Basic First Aid Tips
Heat stroke can be life threatening. Symptoms can include a body temperature of 105°F or higher; dry, hot, flushed skin; rapid pulse; unconsciousness; and lack of perspiration.
- Get the victim out of the heat and into a cooler place.
- Place the victim in the shock position, lying on the back with feet up.
- Remove or loosen the victim's clothing.
- Cool the victim by fanning and applying cloth-wrapped cold packs or wet towels.
- Treat for shock.
Shock can be life threatening. Symptoms include cold sweat, weakness, irregular breathing, chills, pale or bluish lips and fingernails, rapid weak pulse and nausea.
- Call 9-1-1 or seek medical help immediately.
- Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink.
- Lay the victim on his/her back, but do not move him/her if there's a back or neck injury. If the victim is unconscious, vomiting or has severe injury to the lower face or jaw, lay him/her on his/her side and be sure the victim is getting adequate air.
- Keep the victim warm (not hot) by use of blankets or clothes.
- Raise the victim's feet and legs with a pillow. (Only do this if it does not cause the victim any pain.)
Bleeding and Wounds:
- Place a clean cloth or gauze and gloved hand over the wound; apply firm, steady pressure for at least 5 minutes.
- Call 9-1-1 or other emergency personnel if bleeding is severe.
- Elevate an injured arm or leg above the level of the victim's heart if practical.
- When bleeding stops, secure the cloth with a bandage. Do Not lift the cloth from the wound to check if the bleeding has stopped. Be sure the bandage isn’t too tight cutting off circulation.
- Check the victim for shock.
- Never use a tourniquet unless you cannot control the bleeding. Tourniquets may result in subsequent medical amputation.
Heat or Electrical Burns:
- If necessary, use water to stop actual burning of skin.
- If the skin is not broken, immerse the burned area in cool (not ice) water, or gently apply a cool compress until pain is relieved. Bandage with a clean, dry cloth.
- Do not break a blister if one forms. Do not apply ointments or creams.
- If skin is broken, or if burns are severe:
- Call 9-1-1 or other emergency personnel.
- Do not clean the wound or remove embedded clothing.
- Cover the burn loosely with a clean, dry cloth.
- Expect shock and treat accordingly.
The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:
• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• First aid instruction booklet