What is First Aid?

First aid is any assistance that can be given to a victim before medical help arrives. It can range from putting a bandaid on a cut to administering CPR. It is important for all adults to have a functional knowledge of how to handle common medical emergencies.

The some of the most common injuries/emergencies requiring First Aid are:

• Anaphylaxis
• Animal bites
• Black eye
• Blisters
• Bruise

• Burns
• Heat exhaustion
  
• Heart Attack
  
• Fainting
• Chest pain

• Choking
• Head Trauma
  
• Cuts and scrapes
• Dislocation
• Sprain

• Poisoning
• Fever
• Nosebleeds

• Severe bleeding
  
• Tick bite
  
• Sunburn
• Spider bite
  
• Motion Sickness
  

Click on the link below to learn more about how to care for the injuries/emergencies listed above

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/FirstAidIndex/FirstAidIndex

How Can I Learn More About First Aid?

Many hospitals, health departments, and other health organizations will offer First Aid and CPR classes to its community members. In these classes you will have the opportunity to learn directly from health professionals. You will be able to observe as well as demonstrate First Aid procedures for most of the common injuries/emergencies mentioned earlier. Upon successful completion of the course you will receive a certification in First Aid and CPR.

To find out more about First Aid/CPR classes in your area, you can contact your local health department or hospital. You can also visit the American Red Cross website to search for classes in your area.

http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/community.html

References:

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org