First aid advice

First aid advice
First aid is a simple skill, but it has an incredible impact. Our online first aid advice gives you information of common conditions and explains how you can treat them using first aid, including basic life support methods for CPR, defibrillation, the recovery position, and more.
Advice categories
Get advice on a range of common conditions.
Alcohol poisoning
When someone drinks too much alcohol they can suffer from alcohol poisoning. Find out what to look for and what to do.
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Alcohol poisoning
Anaphylaxis
An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or ‘trigger’ substance. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of allergic reaction. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Anaphylaxis
Angina attack
Angina is pain in the chest which can happen with increased exertion or excitement. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Angina attack
Asthma attack
During an asthma attack, breathing becomes more difficult. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Asthma attack
Baby seizures
Seizures in babies can happen for many reasons. Find out what to look for and what to do.
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Baby seizures
Blisters
Blisters are common on the feet and can be caused by ill-fitting shoes, but can appear anywhere on the skin. Learn what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Blisters
Broken bones and fractures
A break or crack in a bone is called a fracture. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Broken bones and fractures
Bruises
Bruises can be painful and tender. Find out what causes bruising and how to perform first aid.
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Bruises
Burns and scalds
If someone receives a burn or scald, your priority is to cool the burn as quickly as possible. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Burns and scalds
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities. Learn what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Carbon monoxide poisoning
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns can occur from common household products, in industry, or from malicious acid attacks. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Chemical Burns
Choking
When someone is choking, they may be unable to breathe properly. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Choking
Choking baby (under one year old)
As you start weaning your baby, they may be at risk of choking. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Choking baby (under one year old)
Choking Child
When a child is choking, they may be unable to breathe properly. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Choking Child
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by allergies or infections. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Conjunctivitis
Croup
Children can sometimes be affected by a condition called croup. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Croup
Cuts and grazes
Cuts and grazes are common injuries that can usually be treated at home.
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Cuts and grazes
Dehydration
Dehydration can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. Find out what to look for and what to do.
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Dehydration
Diabetic emergencies
People who have diabetes may experience a diabetic emergency, where their blood sugar becomes too high or too low. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Diabetic emergencies
Dislocation
Dislocated joints happen when bones are pulled out of their normal position. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Dislocation
Drowning
Learn what the signs are for someone drowning, and how to help.
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Drowning
Drug overdose
Poisons are chemicals or substances that if taken or absorbed into the body in sufficient quantities can cause damage. Find out what to look for and what to do for a drug overdose.
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Drug overdose
Earache
Earache is often caused by an infection. Learn what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Earache
Electric shock
Electrical currents can cause serious injury. Find out what to look for and what to do if someone suffers electrocution from low voltage current.
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Electric shock
Eye injury
Eye injuries caused by something getting into the eye can vary in severity. Some foreign objects can be rinsed out, but others may cut or penetrate the eye and require medical help quickly.
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Eye injury
Fainting
Sometimes people faint if there is not enough blood flowing to the brain. Find out what could cause fainting, and what to do.
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Fainting
Fever
A sustained high temperature above 38°C is called a fever. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Fever
Food poisoning
Food poisoning can be caused by eating contaminated food, usually when it hasn't been cooked properly. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Food poisoning
Foreign object in child's nose or ear
Children and babies often push foreign objects into their nose or ears, which can cause a number of problems. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Foreign object in child's nose or ear
Frostbite
Frostbite can happen when exposed to freezing cold temperatures. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Frostbite
Hay fever
Hay fever is a common condition caused by an allergy to pollen.
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Hay fever
Head injuries in babies and children
When your baby starts to crawl, they may bump their head or fall. Find out what to look for and what to do for minor and severe head injuries in babies and children.
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Head injuries in babies and children
Head injury
All head injuries are potentially serious because they may damage the brain. A head injury may cause damage to the brain tissue, a skull fracture, or an injury to the spine or neck.
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Head injury
Headaches
Most headaches aren’t serious. However, some headaches can be a sign of more serious conditions. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Headaches
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when the supply of blood to part of the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. Find out what to do and how to perform first aid.
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Heart attack
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion usually happens to people who aren't used to hot, humid weather. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Heat exhaustion
Heat rash
Heat rash is sometimes called prickly heat. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Heat rash
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is more serious than heat exhaustion and can be life-threatening.
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Heatstroke
How to apply a dressing
When you have a wound, you should always cover it with a dressing as this can help to prevent infection.
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How to apply a dressing
How to bandage a hand
When you have hurt your hand, you can use a roller bandage to hold a dressing in place or to support a sprained wrist.
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How to bandage a hand
How to do a baby primary survey
The primary survey is a quick way to find out how to treat any life-threatening conditions a baby may have using DRABC. Learn what to do.
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How to do a baby primary survey
How to do baby CPR (under one year old)
If a baby is not responding to you and not breathing normally, you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help immediately and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.
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How to do baby CPR (under one year old)
How to do CPR
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.
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How to do CPR
How to do CPR and use a defibrillator on women and other people with breasts
If a someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.
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How to do CPR and use a defibrillator on women and other people with breasts
How to do CPR on a Child
If a child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and perform child CPR straight away. Learn what to do.
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How to do CPR on a Child
How to do the primary survey (DR ABC)
Use the primary survey to quickly assess the situation and the casualty.
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How to do the primary survey (DR ABC)
How to do the secondary survey
After performing a primary survey and dealing with any life-threatening conditions, you can move on to the secondary survey.
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How to do the secondary survey
How to handle difficult first aid situations
When responding to an emergency, it's important to recognise the emotional and physical needs of everyone involved, including your own.
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How to handle difficult first aid situations
How to make an arm sling
An arm sling holds the forearm in a raised or horizontal position and can support an injured upper arm, forearm, and wrist. The sling is also a useful visual warning to others that someone is injured.
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How to make an arm sling
How to make an elevation sling
An elevation sling is different to an arm sling. It supports the casualty's forearm and hand in a raised position.
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How to make an elevation sling
How to manage a traffic accident
Traffic accidents can range from minor incidents such as a bicycle crash or more serious incidents like a vehicle crash.
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How to manage a traffic accident
How to protect a patient's dignity
Tips on how to protect your patient’s dignity when performing first aid.
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How to protect a patient's dignity
How to put a baby in the recovery position
If a baby is not responding to you but breathing normally, it’s safe to put them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and to prevent them from choking. Learn how.
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How to put a baby in the recovery position
How to put a child in the recovery position
If a child is not responding to you but breathing normally, it’s safe to put them in the recovery position. Learn what to do.
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How to put a child in the recovery position
How to put on a bandage
Bandages can be used to support injured joints, secure dressings, and control bleeding.
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How to put on a bandage
How to put on elbow and knee bandages
Elbow and knee injuries such as sprains and strains can be supported by a roller bandage.
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How to put on elbow and knee bandages
How to put someone in the recovery position
It’s safe to place someone in the recovery position who is not responding to you but is breathing normally. Learn what to do.
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How to put someone in the recovery position
How to use a cold compress or ice pack
Cooling an injury like a sprain or bruise can help to reduce the swelling and pain. Find out how to use two types of cold compress.
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How to use a cold compress or ice pack
How to use a defibrillator (AED)
By using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) before an ambulance arrives, you can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival.
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How to use a defibrillator (AED)
Human and animal bites
Learn first aid treatment for someone who has been bitten by someone else or an animal.
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Human and animal bites
Hyperventilation
Find out what to do if someone is hyperventilating.
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Hyperventilation
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can become life threatening quickly, so it’s important to treat it straight away.  Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Hypothermia
Insect stings
Insect stings can be painful but are not usually dangerous. However, stings to the mouth or throat can be more serious. You should also watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
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Insect stings
Life-threatening bleed
A severe bleed is likely to be slowed with pressure and usual bleeding treatments, a life-threatening bleed will not.
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Life-threatening bleed
Meningitis
Anyone of any age can get meningitis although it is more common in babies, children, and young adults. Find out what to look for and what to do.
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Meningitis
Nettle stings
Nettle stings can be itchy and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Nettle stings
Nosebleeds
A nosebleed is when blood flows from the nose. Find out the causes and how to perform first aid.
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Nosebleeds
Poisoning
Poisons are substances that can be harmful if too much is absorbed by the body. Swallowed poisons include chemicals, fungi, plants, and berries. Poisoning can be accidental or deliberate.
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Poisoning
Seizure
Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures (fits), although there are other causes. Find out what to look for and what to do.
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Seizure
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. If untreated, it can lead to multiple organ failure and possibly death. Find out what to look for and what to do.
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Sepsis
Severe bleeding
When bleeding is severe, it can be dramatic and distressing. Acting quickly is vital. Find out what to do.
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Severe bleeding
Severe burn
Burns and scalds are caused by damage to the skin when it comes in contact with heat. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Severe burn
Shock
Shock - not to be confused with emotional shock – is a life-threatening condition. It happens when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen to the brain and vital organs. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Shock
Spiking
Find out what to do if you believe someone has been spiked.
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Spiking
Spinal cord injury
There are a variety of possible causes for a spinal injury. The greatest risk is damage to the spinal cord. Find out what to do and how to perform first aid.
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Spinal cord injury
Splinters
Splinters from wood, glass, or metal can enter the skin and carry a risk of infection.
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Splinters
Sprains and strains
Injuries to the soft structure around the bones and joints are commonly called strains and sprains. They are often associated with sports activities.
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Sprains and strains
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency and you need to act FAST.
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Stroke
Sudden cardiac arrest
If someone has become unresponsive and they are not breathing normally, they could be in cardiac arrest. Find out what to look for and what to do, including how to do CPR and use a defibrillator.
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Sudden cardiac arrest
Sunburn
Sunburn is caused by over exposure to the sun, a sunlamp, or a sunbed.
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Sunburn
The duties and responsibilities of first aiders
First aid is the help given to someone who is injured or ill to keep them safe and to cause no further harm. The role of a first aider is to give someone this help.
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The duties and responsibilities of first aiders
Tick bites
Ticks attach themselves to passing animals (including humans) and bite into the skin, sucking the blood. They can carry diseases and should be removed as soon as possible.
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Tick bites
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause the body to lose vital fluids and salts. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
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Vomiting and diarrhoea
If you're looking for more than just advice
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Find first aid courses
We deliver certified training courses to companies, local authorities, schools, community groups and individuals.
First aid courses
Shop first aid supplies
Our supplies range is carefully selected to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
First aid supplies
Volunteer with us
At St John Ambulance, we're always looking for caring people to join our life-saving team.
Volunteer opportunities
Find first aid courses
We deliver certified training courses to companies, local authorities, schools, community groups and individuals.
First aid courses
Volunteer with us
At St John Ambulance, we're always looking for caring people to join our life-saving team.
Volunteer opportunities
Find first aid courses
We deliver certified training courses to companies, local authorities, schools, community groups and individuals.
First aid courses
Shop first aid supplies
Our supplies range is carefully selected to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
First aid supplies