First Aid Summary Accidents happen. Someone chokes on an ice cube or gets stung by a bee. It is important to know when to call 9-1-1 — it is for life-threatening emergencies. While waiting for help to arrive, you may be able to save someone’s life. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is for people whose hearts or breathing has stopped and the Heimlich maneuver is for people who are choking. You can also learn to handle common injuries and wounds. Cuts and scrapes, for example, should be rinsed with cool water. To stop bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure, using gauze. If blood soaks through, add more gauze, keeping the first layer in place. Continue to apply pressure. It is important to have a first aid kit available. Keep one at home and one in your car. It should include a first-aid guide. Read the guide to learn how to use the items, so you are ready in case an emergency happens. Teenagers 911 Emergencies Nemours Foundation Find an Expert American College of Emergency Physicians American College of Emergency Physicians American Red Cross American Red Cross Find a course American Heart Association Specifics Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction): First Aid Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Choking: First Aid Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research First Aid: Burns American Academy of Family Physicians First Aid: Cuts, Scrapes and Stitches American Academy of Family Physicians Frostbite: First Aid Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke American Academy of Family Physicians Learn CPR You Can Do It! University of Washington, School of Medicine Nosebleeds American Academy of Family Physicians Seizures Nemours Foundation Shock: First Aid Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Ten Common First Aid Mistakes American Red Cross Unconsciousness, First Aid Logical Images Array Bleeding Creating a sling – slideshow Hand splint – slideshow Lacerations – liquid bandage Poisoning first aid Encyclopedia Breathing difficulties – first aid Capillary nail refill test Cardiogenic shock Choking – adult or child over 1 year Choking – infant under 1 year Choking – unconscious adult or child over 1 year Drug abuse first aid Ear emergencies First aid kit Fishhook removal Heimlich maneuver How to make a sling How to make a splint Hypovolemic shock Scrape Shock Splinter removal Unconsciousness – first aid Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Shock National Institutes of Health Start Here First Aid and Safety Nemours Foundation First-Aid Kits: Stock Supplies That Can Save Lives Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Is it an Emergency? American College of Emergency Physicians Journal Articles First aid Children Teaching Your Child How to Use 911 Nemours Foundation Teeth Injuries (For Parents) Nemours Foundation What You Need to Know in an Emergency (For Parents) Nemours Foundation When It’s Just You in an Emergency Nemours Foundation Statistics and Research Trauma National Institute of General Medical Sciences Related Issues What Is an Automated External Defibrillator? American Heart Association