First Aid Tips

Please note that the source for these first aid instructions is the American Red Cross. Different signs, symptoms, and their causes may dictate different treatments. When in doubt, always call 911 first; the 911 call taker is prepared to give you instructions over the phone.

Poison: First Aid at a Glance

Signs and Symptoms

First Aid

Symptoms vary greatly.

Aids in determining whether poison was swallowed:

	Information from victim or observer
	Presence of poison container
	Condition of victim (sudden onset of pain or illness)
	Burns around lips
	Breath odor
	Pupil contracted to pinpoint size

All victims, call 911.

	Save label or container for ID. Conscious victims
	Dilute the poison with milk or water.
	Do not neutralize with counteragents.
	Do not give oils. Unconscious victims
	Maintain open airway (victim on side).
	Give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR if necessary.
	Do not give fluids.
	Do not induce vomiting. Convulsions
	Do not restrain victim.
	Loosen tight clothing.
	Watch for airway obstruction.
	Do not give fluids.
	Do not induce vomiting.

Shock: First Aid at a Glance

Signs and Symptoms

First Aid

	Skin pale (or bluish), cold to touch; possibly moist or clammy
	Victim weak
	Rapid pulse (over 100)
	Rate of breathing usually increases; may be shallow or deep and irregular

All victims, call 911.

	Keep victim lying down.
	Cover him only enough to keep him from losing body heat

Fracture and Dislocation: First Aid at a Glance

Signs and Symptoms

First Aid

	Pain and tenderness
	May have difficulty moving injured part.
	Obvious deformities—swelling and discoloration.

All victims, call 911.

	Keep broken bone end and adjacent joints from moving.
	Give care for shock.

Heart Attack: First Aid at a Glance

Signs and Symptoms

First Aid

Two principal symptoms:

	Acute pain in chest, upper abdomen, or down left arm
	Extreme shortness of breath

All victims, call 911.

	Place victim in a comfortable position, usually sitting up.
	If not breathing, give rescue breathing.
	Do not give liquids to unconscious victims.

Unconsciousness: First Aid at a Glance

Signs and Symptoms

First Aid

Unresponsiveness

All victims, call 911.

	Keep victim warm and lying down, head turned to the side.
	If breathing stops, give rescue breathing.
	Never give an unconscious person food or liquids.