Find a course near you

Search our first aid supplies shop

Emergency advice

First aider role:

  1. Assess the situation quickly and calmly.
  2. Protect yourself and others from harm.
  3. Treat the casualty and arrange help.

What to do

  1. Assess the situation quickly and calmly.

    • Safety: check whether you or the casualty are in any danger. Is it safe to approach them? (Are you wearing protective equipment?)
    • Scene: find out what caused the accident or situation and how many casualties there are.
    • Situation: find out what’s happened, how many people are involved and how old they are. Are there any children or elderly?
  2. Protect yourself and them from any danger.

    • Always protect yourself first – never put yourself at risk.
    • Only move them if leaving them would cause them more harm.
    • If you can’t make an area safe, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.
  3. Prevent infection between you and them.

    • Wash your hands with soap and water or rub your hands with alcohol gel.
    • Wear disposable, latex free gloves. Do not touch an open wound without gloves on. If you do not have any gloves, you could use clean plastic bags or ask the casualty to dress the wound if they are able.
    • Do not breathe, cough or sneeze over a wound or casualty.
  4. Comfort and reassure.

    • Stay calm and take charge of the situation.
    • Introduce yourself to them to help gain their trust.
    • Explain the situation and anything you’re going to do before you do it.
    • Treat the casualty with dignity and respect at all times.
  5. Assess the casualty and give first aid treatment.

    • If there’s more than one casualty make sure you help those with life-threatening conditions first.
    • Use the primary survey to deal with any life-threatening conditions. When these have been dealt with successfully move on to the secondary survey.
  6. Arrange for help if needed.

    • Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance if you think it’s serious.

For a less serious condition, call 111 for medical advice (in England) or seek advice from a GP.

Did you find this information helpful?

Our training courses:

First aid courses

First aid courses

View


Fire, health & safety courses

Fire, health and safety courses

View


Mental health & wellbeing courses

Mental health & wellbeing courses

View


Related advice

How to do the primary survey

Use the primary survey to quickly assess the situation and check the casualty for injuries or conditions that could be immediately life threatening. Find out what to do.

When to call an ambulance

At some point in their life, most people will witness or be involved in an accident or medical emergency. Knowing what to do and when you should call the emergency services can potentially save lives.

Workplace first aid rooms or areas

Discover what your workplace first aid room should include.