First Aid Basics Everyone Should Know

Tap an item to see more detail.

Burns
Cool the burned area under lukewarm (not ice-cold) running water for 15–20 minutes to bring down the heat. Avoid applying ice directly or popping blisters, since this can worsen skin damage — call emergency services immediately for a large burn area or severe blistering.
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze, and keep the injured area elevated above heart level if possible. If bleeding doesn't stop with pressure, or the wound is deep with heavy blood loss, call emergency services right away.
Suspected Fracture
Don't try to force a misaligned bone back into place — immobilize the injured area with a splint or rigid object before moving to a hospital. If bone is visibly protruding through the skin or there's severe swelling and deformity, don't move the person and call emergency services immediately.
Ankle Sprain
Right after the injury, applying ice to reduce swelling and keeping the area elevated above heart level while resting can help. If pain is severe or the person can't bear weight at all, a fracture is possible — call emergency services or seek medical care immediately.
Choking (Airway Obstruction)
If the person is conscious and able to cough, encourage them to keep coughing — that's generally the safest response. If they can't cough or breathe at all, attempt abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) while calling emergency services immediately; switch to CPR if they lose consciousness.
Nosebleed
Lean slightly forward rather than tilting the head back, and pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 5–10 minutes. If bleeding doesn't stop, follows an injury, or is heavy and ongoing, call emergency services or seek medical care immediately.
Heatstroke
Move the person to a shaded, cool area, loosen their clothing, and cool their body with water or fanning. If they become confused, have a very high body temperature, or stop sweating, call emergency services immediately.

Why It Helps to Know First Aid Basics

This page is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. That said, how you respond in the first few minutes after an accident can significantly affect recovery, so knowing basic first aid ahead of time helps you stay calm and respond effectively instead of panicking.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should CPR be performed?

If a person is unconscious and not breathing normally, call emergency services immediately and begin chest-compression-focused CPR. It's safest to learn the exact technique through a first aid course from your local fire department or a recognized organization like the Red Cross.

Is it okay to apply ointment or home remedies to a burn?

Home remedies like applying butter, potato slices, or toothpaste to a wound are not recommended, since they can actually increase infection risk and worsen the injury. It's safer to cool the area thoroughly under running water, cover it with clean gauze, and seek medical care.