First Aid — An introduction

A first-aid kit is a small box or bag with the things that you would need to treat someone if they were injured or suddenly became ill. Can you think of five things that would typically be in a first-aid kit?

First aid refers to the immediate help and basic medical treatment that is given to someone who is suddenly injured or becomes ill, often before the arrival of emergency services. There are many examples of potential situations where knowledge of first aid can help save a life: heavy bleeding, head injuries, choking, broken bones, unconsciousness etc.

This is how the British Red Cross describes the value of first-aid skills. Their website has a lot of information to help you learn about the simple skills that can help save a life. Try the following activity:

1. You come across someone lying on the ground. They are not moving and do not respond when you try to talk to them or lightly shake their shoulders. What do you do? Discuss this with a classmate and write down 1—3 steps that you would take to help this person.
2. Go to the Red Cross website's information about first aid for someone who is unresponsive and not breathing. Read the short instructions, follow the three main steps, and watch the videos.
3. Choose another topic from this list on the same website.
4. Prepare a short presentation to the rest of the class where you teach your classmates the first-aid skills you have learned.