Adult Health
First Aid (Adults)
Some links on this page have been colour coded to make it easier to find the information you need:
Why it is worth learning about first aid?
As the NHS suggest
“Every year in the UK, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in incidents. Many deaths could be prevented if first aid was given before emergency services arrive.”
From the NHS
- First Aid overview First aid – NHS
- After an incident First aid – After an incident – NHS
What to do in an emergency
If someone is injured, you should:
- first check that you and the casualty aren’t in any danger, and, if possible, make the situation safe
- if necessary, dial 999 for an ambulance when it’s safe to do so
- carry out basic first aid
Find out what to do after an incident
If someone is unconscious and breathing
If someone is unconscious but breathing, and has no other injuries that would stop them being moved, place them in the recovery position until help arrives.
Keep them under observation to ensure they continue to breathe normally.
If someone is unconscious and not breathing
If someone is not breathing, call 999 and start CPR straight away.
Read more about CPR
Further information
There is more detailed information on CPR and the recovery position below.
Basic first aid
First aid advice
From the NHS
This is a good place to start for a simple overview
- First Aid overview First aid – NHS
- After an incident First aid – After an incident – NHS
- CPR First aid – CPR – NHS
- Recovery position First aid – Recovery position – NHS
- Burns and scalds Burns and scalds – NHS
From St Johns Ambulance
- Excellent first aid advice for common conditions First aid advice | St John Ambulance
- How to do CPR on an adult? How to do CPR on an adult | St John Ambulance
- How to use a defibrillator? How to use a defibrillator | St John Ambulance
- How to apply a dressing? How to apply a dressing – First Aid Advice | St John Ambulance
- How to make an arm sling How To Make An Arm Sling – First Aid Advice | St John Ambulance
From British Red Cross
Learn first aid: Excellent advice backed up by videos Learn key first aid treatments with the British Red Cross
From Resuscitation council UK
CPR information and ways you can learn CPR Public Resource | Resuscitation Council UK
From NICE
- Injuries (includes sprains and strains, bites, nose bleeds, burns and scalds) Injuries | Specialities | CKS | NICE
- Poisoning Poisoning | Specialities | CKS | NICE
Babies and Children
Though the websites referred to on this page all include information for children, you can access direct links to information on first aid in children under
NOSE BLEEDS
From the NHS, Patient info and NICE
This includes information from patient info how to deal with a nose bleed
Nosebleed
What to do if someone has a seizure
From the NHS
What to do if someone has a seizure (fit) What to do if someone has a seizure (fit) – NHS
accidents and injuries
Information on common injuries and accidents and their usual treatment is included under
This includes information on self-care, and when attending a minor injuries unit or accident and emergency department may be appropriate.
For information on reducing the risk of accidents for all ages see under
For detailed information on reducing the risk of falls, particularly in older people, see under
Though the websites referred to on this page all include information for children, you can access direct links to information on first aid in children under
How can you prepare to give first aid?
Learn first aid on line
From the British Red Cross
Learn first aid: Learn the key skills to use in an emergency Learn key first aid treatments with the British Red Cross
From St Johns Ambulance
First aid advice: includes How to ….. and also click on right side “first aid advice topics” for a list of common topics First aid advice | St John Ambulance
From Patient info
- How to teach yourself first aid How to teach yourself first aid | Choking, bleeding and CPR | Patient
Courses
Some courses are FREE particularly if community related
From St John Ambulance
- First Aid at work: find a course near you (“The HSE-recognised First Aid at Work training course provides a comprehensive set of practical skills needed by first aiders in most workplaces, giving both the ability and knowledge to deal with first aid emergencies. It meets the standards required to help comply with Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations. “ ) First Aid at Work Training Course | St John Ambulance
- Essential first aid: find a course near you (Adult) for individuals and community groups Essential First Aid (Adult) | St John Ambulance
From British Red Cross
First Aid courses First aid courses and training | Red Cross Training
Babies and Children
Though the websites referred to on this page all include information for children, you can access direct links to information on first aid in children under
From the NHS
What should I keep in my first aid kit? What should I keep in my first aid kit? – NHS
From the British Red Cross
“No first aid kit? No problem! You may not always have access to a first aid kit in an emergency. Here are some suggestions for other everyday items you can use.” Options for first aid if no first aid kit is available.
From Patient info
- Essential first aid items for your home Essential first aid items for your home | Health at home | Patient
- Medicines to Keep at Home Medicines to Keep at Home | First Aid | Patient
- Holiday first aid kit essentials Holiday first aid kit essentials | Travel Health Advice | Patient
From British Red Cross
Download Free first aid apps
“Learn first aid fast and stay prepared for emergencies wherever you are. Download our free first aid app today for guidance and training.” Free first aid apps | Adult and baby | British Red Cross
Videos and podcasts
On the videos and podcasts page there are links to some relevant videos and podcasts covering the topic of first aid and resuscitation.
- Videos And Podcasts – see section “health conditions.”
