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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first-aid training. Don't use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. If you're in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical assistance immediately.
Please always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it is safe to do so.
If someone is not moving and does not respond when you call them or gently shake their shoulders, they are unresponsive.
1. Check their breathing by tilting their head back and looking and feeling for breaths.
When a person is unresponsive, their muscles relax and their tongue can block their airway so they can no longer breathe. Tilting their head back opens the airway by pulling the tongue forward.
If they are breathing, you will see their chest moving and you may hear their breath or feel it on your cheek.
If they are breathing, move on to step two.
2. Move them onto their side and tilt their head back.
Putting them in this position with their head back helps keep their airway open. It ensures their tongue falls forward and blood and vomit drain out. It is sometimes called the “recovery position”.
3. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
FAQS
Is the “recovery position” when you move a person on to their side and tilt their head back?
Yes, “recovery position” is commonly used to describe how someone who is unresponsive and breathing should be placed so that their airway stays open and they can continue to breathe.
If I think they have a back or neck injury, should I still turn them on their side?
Yes, if you suspect a back or neck injury, you should still move them on to their side so they can keep breathing. Try to keep their spine in a straight line when turning them. If possible, get someone to help you turn them.
Should I try talking to someone who is unresponsive and breathing?
Yes, talk to them and reassure them. Even if they do not respond to you, they may still be able to hear what is going on.
What do I do if the unresponsive person’s breathing doesn’t seem normal?
Sometimes when a person is unresponsive their breathing may become noisy, irregular or gasping. This is usually a sign that their heart and lungs are not working properly and you should treat them as an unresponsive person who is not breathing.
What should I do if someone is feeling faint?
If someone is feeling faint, tell them to lie down on their back and raise their legs. This will improve the blood flow to their brain.
Fainting is caused by a temporary reduction in the flow of blood to the brain and can result in them becoming unresponsive for a short time.
A person who has fainted should quickly become responsive again. If they don't, treat them as an unresponsive person.
Staying safe while giving first aid
Please always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it is safe to do so.
If someone is not moving and does not respond when you call them or gently shake their shoulders, they are unresponsive.
1. Check breathing by tilting their head back and looking and feeling for breaths.
When a person is unresponsive, their muscles relax and their tongue can block their airway so they can no longer breathe. Tilting their head back opens the airway by pulling the tongue forward.
If they are not breathing, their chest and stomach will not be moving and you will not hear or feel their breaths.
If they are not breathing, move on to step two.
2. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
3. Give chest compressions: push firmly downwards in the middle of the chest and then release.
Continue to push in this way at a regular rate until help arrives.
These are called chest compressions. Chest compressions keep blood pumping around their body helping to keep the vital organs, including the brain, alive.
FAQS
Why do I have to tilt their head back to check for breathing?
When someone is unresponsive, their tongue can fall backwards and block their airway. Tilting their head backwards opens the airway by pulling the tongue forward.
What should I do if I hear noisy or irregular breathing?
Sometimes when a person is unresponsive their breathing may become noisy or irregular, or they may be gasping. This is usually a sign that their heart is not working properly and you should start chest compressions.
What should I do if I’m on my own when I find someone unresponsive and not breathing?
If you are on your own, call 999 before you start chest compressions.
What are chest compressions?
Chest compressions are where you place your hands in the centre of the chest and repeatedly press downwards and release at a regular rate to help pump the blood around the body.
How long should I do chest compressions for?
Keep going until help arrives. If there is someone else who can help, change over every minute or two. Try to keep doing chest compressions with as little interruption as possible when you change over.
If I press too hard during chest compressions, could I break their ribs?
You might, but try not to worry. Your priority is to keep the blood circulating. A damaged rib will mend, but if you don’t do chest compressions their chances of survival are much lower.
Should I do chest compressions differently on a child or baby?
Yes, chest compressions should be done slightly differently for children or for babies. For a child over one, use only one hand to do chest compressions. For a baby under a year old, use two fingers to do chest compressions.
What if I make a mistake and do chest compressions but the person is still breathing?
It’s not ideal but don’t worry. There’s no evidence to suggest you will cause any serious damage.
Am I supposed to give rescue breaths too?
If you feel able to, combine chest compressions with breathing into their mouth or nose.
However, giving chest compressions is the most important thing to do because their blood already has some oxygen in it and the compressions will keep that blood pumping around their body, taking oxygen to their brain.
Breathing into their mouth or nose tops up the oxygen in their lungs. The combination of continuous cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths is called CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
How do I give rescue breaths?
If you feel able to give rescue breaths, you can do so after about 30 pushes on their chest.
To give rescue breaths, tilt their head back and seal your mouth over either their mouth or nose. Blow air into them with two steady breaths. If you are breathing into the mouth, pinch the nose. If you’re breathing into the nose, shut their mouth.
On a baby under a year old, seal your mouth around both their nose and mouth because their faces are small.
Will I restart the heart if I give chest compressions?
The chance of restarting the heart by chest compressions alone is very small. Usually, a heart needs an electric shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart.
Chest compressions pump a small amount of blood around the body to keep the organs alive, most importantly the brain.
Don’t give up even if you do not see any change in the person’s condition. Chest compressions significantly increase the chance of the person surviving.
What is an automated external defibrillator (AED)?
An AED is a machine that can be used to shock the heart back into normal rhythm.
When you open an AED case it will give you full instructions on what you should do.
What should I do if someone has been rescued from drowning and is unresponsive and not breathing?
Get the person safely to dry land without putting yourself in danger.
Check to see if they are breathing by tilting their head back and looking and feeling for breaths. If they are unresponsive and not breathing, push firmly downwards in the middle of their chest at a regular rate.
Ideally, you should alternate two rescue breaths with 30 chest compressions for anyone who has been rescued from drowning. This will help build up a supply of oxygen in their blood.
Please always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it is safe to do so.
1. The person may develop a rash, itchiness or swelling on their hands, feet or face.
Their breathing may slow down. They may also vomit or have diarrhoea. Common causes of allergic reactions are pollen, stings and bites, latex and some food items, such as nuts, shellfish, eggs or dairy products.
2. Call 999 if you see these symptoms.
They need urgent medical assistance because an allergic reaction can affect someone very quickly, and is potentially very serious. The reaction may cause swelling of their airway, causing them to stop breathing.
3. If they have a known allergy, use their auto-injector.
If someone has a known allergy, they may have been prescribed an auto-injector. Follow the guidance on the packaging.
4. Reassure them and make them as comfortable as possible while you wait for the ambulance.
Tell the ambulance crew if the auto-injector has been used.
What kinds of food can cause allergic reactions?
The most common foods that can cause allergic reactions are:
Allergic reactions can also be caused by:
How will I know if it is a severe allergic reaction?
The person may have mild allergies, resulting in itchy skin and eyes. If they have a severe allergic reaction, they might also have symptoms such as swelling of their tongue or neck and difficulty breathing.
Call 999 if you see these symptoms.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis (also called anaphylactic shock) is a severe allergic reaction that makes it difficult for a person to breathe.
If a doctor identifies someone as being at risk of anaphylactic shock, they may give them an auto-injector. An auto-injector contains medication that helps to ease the symptoms in an emergency.
Should I use their auto-injector for them?
If the person has an auto-injector, you can help them use it or do it yourself, following the guidance on the injector.
How do I use an auto-injector?
The auto-injector will have instructions on the side of its packaging which you should follow.
Give the auto-injector you used to the ambulance crew when they arrive.
Can I use an auto-injector on a child with a known allergy if they have a severe allergic reaction?
Yes. If the child has an auto-injector, you can give them an auto-injection following the guidance on the packaging.
What should I do if the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing?
Find out:
How can I get an insect sting out of someone’s skin?
If the sting is still in the skin, brush or scrape it off sideways with your fingernail or a credit card.
After the sting has been removed, apply something cold to the area (such as an ice pack) to minimise the pain and swelling.
Be aware that this may not reduce the risk of an allergic reaction for someone with a severe allergy.
If you have any other questions about first aid for someone who is having a severe allergic reaction, visit the NHS website. During life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergency medical help, call 111.
1. Help the person sit in a comfortable position and take their inhaler.
When someone has an asthma attack, their airways narrow, making it difficult for them to breathe. An inhaler relaxes the muscles, allowing the airways to expand and ease their breathing.
2. Reassure the person. If the attack becomes severe, or they don't have their inhaler, call 999 as soon as possible.
A mild attack should ease within a few minutes. If it doesn’t, they can continue to take their inhaler. You should call 999 if they they don’t have their inhaler, their inhaler has no effect, they are becoming worse or they become unable to talk. Do not leave them, in case the attack becomes severe quickly. If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
FAQS
What is asthma?
Asthma is a medical condition that affects the airways – the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. When someone has an asthma attack, these tubes become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe in and out.
How can I tell if someone is having an asthma attack?
People with asthma should be able to let you know if they are having an attack.
Someone having an asthma attack will have difficulty breathing and speaking, and may cough and wheeze. They may be very anxious and distressed as they struggle to breathe. In some cases, their lips, earlobes and nail beds may turn greyish-blue because there isn’t enough oxygen in their body.
What sort of medication will someone with asthma use?
Someone who has asthma will normally have an inhaler that their doctor has prescribed. They may also have a spacer, which makes the inhaler more effective.
If someone is having an asthma attack they should know how to use their inhaler and spacer but they may need your help in finding them.
What does an inhaler look like?
Inhalers can come in many different sizes and shapes. Inhalers to relieve asthma attacks are usually blue. Inhalers that prevent asthma attacks may be brown or white.
How do you use an inhaler?
If a person has asthma they should know how to use their inhaler, they may need your help getting it for them. They should take it as normal. If that doesn’t help they can take one or two puffs every 30 or 60 seconds until they’ve had 10 puffs.
If they have a personal asthma plan they should follow this and seek medical advice if necessary.
What is a spacer?
A spacer is a hollow cylinder that attaches to an inhaler. It can help a person having an asthma attack take their medication more effectively. A baby or child having an asthma attack should use a spacer to help them take their medication.
How does a spacer work?
An inhaler fits into one end of the spacer and there is a mouthpiece at the other end. When a person presses on the inhaler the medicine is released and collects in the container. The baby or child who is having an asthma attack can then breathe the medicine in slowly.
I have given them their inhaler. Is there anything else I can do to help ease their attack?
Help them to sit up and lean forward slightly as this may make it easier for them to breathe. Encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply.
When should I call 999 for an asthma attack?
Call 999 if they:
What should I do if they have an asthma attack and don’t have their inhaler?
Call 999 as soon as possible. They must be taken urgently to hospital by ambulance.
Bites from sharp, pointed teeth cause deep puncture wounds. This can lead to tissue damage which will allow germs to enter the skin. You will need to treat any bite that breaks the skin, to prevent a risk of infection.
What to do
1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water to reduce the risk of infection being transferred from the animal.
Apply pressure to control any bleeding.
2. Raise and support the wound and pat it dry, preferably with clean gauze from your first aid kit. Then cover it with a sterile wound dressing.
Go to A&E if the wound is large or deep, or you cannot stop the bleeding. Call 999 or 111 if you cannot go to A&E.
Seek medical assistance or contact 111 if:
What is a spider bite?
Some spider bites can cause serious illnesses and in rare cases be fatal. Bites in the mouth or throat can be particularly dangerous as the swelling can block the airway. If you can, try and find out about any allergies as soon as possible so you are prepared for possible anaphylactic shock (a severe allergic reaction).
What to do
1. Try to reassure the casualty and help them to sit or lie down.
2. If possible, raise the affected area.
3. Monitor the casualty’s vital signs – their breathing, pulse, and level of response.
Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if the casualty shows signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Most tick bites are painless and cause only minor signs and symptoms, such as a change in skin color, swelling or a sore on the skin.
But some ticks spread bacteria that cause illnesses, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In general, to spread Lyme disease a tick needs to be attached to a person's skin for at least 36 hours. Other infections can be transferred in a few hours or even a few minutes.
When to seek emergency help
Call 999 or your local emergency number if you develop:
Treatment
To take care of a tick bite:
When to call your doctor
Contact your healthcare professional if:
Consult your provider even if the rash disappears because you may still be at risk of having the disease. Your risk of contracting a disease from a tick bite depends on where you live or travel to, how much time you spend outside in woody and grassy areas, and how well you protect yourself.
If possible, bring the tick, or a photo of the tick, with you to your doctor's appointment.
Most insect bites and stings are mild and can be treated at home. They might cause itching, swelling and stinging that go away in a day or two. Some bites or stings can transmit disease-causing bacteria, viruses or parasites. Stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants might cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
When to seek emergency help
Call 999 or your local medical emergency number if a child is stung by a scorpion or if anyone is having a serious reaction that suggests anaphylaxis, even if it's just one or two of the following symptoms:
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
Treatment
To treat a mild reaction to an insect bite or sting:
When to call your doctor
Contact your healthcare professional if:
A black eye is bruising caused by bleeding in the tiny blood vessels in the skin surrounding the eye. Most injuries that cause a black eye aren't serious. But a black eye could be a sign of a more serious injury, such as an internal injury to the eye or a fracture of the thin bones around the eye. You may have a skull fracture if you have double vision, bruising around both eyes (raccoon eyes) or bleeding from the nose.
Treatment
Apply warm or hot compresses. This may be helpful after a few days when the swelling has gone down. Repeat several times a day for a day or two.
1. Put pressure on the wound with whatever is available to stop or slow down the flow of blood.
You are acting as a “plug” to stop the blood escaping. The pressure you apply will help the blood clot and stop the bleeding.
2. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
3. Keep pressure on the wound until help arrives.
FAQS
What do I do if the bleeding soaks through the item I've used to press on the wound?
Remove the item and replace with a fresh one, make sure that firm pressure is applied to the wound.
Call 999 as soon as possible. If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
What should I do if there is an embedded object in the wound?
Do not remove it – it's helping plug the hole and stop the blood flow. Instead, apply pressure around the object.
Removing the object from the wound can make the bleeding much worse.
Should I wash the wound?
Don't wash a wound that is bleeding heavily. You may make it bleed more.
For minor cuts and grazes, you can wash the wound to remove any dirt. You should also wash animal bites with soapy water if they are not bleeding heavily.
The person looks pale, feels cold and is dizzy. What does this mean?
This means there isn’t enough blood flowing through the body. It can be life-threatening because it can very quickly lead to other conditions, such as a lack of oxygen in the body’s tissues, potentially causing a heart attack or organ damage. This physical response to an injury or illness is called shock. It is different to the emotional response to an incident where you may feel “shocked”.
If you suspect someone is going into shock:
Should I worry about infection or catching something from their blood?
No, if you don’t have a cut yourself, you are very unlikely to get an infection, or infect them. If you are worried about infection, you can use a plastic bag or plastic gloves as a barrier, or you could get them to use their own hand to put pressure on the wound.
If a blister isn't too painful, try to keep it intact. Unbroken skin over a blister may provide a natural barrier to bacteria and decreases the risk of infection. Cover it with a bandage or moleskin. Cut a piece of moleskin into a doughnut shape and place the pad so that it encircles and protects the blister. Then cover the blister and moleskin with gauze.
Seek medical care if the blister looks infected. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, call your doctor before treating the blister yourself.
How to drain a blister
To relieve blister-related pain, drain the fluid while leaving the overlying skin intact. Here's how:
Blister prevention
To prevent friction blisters on your feet, wear shoes that fit well. It also helps to use moisture-wicking socks. Try the various socks, shoes and insoles that are designed specifically to help reduce blistering. You might also try attaching moleskin to the inside of your shoes where it might rub. Or you can dust the inside of your socks with foot powder. Gloves help prevent blisters on your hands.
Someone may have a broken bone (also known as a fracture) if they are in a lot of pain, or are lying in an unnatural position, following a fall or a blow from an object.
1. Encourage the person to support the injury with their hand, or use a cushion or items of clothing to prevent unnecessary movement.
Supporting the injury may help relieve pain and prevent further damage. Support the limb above and below the injury if possible.
2. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
3. Continue supporting the injury until help arrives.
FAQS
What's the difference between a broken bone and a fracture?
A broken bone and a fracture are the same thing. The bone could be cracked, snapped, crushed or broken into a few pieces. No matter how the bone is broken, the first aid steps to help are the same.
How can I tell if someone has a broken bone?
They may be in pain, have bruising and swelling, or be lying in an unnatural position. In severe cases, the limb may be misshapen or have an open wound.
How do I support a broken bone?
Do not move it unnecessarily. Place soft padding such as clothing or blankets around the limb to align it, if you can, but do not force it.
Continue to support the broken bone until help arrives.
If a bone looks unnatural or dislocated, should I put it back in place?
No. If there is a dislocation or the limb looks broken, medical professionals will take care of it. Never attempt to put dislocations back in place as you may cause further damage.
What do I do if the person won’t let me support the injury?
Try to encourage them to support the injury themselves by holding it. Cushions or clothing can also be used to support the injury.
What if everything looks normal and they only have a bruise?
It is usually impossible to differentiate between a broken bone and a sprain or strain without an X-ray. If you are in any doubt about the severity of the injury, seek medical advice.
The person can move their limb or stand on it. Does this mean they probably haven't got a broken bone?
Not necessarily. The only accurate way to diagnose a broken bone is to X-ray it. The person may still have a broken bone, even if they can move their limb. If the injury causes pain or discomfort and symptoms do not improve, seek medical advice.
A bruise forms when blood vessels under the skin break. The trapped blood creates a bruise that's black, purple or blue then changes color as it heals.
You can enhance bruise healing with a few simple techniques.
If the skin isn't broken, you don't need to bandage a bruise. Consider taking a nonprescription pain reliever if needed.
Consult your health care provider if you:
Chemical burns are tissue damage caused by strong acids, drain cleaners, paint thinner, gasoline and many other substances. Usually, you are aware of such a burn and its cause. But sometimes you may not immediately recognize a burn caused by a milder chemical. As with some sunburns, the damage may develop hours after the exposure. Major chemical burns need emergency medical help. Minor chemical burn can usually be treated with first aid.
When to seek emergency care
Call 999 or seek immediate care for major chemical burns, which:
If you seek emergency medical help, take the container or the name of the chemical with you.
First aid for chemical burns
If you think you have a chemical burn, take these steps immediately:
Rinse again if needed. If you feel more burning, rinse the area again for several more minutes.
Electrical burns may be caused by a number of sources of electricity. Examples include lightning, stun guns, and contact with job site or household current.
Minor electrical skin burns are treated like any other minor burn. Put a cool wet cloth on the area. Do not break any blisters. After you gently clean the skin, put a bandage on the area. If you have any questions about how severe the burn is, contact a health care provider.
When to contact your doctor
A person who has been injured by contact with electricity should be seen by a health care provider. The damage may be worse than it looks from the burn on the skin. Sometimes an electrical injury can cause damage to skin, muscles, blood vessels and nerves, often in an arm or a leg. The heart, brain and other body organs can be damaged.
Caution
When to seek emergency care
Call 999 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
1. Cool the burn under cold running water for at least 20 minutes.
Cooling the burn will reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring. The sooner and longer a burn is cooled with cold running water, the less the impact of the injury.
2. After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
This helps prevent infection by keeping the area clean. Cling film or plastic won’t stick to the burn and will reduce pain by keeping air from the skin’s surface.
3. Call 999 if necessary.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
The burn may need urgent medical treatment. If you’re in any doubt, seek medical advice and always seek medical advice for a baby or child who has been burned.
FAQS
If clothes are stuck to the burn, should I try to remove them?
No, don’t try to remove anything that is stuck to the burn as it may cause more damage.
You can remove clothing that is near the burn but not stuck to it.
Why is cooling the burn important?
Cooling the burn is important because it helps reduce pain and lowers the risk of long-term scarring.
Should I cool the burn for 20 minutes first or should I go straight to hospital?
Cool the burn under cold running water immediately and for at least 20 minutes.
If necessary, call 999 while you are cooling the burn. Continue to cool the burn until the ambulance arrives.
Can I use a shower or cold bath to cool a burn?
A shower is a good way of flooding the burn with cold water to help the cooling. Focus the water on the site of the burn rather than the whole limb or body. The water should be cold and at low pressure.
Avoid putting their whole body under a cold shower or in a cold bath as it could induce hypothermia.
What should I do if the burn is still painful after I have cooled it for 20 minutes and covered it with cling film?
Burns will often be painful even after cooling them. You can give an appropriate dose of painkillers and reassure the person who has been burned to help them remain calm.
Always seek medical advice for a baby or child who has been burned.
Should I put butter, cream or toothpaste on a burn?
No. Butter, cream or toothpaste will not cool the area. Butter and cream contain oils. Oils retain heat, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to do. Toothpaste often contains menthol, which may give a superficial feeling of cooling, but does not effectively help a burn.
If you put anything on top of a burn and it later needs to be removed in hospital, it may cause further pain and damage.
Should I use ice to cool the burn?
No, ice could damage the skin.
Use cold water to cool the burn. If you don't have access to cold running water, pour other cold liquids such as milk, soft drinks or beer over the burn to cool it.
How do I know when to go to hospital?
If a baby or child has been burned, seek medical advice, making sure you cool their burn for at least 20 minutes first.
Seek immediate medical advice if an adult has burned their face or genital area, or if you are in any doubt about how severe the burn is.
Why do I always have to seek medical advice if a baby or child has been burned?
Burns can be very dangerous, depending on the age of the child and the size, depth and location of the injury. Even small burns can be potentially life-threatening to a baby or child, so always seek medical advice.
Should I put a plaster over a burn to make sure it doesn't get infected?
No, don’t use any adhesive bandages as they’ll stick to the skin and can cause further damage.
After cooling, cover the burn with cling film or a clean plastic bag to help prevent infection.
If a chemical splashes into your eye, take these steps immediately.
1. Flush your eye with water. Use clean, lukewarm tap water for at least 20 minutes. Use whichever of these approaches is quickest:
2. Wash your hands with soap and water. Thoroughly rinse your hands to be sure no chemical or soap is left on them.
3. Remove contact lenses. If they don't come out during the flush, then take them out.
Caution
Seek emergency medical assistance
After following the above steps, seek emergency care by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) or call 999 or your local emergency number. Take the chemical container or the name of the chemical with you to the emergency provider. If readily available, wear sunglasses to help reduce sensitivity to light.
First aid for chest pain depends on the cause. Causes of chest pain can vary. Serious health conditions such as a heart attack or blood clot in the lungs can cause chest pain. Other causes of chest pain include heartburn, pulled muscles and emotional stress.
It can be difficult to tell if chest pain is due to a heart attack or other health condition, especially if you've never had chest pain before. Don't try to diagnose the cause yourself. Get emergency medical help if you have unexplained chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes.
Heart attack
A heart attack generally causes chest pain for more than 15 minutes. The pain may be mild or severe. Some heart attacks happen suddenly. But sometimes warning symptoms happen hours or days in advance.
Heart attack symptoms may include:
In women, chest pain is not always severe or even the most noticeable symptom. Women tend to have more-vague symptoms, such as nausea or back or jaw pain. These symptoms may be more intense than the chest pain.
If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, follow these first-aid steps:
Angina
Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It's relatively common. But it can be hard to tell it apart from other types of chest pain, such as indigestion.
Angina may feel like squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. It can be stable or unstable.
Get emergency medical help immediately for any new or unexplained chest pain.
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lung. It happens when a clot, usually in the leg or pelvis, breaks free and gets stuck in a lung artery. The clot blocks or reduces blood flow. This makes it harder for the lungs to send oxygen to the rest of the body.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include:
Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Get emergency medical help if you have symptoms of pulmonary embolism.
Aortic dissection
An aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of the body's main artery, called the aorta. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that needs emergency medical treatment.
Typical symptoms include:
These symptoms can be caused by many different health conditions. It's important to get a quick diagnosis. Early treatment of aortic dissection may help save your life.
Pneumonia with pleurisy
Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in the lungs. Symptoms include chest pain, chills, fever, and a cough that may produce bloody or foul-smelling sputum. Pleurisy is inflammation of the tissues that surround the lung. It can cause chest pain when taking a breath or coughing.
Unlike a true heart attack, pleurisy pain is usually relieved temporarily by holding your breath or putting pressure on the painful area of your chest.
If you've recently been diagnosed with pneumonia and have symptoms of pleurisy, see a healthcare professional. Pleurisy alone isn't a medical emergency, but you shouldn't try to make the diagnosis yourself.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the thin, saclike tissue surrounding your heart. It causes sharp chest pain. The chest pain gets worse when you cough, lie down or take a deep breath.
Pericarditis is usually mild and goes away without treatment. If it's severe, you may need medicine or, rarely, surgery.
It may be hard to tell the difference between sudden pericarditis and pain due to a heart attack. If you have sudden, unexplained chest pain, seek emergency medical help.
Chest wall pain
Chest wall pain is a type of muscle pain. Bruised chest muscles may happen from excessive coughing, straining or a minor injury.
One type of chest wall pain is costochondritis. Costochondritis causes pain and tenderness in and around the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone.
If you have costochondritis, pressing on a few points along the edge of your breastbone often triggers considerable tenderness. If gently touching the area with your fingers causes chest pain, it's unlikely that a serious condition, such as a heart attack, is the cause.
When to see a healthcare professional
Chest pain is a common reason that people seek medical treatment. Anxiety, indigestion, infection, muscle strain, and heart or lung disease can all cause chest pain.
If you have new or unexplained chest pain, see a healthcare professional. If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number. Don't try to diagnose the chest pain yourself or ignore it. Treatment depends on the specific cause of the pain.
Someone who is choking may be clutching at their chest or neck and won’t be able to speak, breathe or cough.
1. If someone is choking, encourage them to cough.
If the blockage is severe, they may be holding their chest or neck and won't be able to speak, breathe or cough, and you will need to help them.
2. Bend them forwards and give up to 5 back blows to try and dislodge the blockage.
Hit them firmly on their back with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades.
Hitting them on their back creates a strong vibration and pressure in the airway, which is often enough to dislodge the blockage. Dislodging the blockage will allow them to breathe again.
3. If they are still choking, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts: hold around the waist and pull inwards and upwards above their belly button.
Abdominal thrusts squeeze the air out of the lungs and may dislodge the blockage.
4. If they are still choking call 999.
Repeat the steps until they can breathe again or until help arrives.
What should I do if back blows don’t stop the person choking?
If back blows do not dislodge the blockage, stand behind them, join your hands around their tummy and form a fist. Pull your hands sharply inwards and upwards. Repeat up to five times.
This is sometimes called the Heimlich manoeuvre or abdominal thrust. Don’t do this on a child under a year old.
What should I do if the person becomes unresponsive?
Support them, lowering them gently to the ground and treat them as someone who is unresponsive and not breathing.
Should I help a child who is choking in a different way to how I help an adult?
Help children more than a year old in the same way as adults. Give up to five firm blows on the back, reducing the force of the blows for a smaller child.
How do I help a baby who is choking?
Babies under one year old should be held face-down along your thigh with their head lower than their bottom. Hit them firmly on their back up to five times to dislodge the blockage.
During life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergency medical help, call 111.
These guidelines can help you care for minor cuts and scrapes:
1. Give them something sweet to eat or a non-diet drink.
If someone has a diabetic emergency, their blood sugar levels can become too low. This can make them collapse. Giving them something sugary will help raise their blood sugar levels and improve their bodily function. Avoid giving them a diet drink, as it won’t have any sugar in it and will not help them.
2. Reassure the person. Most people will gradually improve, but if in doubt, call 999.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
FAQS
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition that affects blood sugar levels. Normally, people’s bodies maintain the ideal blood sugar levels automatically. When a person has diabetes, their body fails to maintain the blood sugar balance, so they need to manage it through diet, tablets or insulin injections.
Sometimes, a person who has diabetes can suffer diabetic emergencies, which require first aid.
What are the signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency?
Signs and symptoms vary, but common ones include:
What happens in a diabetic emergency?
In most cases, the person’s blood sugar levels become too low. This is called hypoglycaemia. It can happen when the person has missed a meal or exercised too much. If left untreated, a diabetic emergency can become very serious.
What should I give them to eat or drink?
You can give them sugary drinks such as cola, lemonade, fruit juice and isotonic sports drinks, and sweet foods such as jelly beans, chocolate and sugar cubes. The person may also be carrying glucose gel or tablets. Avoid giving them a diet drink, as it won’t have any sugar in it and will not help them.
But some people have high blood sugar levels, so won’t giving them sugary drinks or food make their diabetic emergency worse?
Some people do have high blood sugar levels, but giving them sugary drinks or food is unlikely to do any harm.
How will I know if this is a long-term condition for the person?
They should be able to tell you, so listen to what they say. They may have some form of identification on them (e.g. a card, bracelet or necklace) that will give you information about their condition, or they may be carrying an insulin pen, glucose gel or glucose tablets.
How should I decide when to call 999?
Call 999 if the person’s condition doesn’t improve or they become unresponsive.
A dislocation is an injury that forces the bones in a joint out of position. The cause is usually a fall, a car accident or an injury during contact sports.
Dislocation mostly involves the body's larger joints. The most common site of injury is the shoulder. For young children, the elbow is a common site. Smaller joints, such as the thumbs and fingers, also can be dislocated if bent the wrong way with force.
Symptoms
The injury will deform the joint and make it hard to move. Dislocation might cause sudden and severe pain and swelling. A dislocation needs prompt medical attention to put the bones back in place.
Treatment
If you believe you have dislocated a joint:
The danger from an electrical shock depends on the type of current, how high the voltage is, how the current traveled through the body, the person's overall health and how quickly the person is treated.
An electrical shock may cause burns, or it may leave no visible mark on the skin. In either case, an electrical current passing through the body can cause damage inside the body, cardiac arrest or other injury. Under certain circumstances, even a small amount of electricity can be fatal.
When to contact your doctor
A person who has been injured by contact with electricity should be seen by a health care provider.
Caution
When to seek emergency care
Call 999 or your local emergency number if the injured person experiences:
Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
1. Show you are listening. Calmly ask them how you can help.
Try to establish trust by listening to them respectfully.
2. Be considerate of what is going on around them and what they need.
Remember that they may have difficulty letting you know what they need. For example, they may not speak English very well or be able to hear you.
FAQS
Will I be traumatised if I help people who have been in an accident or are distressed?
The majority of people are not traumatised by helping others. Usually, people are pleased they were trying to help.
If you feel upset after the experience, talk to people you trust. See your GP if you are worried about your experience and think it is significantly affecting your health.
What if they don’t know or can’t tell me what they want?
Offer to listen. Try to contact others on their behalf.
It can help to simply be a calming influence and reassure the person that you can help.
What should I do if they seem to be over-reacting?
Everyone has different needs and experiences of life and they might react differently from you. Always show them respect and listen to what they are saying.
A corneal abrasion is a superficial scratch on the clear, protective "window" at the front of the eye (cornea). The cornea can be scratched by contact with dust, dirt, sand, wood shavings, plant matter, metal particles, contact lenses or even the edge of a piece of paper.
Symptoms of corneal abrasion include:
In case of a corneal abrasion, seek prompt medical attention. Left untreated, the abrasion could become infected and result in a sore known as a corneal ulcer. In the meantime, take these immediate steps:
Use the following pointers to avoid making the injury worse:
Most corneal abrasions heal in a few days but should be treated with antibiotic drops or ointment to reduce the risk of infection.
Fainting occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough blood for a brief time. This causes loss of consciousness. Consciousness is usually regained quickly.
Fainting might have no medical significance. Or the cause can be a serious disorder, occasionally involving the heart. Therefore, treat loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the symptoms are relieved and the cause is known. Talk to your health care provider if you faint more than once.
If you feel faint
If someone else faints
To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get the person up too fast. If the person doesn't regain consciousness within one minute, call 911 or your local emergency number.
If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately. Control bleeding with direct pressure.
A fever is a rise in body temperature. It's usually a sign of infection. The fever itself is generally harmless and probably helpful. Fevers usually don't need treatment.
The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But normal body temperature can range between 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C) or more. Your body temperature can vary depending on how active you are or the time of day. Generally, older people have lower body temperatures than younger people have.
The following thermometer readings generally indicate a fever:
Should I treat a fever?
When you or your child is sick, the main goal is to relieve discomfort and promote rest. Treating a fever neither shortens nor particularly prolongs the course of an illness.
Treating fever in a child
Children with relatively high fevers may not look or act particularly sick. Treating a fever depends on the degree of discomfort. If your child is uncomfortable or restless, these home care strategies may help:
When to seek medical advice for a child
If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever, it's important to get medical help immediately.
Seek medical care if a child of any age shows any of the following:
Also get medical help if the fever lasts more than five days in a row.
Treating fever in an adult
Adults with fevers of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher will generally look and act sick. The main goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort and help you get rest.
To treat a fever at home:
When to seek medical advice for an adult
Seek medical care if someone with a fever has any of the following signs and symptoms:
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency medical care if your child has a fever after being left in a hot car or involved in another such potentially dangerous situation and shows any of these warning signs:
Fahrenheit-Celsius conversion table | |
Fahrenheit | Celsius |
105 | 40.6 |
104 | 40.0 |
103 | 39.4 |
102 | 38.9 |
101 | 38.3 |
100 | 37.8 |
99 | 37.2 |
98 | 36.7 |
97 | 36.1 |
96 | 35.6 |
How to take a temperature
Always use a digital thermometer to check someone's temperature. Various types are available:
Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended.
No matter which type of thermometer you use, take these precautions when using it:
Rectal temperature (for infants)
Oral temperature
Temporal artery temperature
Armpit temperature
Ear temperature
All foods naturally contain small amounts of bacteria. But improper handling, cooking or storage of food can result in bacteria multiplying in large enough numbers to cause illness. Parasites, viruses, toxins and chemicals also can contaminate food and cause illness.
Symptoms of food poisoning vary with the source of contamination. Generally they include:
If you are very dehydrated, you might notice:
Whether you become ill after eating contaminated food depends on the organism, the amount of exposure, your age and your health.
High-risk groups include:
If you develop food poisoning:
Do not give infants or young children anti-diarrheal medications because of potentially serious side effects.
Foodborne illness often improves on its own within a few days.
Call your doctor if:
Seek emergency medical assistance if:
Symptoms of botulism usually begin 12 to 36 hours after eating the contaminated food and may include headache, blurred vision, muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. Some people also have nausea and vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, difficulty breathing, and a dry mouth. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
A foreign object in the ear can cause pain, infection and hearing loss. Usually you know if something is stuck in your ear. But small children may not be aware of it. Children may have symptoms such as ear pain, crankiness or crying.
If an object becomes lodged in the ear:
Remember, if you can't remove the object easily the first time, get help. Also, if the person continues to have pain, discharge from the ear canal, problems hearing or feeling there is something lodged in the ear, see a health care provider.
If you get a foreign object in your eye
To help someone else
Caution
When to seek emergency care
Get immediate medical help if:
Keep in mind that sometimes an object can scratch your eye. This often feels as though the object is still in the eye even after the object has been removed. This sensation can sometimes take 24 hours to go away.
If a foreign object becomes stuck or lodged in the nose:
You can usually safely remove a small foreign object — such as a wood splinter, thorn, fiberglass or glass — that's just under the surface of the skin:
Seek prompt medical help for a foreign object that seems to be more deeply embedded in the skin or muscle. Follow these precautions and steps first:
In addition, seek medical help if:
Take quick action if someone is choking on an inhaled object.
If you or your child inhales a foreign object, see your health care provider. If an inhaled foreign object causes choking, you'll need to perform first aid.
If a choking person can cough forcefully, let the person keep coughing.
Coughing might naturally remove the stuck object.
If a person can't cough, talk, cry or laugh forcefully, give first aid to the person by following steps:
If you're the only rescuer, give back blows and abdominal thrusts first. Then, call 999 or your local emergency number for help. If another person is there, have that person call for help while you give first aid
If the person who has inhaled an object becomes unconscious:
Some sources only teach the abdominal thrust. It's OK not to use back blows if you haven't learned the back-blow technique. Both approaches are acceptable for adults and children older than age 1.
To give abdominal thrusts to someone else:
If the person is pregnant or if you can't get your arms around the stomach, give chest thrusts:
If you're alone and choking:
How to perform abdominal thrusts, also called the Heimlich maneuver, on yourself
Call 999 or your local emergency number right away. Then, give yourself abdominal thrusts, also called the Heimlich maneuver, to remove the item from the airway.
Take quick action if someone is choking on a swallowed object.
If you swallow a foreign object, it will usually pass through your system without notice. But some objects can get stuck in the tube that connects the mouth and stomach, called the esophagus. Or they can block the airway and cause choking.
If an object is stuck in your esophagus, you may need to have it removed by your health care provider.
Also see your provider right away if the object is:
Symptoms include pain from the throat down the middle of the chest and regurgitating food or drink. If you have food stuck in the esophagus, you can try to drink a carbonated beverage to see if that will help it pass.
If an object blocks the airway and causes choking, give first aid.
If a choking person can cough forcefully, let the person keep coughing. Coughing might naturally remove the stuck object. If a person can't cough, talk, cry or laugh forcefully, give first aid to the person. The American Red Cross recommends the following steps:
If you're the only rescuer, give back blows and abdominal thrusts first. Then call 999 or your local emergency number for help. If another person is there, have that person call for help while you give first aid.
Some first-aid sources only teach the abdominal thrust. It's OK not to use back blows if you haven't learned the back-blow technique. Both approaches are acceptable for adults and children older than age 1.
If the choking person becomes unconscious:
To give abdominal thrusts to someone else:
If the person is pregnant or if you can't get your arms around the stomach, give chest thrusts:
If you're alone and choking:
How to perform abdominal thrusts, also called the Heimlich maneuver, on yourself
Call 999 or your local emergency number right away. Then give yourself abdominal thrusts, also called the Heimlich maneuver, to remove the stuck object.
To prepare yourself for these situations, learn the Heimlich maneuver and CPR in a certified first-aid training course.
Frostbite is when skin and underlying tissues freeze after being exposed to very cold temperatures. It causes a cold feeling followed by numbness. As the frostbite gets worse, the affected skin may change color and become hard or waxy-looking.
The areas most likely to be affected are the fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, chin and tip of the nose.
When to seek emergency help
Seek emergency care for:
Treatment
You can treat mild frostbite (frostnip) yourself. All other frostbite requires medical attention. First-aid steps for frostbite are as follows:
If you're outside, warm frostbitten hands by tucking them into your armpits. Protect your face, nose or ears by covering the area with dry, gloved hands.
What to avoid
A blow to the head may result in someone having pain or a headache. There may be a bump on their head and they may look pale.
1. Ask them to rest and apply something cold to the injury – for example, frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.
Applying something cold to the injury for up to 20 minutes will reduce external swelling and pain. When a person has a blow to the head, their brain can be shaken inside the skull as well. This may cause a more serious head injury which may make them feel sick or drowsy.
If the injury has happened when playing sports, they must not return to sport until they have been seen by a medical professional.
2. If they become sleepy, vomit or seem confused, call 999.
This could be a sign of a serious injury to the head. If you can't call 999, get someone else to do it.
FAQS
What can I apply to the injury to reduce swelling and pain?
You could wrap a towel or clothing around frozen vegetables or ice and apply it to the injury.
Never place ice directly on the skin, as it’s too cold.
What is concussion?
Concussion happens when the brain is shaken inside the skull because of a blow to the head.
A person with concussion may be unresponsive for a few seconds to a few minutes. Most people make a full recovery from concussion, but occasionally it becomes more serious.
Seek medical help if you think they have concussion.
What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
A person may have concussion if they:
Should I watch a person who has a head injury to see if they have concussion?
Yes, you should watch anyone who has had a head injury for the signs of concussion. Sometimes you may not see the signs immediately. Call 999 if you suspect they have concussion.
Are there any other reasons I might need to call 999 after a head injury?
Call 999 if:
They should also seek medical advice if:
1. The person may have persistent, vice-like chest pain, which may spread to their arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
This pain happens because a blockage stops blood getting to the heart muscle. The pain will not ease with rest.
2. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it. The person needs medical help as soon as possible. A heart attack can be very serious and needs immediate attention.
3. Help the person to sit down.
Ensure they are comfortable – for example, sitting on the floor and leaning against a chair or a wall. Sitting will ease the strain on the heart. Sitting them on the floor also means they are less likely to hurt themselves if they collapse.
4. Reassure them while you wait for the ambulance.
FAQS
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. The blockage means the heart can’t work effectively.
How can I tell if someone is having a heart attack?
The symptoms of a heart attack vary, but may include:
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
With a heart attack, a blockage suddenly stops blood reaching the heart and it can’t work effectively. This might cause cardiac arrest, when the heart stops working completely.
Someone having a cardiac arrest will collapse, become unresponsive and stop breathing.
Should I give them aspirin?
You can offer the person an aspirin tablet to chew slowly, as this will help thin their blood. They should not take more than 300mg in one dose.
Should they take any heart medication they have?
If they have tablets or a spray, let them take it. You may need to help them to take it.
What is angina?
Angina is a tight feeling in the chest.
The tight feeling happens because the arteries narrow, restricting the blood supply to the heart. Angina often happens when a person is exercising or excited. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath but, unlike a heart attack, symptoms ease with rest and taking prescribed medication.
Most people diagnosed with angina manage it with tablets or spray medication. During an angina attack, the pain should reduce if the person rests and takes their prescribed medication. Call 999 if the pain doesn’t reduce after two doses of medication, as they may be having a heart attack.
For more information about first aid for someone having a heart attack, visit the NHS website. During life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergency medical help, call 111.
First aid advice for someone with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Find out the symptoms, how to spot the early signs, and what treatment they may need.
Someone with heat exhaustion might have been in the sun or heat for a long time. They might look ashen, have a headache or dizziness, and feel sick.
What you should do if you think someone has heat exhaustion:
1. Help the person to a cool place and get them to rest.
Heat exhaustion happens when someone loses too much fluid and salt usually from sweating in hot conditions.
2. Give them plenty to drink
Drinking water will replace lost fluids. If you have them, isotonic sports drinks will help replace salts lost through sweating.
3. Seek medical advice
Even if the person appears to recover fully, you should seek medical advice. If their condition gets worse, call 999 for emergency help.
FAQS
What are the first signs of heat exhaustion in an adult?
If you think someone has heat exhaustion they may show the following signs or symptoms:
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when someone becomes so hot it causes a failure of the brain’s thermostat, leading to the body becoming dangerously overheated. It is an emergency and needs medical help urgently.
What are the signs of heatstroke in an adult?
If you think someone has heatstroke they may show the following signs or symptoms:
What you should do if you think someone has heatstroke:
Call 999 immediately or ask someone else to do it.
Quickly move them into a cool environment and remove outer clothing. Loosely wrap the person in cold damp clothes or a sheet. Continuously pour cold water over the sheet or clothes. If there is no sheet available, you can also fan them or sponge them with cold water. Keep cooling them while waiting for help to arrive
If their temperature returns to normal and they no longer feel hot to touch, you can stop cooling them. Replace the wet sheet with a dry one and help them to rest.
What is the advice for someone who is pregnant during hot weather?
The advice for dealing with hot weather is the same for someone who is pregnant, but it's important to take extra care during times of extreme heat or a heatwave.
The risk of sunburn is great during pregnancy so it's important to wear sunscreen and avoid the sun when possible. Pregnant women are more prone to swelling in their hands and feet due to fluid retention, which gets worse in hot weather.
Pregnant women should make sure they rest in the shade, and if necessary to cool their hands and feet in cool water. The increased demand on the circulatory system, also means it's even more important to maintain good levels of hydration.
What is the advice for elderly people during hot weather?
The advice for heatstroke and heat exhaustion is the same for an elderly person, but they may be less able to adjust to the extremes of temperature. Pre-existing medical conditions can also complicate or worsen their response to hot weather.
The actions to take in the hot weather are the same as for everyone else such as keeping out of the sun, staying covered, keeping well hydrated, and making sure there is adequate ventilation. However, they may not be able to do these things for themselves so will need extra help from friends, family, or neighbours. Remember to look out for others in hot weather and check if they need assistance with anything to help them stay safe.
What is the advice for those with medical conditions during hot weather?
People with medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or limited mobility are more vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves and hot weather, but the advice for specific conditions remains generally the same.
Anyone with a medical condition should be advised to follow advice from medical professionals and to seek medical aid if concerned.
1. The environment is cold. The person may be shivering, pale and cold to touch. They may also be confused.
Many instances of hypothermia occur inside when there is cold weather and a lack of heating.
2. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
3. Warm the person and reassure them until help arrives.
You can warm them by wrapping them in a blanket and giving them warm drinks and high-energy foods, such as chocolate.
FAQS
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is when a person’s body temperature gets so low that they have reduced circulation of blood around the body, particularly to their skin. This is why the person’s skin will feel cold to touch. Many instances of hypothermia occur inside when there is cold weather and a lack of heating.
How can I tell if someone has hypothermia?
The person will be somewhere cold and may:
What drinks or food can I give someone who has hypothermia?
You can give them warm drinks such as soup or hot chocolate, or energy-rich foods like chocolate. Do not give them alcohol.
What if I don't have a blanket?
You could use additional clothing, sheets or towels to warm the person.
What should I do if the person is outside?
If they are outside, get them inside if you can and replace any wet clothes with dry clothes.
If you have to stay outside, you could wrap the person in items such as bin bags, newspaper or cardboard to help warm them and protect them from the cold ground.
If the person is outside, will they also have frostbite?
Frostbite is much less common than hypothermia because it usually happens in extreme cold conditions.
When someone has frostbite, their fingers, toes or extremities will become pale or blue and lose feeling.
To help someone with frostbite, gently warm their fingers or toes – for example, with warm water – while waiting for help to arrive. Don’t try to thaw the affected body part if there is any chance that it will refreeze.
1. If someone has flu-like symptoms, a headache and a high temperature, they may have meningitis. They may also complain of a stiff neck and be sensitive to light. At a later stage a rash may form, and the rash won’t disappear when a glass is pressed on it.
Other symptoms of meningitis include cold hands and feet, joint pain, drowsiness and vomiting. A person with meningitis can have one or more symptoms, and some symptoms occur later on as the infection develops.
2. Call 999 if you see these symptoms.
Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear. A person with meningitis can deteriorate very quickly. It is potentially very serious and needs immediate attention.
3. Reassure them until help arrives.
If they have a fever, you can give the person cold drinks to cool them.
FAQS
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an illness where the linings that surround the brain and spinal cord swell up. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and can happen to anyone at any age.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication that can happen when the body is fighting an infection, causing damage to tissues and organs. There are many causes of sepsis, including one of which is meningitis. It is usually older people or young children who are affected, although it can affect anyone, especially people with weakened immune systems. Signs of sepsis include many of the signs of meningitis and can also include feeling breathless or breathing very fast, speech becoming slurred or confused, and not passing urine all day (or no recent wet nappies in young children). If you suspect sepsis in someone of any age or if you are unsure, call 999.
Should I wait for all the symptoms to appear before calling 999?
No, you should call 999 as soon as you suspect it may be meningitis. Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear. Without immediate treatment, meningitis can cause permanent damage.
How do I check whether a rash is a sign of meningitis?
Rashes usually appear in the later stages of meningitis and sometimes do not appear at all.
If the person has a rash, press the side of a clear glass against their skin. Most rashes will fade when pressed. If you can still see the rash through the glass, it may be meningitis.
Call 999 as soon as possible if you suspect meningitis but they do not have a rash. Do not wait for a rash to appear before you call 999.
What does the rash look like?
The rash is made up of small red or purple “pin prick” spots that may spread to look like fresh bruising. The rash can be more difficult to see on dark skin.
The rash will not disappear when a glass is pressed against it.
Rashes usually appear in the later stages of meningitis and sometimes do not appear at all.
Will the symptoms be different for a baby?
Babies may have any of the typical signs and symptoms of meningitis, including:
They may also have a high-pitched cry or become floppy. The soft part on the top of their head (the fontanelle) may bulge or become hard.
Any type of transportation can cause motion sickness. It can strike suddenly, progressing from a feeling of uneasiness to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. It usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion.
You might avoid motion sickness by planning ahead. When traveling, avoid sitting in the rear of the vehicle or in seats that face backward. Pick seats where you'll feel motion least:
If you're susceptible to motion sickness:
Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis (ep-ih-STAK-sis), are common. They happen when the tender blood vessels in the nose break. Common nosebleed causes can include changes of season, dryness, scratching, some medicines and injuries. People on blood thinners may have worse nosebleeds than do others. Most often nosebleeds are only annoying and not a true medical problem. But they can be both.
When to seek emergency care
Seek emergency care if:
Self-care for a common nosebleed
If the bleeding doesn't stop, pinch the nose again for up to 15 minutes. Don't let go for at least five minutes even to check if the bleeding has stopped. Seek emergency care if the bleeding doesn't stop after the second try.
When to contact your doctor
Call a member of your care team if:
Think about using a humidifier. Adding more moisture in your home may help relieve nasal bleeding.
Substances such as prescription or non-prescription drugs, household cleaning and DIY products and some plants can be harmful if you swallow them.
1. Establish what they have taken, when they took it and how much they took.
The emergency services will want to know this information.
2. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it. The substance could be extremely harmful and the person may need urgent medical attention.
3. Do not make the person sick.
By making them sick, you can cause further damage to their throat or block their airway.
FAQs
The person may vomit and have stomach pain. They may have evidence of the harmful substance around their mouth, or smell of it. There may be empty containers nearby: for example, containers for medication, alcohol or cleaning products.
Call 999 anyway, even if they seem to be showing no symptoms.
No, don’t give them anything to drink.
The fluid will enter their stomach and break down the harmful substance. This may result in it being absorbed into their body more quickly.
Making them sick can cause more damage to the throat or block their airway.
If they have swallowed something corrosive, the liquid will burn the throat on the way back up, causing more pain and distress.
What should I do while I wait for the ambulance to arrive?
Get them to sit still, reassure them and listen to what they tell you.
A puncture wound, such as from stepping on a nail, doesn't usually cause much bleeding. But these wounds are often deep and can be dangerous because of the risk of infection.
To take care of a puncture wound:
Seek medical care if your wound shows signs of infection, such as:
Seek prompt medical care
Get medical help at once if your wound:
If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty, your health care professional may recommend a booster. You should have a booster shot within 48 hours of your injury.
If the wound was caused by a cat or a dog, try to confirm that its rabies vaccination is up to date. If it was caused by a wild animal, seek advice from your doctor about which animals are most likely to carry rabies.
1. The person has collapsed and is making sudden jerking movements.
They may also have froth around their mouth.
2. Make them safe and prevent injury. Use a blanket or clothing to protect their head. Do not restrain them.
Restraining them may cause injury to you or them. Let the seizure run its normal course. Remove objects that may injure them while they are having the seizure.
3. After the seizure, help the person to rest on their side with their head tilted back.
This will make sure they keep breathing.
4. Call 999 if necessary.
The person needs urgent medical attention if:
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
FAQS
Should I try to keep their tongue forward or put something in their mouth to stop them biting themselves?
No, do not go anywhere near the person’s mouth or put anything in it. You risk injuring both of you.
Make the area safer for them and prevent injury by removing items that may cause the person harm while you wait for the seizure to finish.
How do I know if they have epilepsy?
You may find some form of identification on the person, such as a card, bracelet or necklace that gives information about their condition. If you can’t find anything and are unsure if they have previously had seizures, call 999.
What to do?
FAQ
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is caused by the way the body responds to an infection. The infection can happen anywhere in the body. For example, a chest or urinary infection, or problems in the abdomen like burst ulcers, or even simple skin injuries like cuts and bites. Sepsis is sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning.
It is a life-threatening condition which makes the immune system go into overdrive as it tries to fight the infection. This can reduce the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, eventually leading to multiple organ failure and possibly death.
Signs and symptoms
Sepsis can be hard to spot. It can initially look like flu or a chest infection. Symptoms can appear different in babies and young children from those of adults and older children. View first aid advice for sepsis in babies and young children.
In adults and older children, look for:
They may not have all of these symptoms.
Shock is a critical condition brought on by the sudden drop in blood flow through the body. Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss or an allergic reaction. It also may result from severe infection, poisoning, severe burns or other causes. When a person is in shock, their organs don't get enough blood or oxygen. If shock is not treated, it can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
Symptoms of shock vary depending on circumstances and may include:
Seek emergency medical care
If you suspect a person is in shock, call 999 or your local emergency number. Then take the following steps right away:
If someone has pain, swelling or bruising around a joint or muscle after a sudden movement to part of their body, they may have a sprain or strain.
1. Get the person to rest.
2. Apply an ice pack to the injury.
An ice pack could be ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel. Applying it to the injury will reduce the swelling and pain.
3. If there is no improvement, seek medical advice.
FAQS
How can I tell if someone has a strain or sprain?
Strains and sprains happen when someone suddenly moves part of their body.
They may have pain, swelling or bruising around a joint or muscle. If the injury is at a joint, the person may have difficulty in moving a limb.
What’s the difference between a strain and a sprain?
A strain is when a muscle is damaged. A sprain is when a joint – such as a knee, ankle or wrist – is damaged.
Is there anything other than ice that I can use to help with a sprain or strain?
You can use something cold, such as frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.
How long should I apply an ice pack to the injury for?
Apply the ice pack to the injury for no more than 10 minutes. Anything over 10 minutes can cause further damage.
What do I do after I have put an ice pack on the injury?
Keep the injured part of the body supported in a raised position. Then apply a bandage around the injury. The bandage should not be tightly wrapped and you should make sure the bandage does not become tight.
Is the acronym RICE still used for helping someone with a strain or sprain?
Yes, RICE is a great way to remember how to help someone with a strain or sprain. The letters in RICE stand for:
Comfortable support can include an elasticated bandage around the affected joint or limb.
Can you use a warm cloth or alternate between warm and cold treatment?
Warm treatments are not recommended first aid. An ice pack is the most effective way of reducing the swelling.
Should I call 999 for a strain or sprain?
Most strains and sprains will feel better after rest and cooling.
Seek medical advice if you suspect that the bone is broken, there are other injuries, or the injury does not improve.
For more information on how to help someone (or yourself) with a strain or sprain, visit the NHS website. During life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergency medical help, call 111.
1. Carry out the FAST test.
Face: is there weakness on one side of their face?
Arms: can they raise both arms?
Speech: is their speech easily understood?
Time: to call 999.
Strokes usually happen because of a blockage of the blood supply to the brain. This damages part of the brain, which can affect people’s appearance, bodily functions, speech and sight.
2. Call 999 as soon as possible.
If you can’t call 999, get someone else to do it.
A stroke needs immediate attention. The faster a person having a stroke gets medical help, the less damage there will be.
3. Reassure them while you wait for the ambulance.
FAQS
How can I help the person if they are frightened or anxious?
Stay calm and let them know that help is on the way. Help them sit or lie down and reassure them while you wait for the ambulance.
Are there other signs and symptoms that someone may be having a stroke?
Yes, other signs and symptoms include:
What causes someone having a stroke to have a drooping face, a weak arm and slurred speech?
Strokes are caused by problems in the blood supply to the brain. Brain cells become damaged and begin to die. This brain damage affects the body’s functions, resulting in facial or limb weakness. Sometimes only one limb or one side of the body is affected.
If you have been sunburned, you will notice the signs and symptoms within a few hours after too much sun. The affected skin will be painful, inflamed and hot to the touch. Blisters might develop. You may also experience headache, fever or nausea.
Seek immediate medical care if you are sunburned and experience:
If you have a sunburn
First aid might offer some relief from the discomfort of sunburn:
Seek medical care for large blisters or those that form on the face, hands or genitals. Also seek medical help if you have worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever, chills, eye pain or vision changes, or signs of infection, such as blisters with swelling, pus or streaks.
Tooth decay is the primary cause of toothaches for most children and adults. Bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the food you eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth.
Acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can eat through the hard, white coating on the outside of your teeth (enamel), creating a cavity. The first sign of decay may be a sensation of pain when you eat something sweet, very cold or very hot. Sometimes decay will show as a brown or white spot on the tooth.
Other causes of a toothache can include:
A toothache often requires some sort of treatment by your dentist.
Self-care tips
Until you can see your dentist, try these self-care tips for a toothache:
Use caution with products containing benzocaine
Previous advice included sparingly applying an OTC antiseptic containing benzocaine directly to the irritated tooth and gum for temporary relief. But benzocaine has been linked to a rare and serious, sometimes deadly, condition called methemoglobinemia, which decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. So follow these guidelines:
Call your dentist
Call your dentist immediately if you have any of the following with a toothache:
It's sometimes possible to successfully implant permanent teeth that have been knocked out, but only if you follow the steps below immediately — before you see a dentist.
Baby teeth (primary teeth) are not implanted if they're knocked out.
For permanent teeth, if a sharp surface or shiny surface is apparent, there's a chance that part of the root is still in the socket, and reimplantation becomes less successful. If reimplantation doesn't occur within two hours after the tooth is knocked out — sooner is better — the likelihood of success becomes poor. So it's vital to get emergency dental care.
Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies. They're often caused by a stomach bug and should stop in a few days.
The advice is the same if you have diarrhoea and vomiting together or separately.
How to treat diarrhoea and vomiting yourself
Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Do
Don’t
FAQs
How long diarrhoea and vomiting last?
In adults and children:
Diarrhoea and vomiting can spread easily
Stay off school or work until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days.
If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
To help avoid spreading an infection:
A pharmacist can help with diarrhoea and vomiting
Speak to a pharmacist if:
They may recommend:
Call 111 now if:
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:
We are working hard in the background to put together the most useful information for all your fire-related emergencies. So sit tight and keep your eyes peeled!
We are working hard in the background to put together the most useful information for all your fire-related emergencies. So sit tight and keep your eyes peeled!
We are working hard in the background to put together the most useful information for all your fire-related emergencies. So sit tight and keep your eyes peeled!
We are working hard in the background to put together the most useful information for all your fire-related emergencies. So sit tight and keep your eyes peeled!
We are working hard in the background to put together the most useful information for all your fire-related emergencies. So sit tight and keep your eyes peeled!
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