicine)|ABC]]"s of first aid, which focus on critical life-saving intervention, must be rendered before treatment of less serious injuries. <!-- Before editing this section to change Circulation to Compressions, please read the article at ABC (medicine) -->ABC stands for ''Airway'', ''Breathing'', and ''Circulation''.<!-- Before editing this section to change Circulation to Compressions, please read the article at ABC (medicine) --> The same [[mnemonic]] is used by all [[emergency medicine|emergency health professionals]]. Attention must first be brought to the [[airway]] to ensure it is clear. Obstruction ([[choking]]) is a life-threatening emergency. Following evaluation of the airway, a first aid attendant would determine adequacy of [[breath]]ing and provide [[rescue breathing]] if necessary. Assessment of [[Circulatory system|circulation]] is now not usually carried out for patients who are not breathing, with first aiders now trained to go straight to chest compressions (and thus providing artificial circulation) but [[pulse]] checks may be done on less serious patients.

Some organizations add a fourth step of "D" for ''[[Bleeding|Deadly bleeding]]'' or ''[[Defibrillation]]'', while others consider this as part of the ''Circulation'' step. Variations on techniques to evaluate and maintain the ABCs depend on the skill level of the first aider. Once the ABCs are secured, first aiders can begin additional treatments, as required. Some organizations teach the same order of priority using the "3Bs": ''Breathing'', ''Bleeding'', and ''Bones'' (or "4Bs": ''Breathing'', ''Bleeding'', ''Brain'', and ''Bones''). While the ABCs and 3Bs are taught to be performed sequentially, certain conditions may require the consideration of two steps simultaneously. This includes the provision of both [[artificial respiration]] and [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation|chest compressions]] to someone who is not breathing and has no pulse, and the consideration of [[cervical spine]] injuries when ensuring an open airway.

===Preserving life===

In order to stay alive, all persons need to have an open airway - a clear passage where air can move in through the [[mouth]] or [[nose]] through the [[pharynx]] and down in to the lungs, without obstruction. [[Conscious]] people will maintain their own airway automatically, but those who are unconscious (with a [[Glasgow coma scale|GCS]] of less than 8) may be unable to maintain a patent airway, as the part of the brain which automatically controls breathing in normal situations may not be functioning.

If the patient was breathing, a first aider would normally then place them in the [[recovery position]], with the patient leant over on their side, which also has the effect of clearing the tongue from the pharynx. It also avoids a common cause of death in unconscious patients, which is choking on regurgitated stomach contents.

The airway can also become blocked through a foreign object becoming lodged in the pharynx or larynx, commonly called [[choking]]. The first aider will be taught to deal with this through a combination of ‘back slaps’ and ‘abdominal thrusts’.

Once the airway has been opened, the first aider would assess to see if the patient is breathing. If there is no breathing, or the patient is not breathing normally, such as [[agonal breathing]], the first aider would undertake what is probably the most recognized first aid procedure - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR, which involves breathing for the patient, and manually massaging the heart to promote blood flow around the body.

===Promoting recovery===

The first aider is also likely to be trained in dealing with injuries such as [[wounds|cuts]], [[Abrasion (medical)|grazes]] or [[bone fracture]]. They may be able to deal with the situation in its entirety (a small adhesive bandage on a paper cut), or may be required to maintain the condition of something like a broken bone, until the next stage of definitive care (usually an [[ambulance]]) arrives.

==Training==<!-- the country sub-sections are in alphabetic order -->

[[File:Suicide-prague.jpg|thumb|First aid scenario training in progress]]

Basic principles, such as knowing to use an adhesive bandage or applying direct pressure on a bleed, are often acquired passively through life experiences. However, to provide effective, life-saving first aid interventions requires instruction and practical training. This is especially true where it relates to potentially fatal illnesses and injuries, such as those that require [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] (CPR); these procedures may be invasive, and carry a risk of further injury to the patient and the provider. As with any training, it is more useful if it occurs ''before'' an actual [[emergency]], and in many countries, emergency ambulance dispatchers may give basic first aid instructions over the phone while the ambulance is on the way.

Training is generally provided by attending a course, typically leading to certification. Due to regular changes in procedures and protocols, based on updated clinical knowledge, and to maintain skill, attendance at regular refresher courses or re-certification is often necessary. First aid training is often available through community organizations such as the [[Red Cross]] and [[St. John Ambulance]], or through commercial providers, who will train people for a fee. This commercial training is most common for training of employees to perform first aid in their workplace. Many community organizations also provide a commercial service, which complements their community programmes.

===Australia===

In '''Australia''', Nationally recognized First Aid certificates may only be issued by [[Registered training organisation]]s who are accredited on the National Training Information System (NTIS). Most First Aid certificates are issued at one of 3 levels:

*Level 1 (or “Basic First Aid”, or “Basic Life Support”): is a 1-day course covering primarily life-threatening emergencies: [[CPR]], bleeding, choking and other life-threatening medical emergencies.

*Level 2 (“Senior First Aid”) is a 2 day course that covers all the aspects of training in Level 1, as well as specialized training for treatment of burns, bites, stings, electric shock and poisons. Level 2 reaccreditation is a 1 day course which must be taken every three years, but CPR reaccrediation may be required more frequently (typically yearly).

*Level 3 (“Occupational First Aid”) is a 4-day course covering advanced first aid, use of oxygen and [[automated external defibrillator]]s and documentation. It is suitable for workplace First Aiders and those who manage First Aid facilities.

Other courses outside these levels are commonly taught, including CPR-only courses, Advanced Resuscitation, Remote Area or Wilderness First Aid, Administering Medications (such as [[salbutamol]] or the [[Epi-Pen]]) and specialized courses for parents, school teachers, community first responders or hazardous workplace first aiders. CPR Re-accreditation courses are sometimes required yearly, regardless of the length of the overall certification.

===Canada===

In [[Canada]], first aid certificates are awarded by one of several national organizations including the [[Canadian Red Cross|Red Cross]], the [[Royal Life Saving Society of Canada|Lifesaving Society]] and [[St. John Ambulance Canada|St. John Ambulance]]. Or they can also be issued by sub-national organizations such as Certified Emergency Response Training. The terms "Emergency First Aid" and "Standard First Aid" are generic and based on a Health Canada (a federal department of the Government of Canada) review and approval of a training organization's curriculum / syllabus (training content), standards and other factors. Workplace safety regulations and standards for first aid vary by province depending on occupation. However, as some occupations are governed by federal, not provincial, workplace safety regulations, such as the transportation industry (marine, aviation, rail), trainees need to confirm with their employer as to exactly what specific training and certification standards comply with the applicable regulatory agencies, federal or provincial.

*Emergency First Aid: is an 8-hour course covering primarily life-threatening emergencies: [[CPR]], bleeding, choking and other life-threatening medical emergencies.

*Standard First Aid: is a 16-hour course that covers the same material as Emergency First Aid and will include training for some, but not all, of the following: breaks; burns; poisons, bites and stings; eye injuries; head and neck injuries; chest injuries; wound care; emergency child birth; and multiple casualty management.

*Medical First Responder (BTLS - known by different names among different Canadian organizations): is a 40 hour course. It requires Standard First Aid certification as a prerequisite. Candidates are trained in the use of oxygen, [[automated external defibrillator]]s, airway management, and the use of additional emergency equipment.

[[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation|CPR]] certification in Canada is broken into several levels. Depending on the level, the lay person will learn the basic one-person CPR and choking procedures for adults, and perhaps children, and infants. Higher-level designations also require two-person CPR to be learned. Depending on provincial laws, trainees may also learn the basics of [[automated external defibrillator|automated external defibrillation]] (AED).<ref name="">{{cite press release |title= Communiqu&eacute; - CPR Training for Alberta Health Care Providers |publisher= [[Lifesaving Society of Canada]]|date= 16 January 2007 |url= http://www.lifesaving.org/download/Health%20Regions%20HCP%20Letter.pdf |format= pdf |accessdate= 25 August 2009 |quote=Together, all five members of the ECC agreed upon the new Canadian

levels for CPR and the content and skills required for each level.}}</ref>

*Level A is the lowest level of CPR training. Trainees learn how to perform the standard one-rescuer CPR and choking procedures on adults.

*Level B requires the same procedures as Level A, but trainees learn to perform these maneuvers on children and infants in addition to adults.

*Level C requires the same maneuvers as Level B, and trainees are also taught how to perform two-person CPR.

*Level HCP (Health Care Professional) was introduced in Canada in response to new guidelines set by the [[International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation]].<ref name="ILCOR">{{cite journal |title= 2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care |journal=Circulation|volume=112|issue=24 Supplement |publisher=[[Lippincott Williams & Wilkins]] |location=[[United States]] |issn=0009-7322 |doi=10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166552 |year= 2005 |pages= IV–12}}</ref> In addition to the techniques taught in Level C, [[Artificial respiration|artificial resuscitation]], AED use (to certification standards), and [[bag-valve-mask]] use is taught. Anyone with CPR-HCP certification is considered AED certified.

===Ireland===

In Ireland, the workplace qualification is the Occupational First Aid Certificate. The [[Health and Safety Authority]] issue the standards for first aid at work and hold a register of qualified instructors, examiners and organisations that can provide the course. A [[FETAC]] Level 5 certificate is awarded after passing a three day course and is valid for two years from date of issue. Occupational First Aiders are more qualified than [[Certified First Responder|Cardiac First Responders]] (Cardiac First Response and training on the [[Automated external defibrillator|AED]] is now part of the OFA course) but less qualified than Emergency [[First Responder]]s but strangely Occupational First Aid is the only one of the three not certified by PHECC. Organisations offering the certificate include, Ireland's largest first aid organisation, the [[Order of Malta Ambulance Corps]], the [[St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland|St John Ambulance Brigade]], and the [[Irish Red Cross]].

The Irish Red Cross also provides a Practical First Aid Course aimed at the general public dealing primarily with family members getting injured. Many other (purely commercially run) organisations offer training.

===Singapore===

In Singapore, the workplace qualification is the Occupational First Aid Certificate. The [[Ministry of Manpower (Singapore)]] issue the standards for first aid at work and qualifies first aid instructors, occupational nurses and doctors and registered safety officers as examiners and organisations that can provide the course. Instructors are required to undergo an ACTA certification, a nationally recognised training standard endorsed by the Workforce Development Agency. Workplaces with more than 25 employees are required to have certified Occupational First Aiders. The Occupational First Aid Course recently incorporated a [[Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation|CPR]] and [[Automated external defibrillator|AED]] segment which is accredited by the National Resuscitation Council of Singapore and is valid for 2 years. Occupational First Aiders learn more workplace related topics than [[Certified First Responder|Cardiac First Responders]] and is the industry standard in Singapore. However, they may be less qualified than [[Emergency medical technician|EMT]]s. The [[Singapore First Aid Training Centre]] conducts the Occupational First Aid Certification approved by the [[Ministry of Manpower (Singapore)]].

===The Netherlands===

In '''the Netherlands''' first aid training and certification for lay persons are provided mostly by specialised (commercial) first aid training companies or voluteers of the "Dutch Red Cross" and the foundations "Het Oranje Kruis" and "LPEV". They offer a variety of levels in first aid training, from basic CPR to [[First Responder]].

Medical first aid must be provided by certified ambulance crews, physicians and in hospitals.

===United Kingdom===

In the '''U.K.''', there are two main types of first aid courses offered. An “Emergency First Aid at Work” course typically lasts one day, and covers the basics, focusing on critical interventions for conditions such as [[cardiac arrest]] and severe bleeding, and is usually not formally assessed. A “First Aid at Work” course is usually a three-day course (two days for a re-qualification) that covers the full spectrum of first aid, and is formally assessed by recognized [[Health and Safety Executive]] assessors. Certificates for the “[[First Aid at Work]]” course are issued by the training organization and are valid for a period of three years from the date the delegate passes the course. Other courses offered by training organizations such as [[St. John Ambulance]], [[St Andrews Ambulance|St Andrew’s First Aid]] or the [[British Red Cross]] include Baby and Child Courses, manual handling, people moving, and courses geared towards more advanced life support, such as [[defibrillation]] and administration of medical gases such as oxygen and [[entonox]].

The British Forces use First Aid ranging from levels 1-3, to assist the medical staff on their Ship, Squadron, Section, Base or any other purpose required. They are trained in both Military and Civilian First Aid and often utilise their knowledge in aid stricken regions around the world. First Aid is vital on board HM Ships because of the number of people in a small area and the space given to perform their task, it is also vital for the Army and Royal Marines to know basic first aid to help the survival rate of the soldiers when in combat.

===United States===

In the '''United States''', there is no universal schedule of First Aid levels that are applicable to all agencies that provide first aid training. Training is provided typically through the American Red Cross, but may also be completed by local fire departments and the American Heart Association (AHA) in terms of CPR. The American Red Cross, however, offers the following courses:<ref>Taken from Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross Course Catalog as example list of training [http://arc-grandcanyon.axxiomportal.com/Education/catalog.aspx]</ref>

*CPR

**CPR-Adult (CPR-A)

**CPR-Child and Infant (CPR-CI)

**CPR-Adult and Child (CPR-AC)

**CPR-Adult, Child, and Infant (CPR-ACI)

*CPR/Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

**CPR/AED-Adult (CPR/AED-A)

**CPR/AED-Adult and Child (CPR/AED-AC)

*First Aid

**Standard First Aid (SFA)

**Standard First Aid plus any of the above CPR or CPR/AED courses

*Specialty

**Babysitter's Training

**Lifeguarding (Lifeguard training)

**Dog, Cat, and Dog/Cat First Aid

**Professional Rescuer Training (CPR, First Aid, and AED to meet Lifeguard, EMT, and Nursing regulations)

**Bloodborne Pathogens Training

**Wilderness Training

**First Responder in the Workplace training (CPR/AED/First Aid)

**Instructor Certification

Red Cross training programs may vary by Chapter and season. Layman First Responders in the United States are subject to [[Good Samaritan law]] protections as long as their treatment does not extend beyond training or certification. First Aid training in the United States is limited to basic life support functions needed to sustain life, and training instills the importance of activating the Emergency Medical System before beginning assistance (through the Three C's: Check, Call, Care). Training classes range from a few hours for a specific course, or several days for combination, specialty, and instructor courses. Red Cross volunteers are required to be Standard First Aid plus CPR/ACI certified (AED is encouraged but not required as of 2009), as well as passing the FEMA [[National Incident Management System|NIMS]] Introductory certification.

==Specific disciplines==

There are several types of first aid (and first aider) which require specific additional training. These are usually undertaken to fulfill the demands of the work or activity undertaken.

*'''Aquatic/Marine first aid''' - Usually practiced by professionals such as [[lifeguards]], professional [[mariner]]s or in [[diver rescue]], and covers the specific problems which may be faced after water-based rescue and/or delayed [[MedEvac]].

*'''[[Battlefield medicine|Battlefield first aid]]''' - This takes in to account the specific needs of treating wounded combatants and non-combatants during armed conflict.

*'''[[Hyperbaric medicine|Hyperbaric]] first aid''' - Which may be practiced by [[Scuba diving|SCUBA diving]] professionals, who need to treat conditions such as [[decompression sickness|the bends]].

*'''[[Oxygen therapy|Oxygen]] first aid''' - Providing oxygen to casualties who suffer from conditions resulting in [[hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]].

*'''[[Wilderness first aid]]''' is the provision of first aid under conditions where the arrival of emergency responders or the evacuation of an injured person may be delayed due to constraints of terrain, weather, and available persons or equipment. It may be necessary to care for an injured person for several hours or days.

*'''[[Hydrofluoric Acid]] first aid''' - taught to first aiders in the chemical industry where hydrofluoric acid may be used. Instructs the first aider how to initially treat (with [[calcium gluconate]]) any skin that has been splashed with the acid.

==Symbols==

{{details|Emblems of the Red Cross#Use of the emblems}}

Although commonly associated with first aid, the symbol of a red cross is an official protective symbol of the [[Red Cross]]. According to the [[Geneva Conventions]] and other international laws, the use of this and [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement#Protection symbols vs. organizational emblems|similar symbols]] is reserved for official agencies of the '''International Red Cross''' and '''Red Crescent''', and as a protective emblem for medical personnel and facilities in combat situations. Use by any other person or organization is illegal, and may lead to prosecution.

The internationally accepted symbol for first aid is the white cross on a green background shown at the start of the page.

Some organizations may make use of the [[Star of Life]], although this is usually reserved for use by ambulance services, or may use symbols such as the [[Maltese Cross]], like the [[Order of Malta Ambulance Corps]] and [[St John Ambulance]]. Other symbols may also be used.

<gallery>

File:Sign_first_aid.svg | ISO First Aid Symbol

File:Flag_of_the_Red_Cross.svg | Symbol of the Red Cross

File:Maltese-Cross-Heraldry.svg | Maltese or Amalfi Cross

File:Star_of_life2.svg | Star of life

</gallery>

==Conditions that often require first aid==

''Also see [[medical emergency]].''

*[[Altitude sickness]], which can begin in susceptible people at altitudes as low as 5,000 feet, can cause potentially fatal [[High altitude cerebral edema|swelling of the brain]] or [[High altitude pulmonary edema|lungs]].<ref name=MedicalProblems>{{cite journal |author=Cymerman, A; Rock, PB |title=Medical Problems in High Mountain Environments. A Handbook for Medical Officers |publisher=US Army Research Inst. of Environmental Medicine Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division Technical Report |volume=USARIEM-TN94-2 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/7976 |accessdate=2009-03-05}}</ref>

*[[Anaphylaxis]], a life-threatening condition in which the airway can become constricted and the patient may go into [[shock (circulatory)|shock]]. The reaction can be caused by a systemic allergic reaction to [[allergen]]s such as insect bites or peanuts. Anaphylaxis is initially treated with injection of [[epinephrine]].

*[[Battle]]field first aid - This protocol refers to treating shrapnel, gunshot wounds, burns, bone fractures, etc. as seen either in the ‘traditional’ battlefield setting or in an area subject to damage by large scale weaponry, such as a [[bomb]] blast or other [[terrorist]] activity.

*[[Bone fracture]], a break in a bone initially treated by stabilizing the fracture with a [[splint (medical)|splint]].

*[[Burn (injury)|Burns]], which can result in damage to tissues and loss of body fluids through the burn site.

*[[Choking]], blockage of the airway which can quickly result in death due to lack of [[oxygen]] if the patient’s trachea is not cleared, for example by the [[Heimlich Maneuver]].

*[[Childbirth]].

*[[Cramp]]s in muscles due to lactic acid build up caused either by inadequate oxygenation of muscle or lack of water or salt.

*[[Diving disorders]], [[drowning]] or [[asphyxiation]].<ref name=Longphre>{{cite journal |last=Longphre |first=John M. |coauthors=Petar J. DeNoble; Richard E. Moon; Richard D. Vann; John J. Freiberger |title=First aid normobaric oxygen for the treatment of recreational diving injuries. |journal=Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine |volume=34 |issue=1 |pages=43–49 |year=2007 |issn=1066-2936 |oclc=26915585 |pmid=17393938 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/5514 |accessdate=2009-03-05 }}</ref>

*Gender-specific conditions, such as [[dysmenorrhea]] and [[testicular torsion]].

*[[Myocardial infarction|Heart attack]], or inadequate blood flow to the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.

*Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke or [[hyperthermia]], which tends to occur during heavy exercise in high humidity, or with inadequate water, though it may occur spontaneously in some chronically ill persons. Sunstroke, especially when the victim has been unconscious, often causes major damage to body systems such as brain, kidney, liver, gastric tract. [[Coma|Unconsciousness for more than two hours]] usually leads to permanent disability. Emergency treatment involves rapid cooling of the patient.

*[[Heat syncope]], another stage in the same process as heat stroke, occurs under similar conditions as heat stroke and is not distinguished from the latter by some authorities.

*Heavy bleeding, treated by applying pressure (manually and later with a [[pressure bandage]]) to the wound site and elevating the limb if possible.

*[[Hyperglycemia]] ([[diabetic coma]]) and [[Hypoglycemia]] ([[insulin shock]]).

*[[Hypothermia]], or Exposure, occurs when a person’s core body temperature falls below 33.7°C (92.6°F). First aid for a mildly hypothermic patient includes rewarming, but rewarming a severely hypothermic person could result in a fatal [[arrhythmia]], an irregular heart rhythm.

*Insect and animal [[bite (medicine)|bites]] and stings.

*[[Joint dislocation]].

*[[Poison]]ing, which can occur by injection, inhalation, absorption, or ingestion.

*[[Seizures]], or a malfunction in the electrical activity in the brain. Three types of seizures include a grand mal (which usually features convulsions as well as temporary respiratory abnormalities, change in skin complexion, etc.) and petit mal (which usually features twitching, rapid blinking, and/or fidgeting as well as altered consciousness and temporary respiratory abnormalities).

*[[Strain (injury)|Muscle strain]]s and [[Sprain]]s, a temporary [[dislocation]] of a [[joint (anatomy)|joint]] that immediately reduces automatically but may result in ligament damage.

*[[Stroke]], a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain.

*[[Toothache]], which can result in severe pain and loss of the tooth but is rarely life threatening, unless over time the infection spreads into the bone of the jaw and starts [[osteomyelitis]].

*[[Wound]]s and [[bleeding]], including [[laceration]]s, [[incision]]s and [[Abrasion (medical)|abrasion]]s, [[Gastrointestinal bleeding]], [[Avulsion injury|avulsion]]s and [[Pneumothorax|Sucking chest wound]]s, treated with an [[occlusive dressing]] to let air out but not in.

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{Wiktionary}}

{{wikibooks|First Aid}}

*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/FirstAidIndex/FirstAidIndex First Aid Guide at the Mayo Clinic]

*[http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/menu/topic/firstaid.html First Aid References at the U.S.A. Center for Disease Control]

*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/first_aid/index.shtml First Aid at BBC Health]

*[http://www.firstaidonline.ca First Aid Training Programs and Regulations in Canada]

*[http://www.firstaidtraining.com.sg/firstaidblogger/automated-external-defibrillator-aed/latest-cpraed-update-guidelines-for-lay-person-rescuers]

{{First aid|state=expand}}

{{Emergency medicine}}

{{Lifesaving and Lifeguarding}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:First Aid}}

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[[ar:إسعافات أولية]]

[[bg:Първа помощ]]

[[ca:Primers auxilis]]

[[cs:První pomoc]]

[[da:Førstehjælp]]

[[de:Erste Hilfe]]

[[es:Primeros auxilios]]

[[eo:Sukuro]]

[[fa:کمک‌های اولیه]]

[[fr:Premiers secours]]

[[gu:પ્રાથમિક સારવાર]]

[[hi:प्राथमिक चिकित्सा]]

[[hr:Prva pomoć]]

[[id:Pertolongan Pertama]]

[[is:Skyndihjálp]]

[[it:Primo soccorso]]

[[ka:პირველადი სამედიცინო დახმარება]]

[[kk:Алғашқы көмек]]

[[lv:Pirmā palīdzība]]

[[lb:Éischt Hëllef]]

[[lt:Pirmoji pagalba]]

[[mk:Прва помош]]

[[ml:പ്രഥമശുശ്രൂഷ]]

[[ms:Pertolongan cemas]]

[[mn:Яаралтай анхны тусламж]]

[[nl:Eerste Hulp bij Ongelukken]]

[[ja:応急処置]]

[[no:Førstehjelp]]

[[pl:Pierwsza pomoc]]

[[pt:Primeiros socorros]]

[[ro:Primul ajutor]]

[[ru:Первая помощь]]

[[simple:First aid]]

[[sk:Prvá pomoc]]

[[sl:Prva pomoč]]

[[sr:Прва помоћ]]

[[fi:Ensiapu]]

[[sv:Första hjälpen]]

[[tl:Paunang tulong-panlunas]]

[[ta:முதலுதவி]]

[[te:ప్రధమచికిత్స]]

[[tr:İlkyardım]]

[[uk:Перша медична допомога]]

[[zh-yue:急救]]

[[zh:急救]]