First Aid: First aid is an important skill to learn in case of emergencies. Learn how to

prevent injuries,
prevent falls,
prevent fires,
prevent poisoning,
when to seek urgent care for injuries, and
what to stock in a first aid kit in your home, office, car, boat, or RV.

Read the First Aid Main Article

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Allergy: Insect Sting

Several insects belonging to the class Hymenoptera are capable of injecting venom into humans and animals. These insects include: honeybees, bumble bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Allergic reaction to these insects' venom can com in many forms; from redness, itching, and pain to anaphylactic shock and even death in those severely affected. Treatment includes caring for the symptoms as well as administering epinephrine and/or antihistamines.
Animal Bites

Many different types of animals can bite adults and children, ranging from dogs, cats, hamsters, raccoons, ferrets, and squirrels. Many times, bites are from the family pet. Fist aid for an animal bite consists of getting to a safe area away from the animal, apply pressure to any areas that are bleeding, and call 911. Animal bite treatments depends on the type of bite, and severity.
Bee and Wasp Stings

Bees and Wasps are venomous, meaning they have poison stings that may cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. If a person with no allergic symptoms receives a sting, a home remedy may be all that that is necessary for relief. A group of many stings or allergic reaction to a sting may require emergency medical treatment.
Bruises

A bruise is a common skin injury that results in a discoloration of the skin. Symptoms and signs include pain and discolored skin. Applying a cold compress may speed healing and reduce swelling. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken for pain.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide kills nearly 400 people each year in the U.S. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea, fatigue, and are often mistaken for the flu. If a person suspects they have been exposed to carbon monoxide poison, seek medical care emergently.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a procedure a person can use to assist a person who is in cardiac arrest. Providing CPR to a person who is in cardiac arrest can save their life.
Wilderness: Chest Injuries

A chest injury can be an accident or a deliberate attack involving the puncture of the chest by a foreign object. A chest injury can result in a collapsed lung and other serious problems. People who have sustained a chest injury should seek medical attention right away; some serious damage can happen internally and isn't immediately visible.
Choking

Choking is a blockage of the upper airway by food or other objects, preventing a person from breathing effectively. Choking can cause a simple coughing fit or complete blockage of the windpipe resulting in death.
CPR, Choking, Drowning

Some people, even those with training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), freeze up in an actual medical emergency. Forget the myths that may occur to you; such as whether you may hurt the person or questions about the seriousness of the emergency. Use your training; they will have a better chance at surviving than if you had done nothing.
CPR, Choking, Drowning: Could You Really Help?

Some people, even those with training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), freeze up in an actual medical emergency. Forget the myths that may occur to you; such as whether you may hurt the person or questions about the seriousness of the emergency. Use your training; they will have a better chance at surviving than if you had done nothing.
Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide poisoning can occur with smoke inhalation from a fire, chemicals or products in the workplace, plants and foods (for example, apricot pits), certain chemicals that turn into cyanide after ingestion, and suicide attempts. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include weakness, confusion, headache, seizures, vomiting, bizarre behavior, confusion, excessive sleepiness, abdominal pain, and coma. Cyanide poisoning cannot be treated at home. Medical treatment is required immediately for cyanide poisoning.
Wilderness: Marine Bite

Many animals in the ocean can bite or cause scrapes and puncture wounds, and some are even venomous. The first step in treatment is to identify the animal, the time of injury and nature of the attack. Then, first aid should be applied as appropriate.
Wilderness: Diabetic Reaction

There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. There are two types of diabetic reactions; low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: dizziness; headache; rapid onset of cool, pale, moist, and clammy skin; rapid pulse; and shallow breathing. Treatment is to have the person with diabetes suffering the reaction eat or drink something with sugar such as juice, candy, or another sweet substance. Hyperglycemia is less common and the symptoms can occur over several days. Medical treatment is generally needed.
First Aid Kits

First aid kits come in all types and varieties depending on their use. There are home, car, work, and travel first aid kits. The essentials for a first kit depends on the type, for example, home first aid kits are used for treating minor injuries like burns, stings, splinters, sprains, and strains. Travel first aid kits need to be more comprehensive to treat fevers, sore throats, cough, etc..Keep your first aid kits in places that are easy to access in emergencies. Moreover, make sure that you know how to use all of the items as instructed.
Wilderness: Fractures or Dislocations

Fractures are breaks in bone and are classified according to several different categories. Compound fractures are the most dangerous; the bone is broken into fragments that come through the skin. Treatment includes setting the broken bone and splinting the injury, among other steps. Steps are taken to prevent infection if the skin is broken.
Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a condition in which a person's body overheats due to fatigue, exercising or working in a hot environment, or dehydration. They elderly and young children under the age of 5 are at a greater risk for developing heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion in an adults and children include clammy skin, thirst, weak and rapid pulse, vomiting or nausea, headache, sweating heavily, muscle cramps, and weakness. Treatment is to place the affected person in a cool place, try to hydrate the individual, and cool their body with a cool mist of water, or cool (not cold) bath. Heat exhaustion can be prevented if precautions are taken. All cases of heat exhaustion should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can causes an allergic reaction when someone comes in contact with the plant's oils. This compound in all three plant species is called urushiol. The resulting rash appears one to three days after contact and may crust or ooze. Home remedies for the rash include applying cool compresses and calamine lotion, soaking in an Aveeno bath, and taking oral antihistamines.
Poison Proofing Your Home

Poison proofing your home is one of the most important ways to protect your family and pets from an accidental poisoning from: solids (pills, plants, fertilizers), liquids (medicine, soap, household cleaners), insecticide sprays and paints, and gases such as carbon monoxide and paint stripper. Have the poison control center phone numbers and information readily available in case of an accidental poisoning. Information about when to seek medical care is also included in the information.
Poisoning

Poisoning can have serious signs or symptoms including nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, seizure, confusion, or pain. The National Poisong Control Center phone number in the U.S. 1-800-222-1222. Causes of poisoning include medications, chemicals, lead, and more. Treatment depends upon the type of poisoning.
Wilderness: Pressure Immobilization Technique

The pressure immobilization technique is the application of a pressure device and immobilization of an affected arm or leg following a venomous bite. After a pressure immobilization application has been applied to an injured person, medical care should be sought emergently at a medical care facility.
Puncture Wound

A puncture wound is caused by an object piercing the skin such as nails, glass, pins, or other sharp objects. A puncture wound can become infected if not treated properly. A tetanus booster may be necessary for some puncture wounds.
Removing Stitches

Stitches or sutures are methods used to close wounds, cuts, lacerations, or surgical procedures. There are two types of sutures, absorbable and nonabsorbable. Other methods of closing open wounds include surgical staples, skin closure tape, and adhesive agents. Sutures should be removed by a health care professional. Complications from sutures include keloids, wound infection or reopening, excessive scarring, and hypertrophic scars.
Ricin

Ricin is a potent toxin that can be used as an agent of biological warfare, as a weapon of mass destruction, or to cause someone harm; even death. Ricin is a protein derived from castor beans used to make castor oil (motor oil). Symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on whether it has been inhaled, ingested from contaminated food or drink, or by injection, and may include heavy sweating, low blood pressure, fluid in the lungs, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, blood in the urine, multiple organ failure, and pain and redness of the skin and eyes. If you are exposed to ricin, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Wilderness: Scorpion Sting

Scorpions come in a variety of colors and from tan to light brown to black. Scorpion stings are usually very painful, and can be deadly. Seek immediate medical care for a scorpion sting.
Wilderness: Safe Diving and Wilderness Tips

Safe scuba diving and snorkeling tips include protecting marine animals while enjoying the sport, equipment care, and emergency preparedness.
Wilderness: Diving Emergency Contacts

Diving (SCUBA) emergency contacts worldwide. Find information and numbers for scuba diving emergencies accross the globe.
Wilderness: Splinting

A suspected broken bone or dislocation should be immobilized, splinted, or both. Splinting helps to prevent further injury and can provide pain relief.
Wound Care

Wounds are lacerations, cuts, or punctures in the skin. Wounds can be superficial, deep, punctures, or pressure sores. The amount of pain, inflammation, and bleeding depend on the type of wound. Most superficial wounds can be treated at home. Deep wounds, or complicated wounds generally need medical care. Sutures, staples, or surgical glue for a wound depend on the depth of the wound and the time lapse between the injury and when medical care is sought.

Featured:

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can causes an allergic reaction when someone comes in contact with the plant's oils. This compound in all three plant species is called urushiol. The resulting rash appears one to three days after contact and may crust or ooze. Home remedies for the rash include applying cool compresses and calamine lotion, soaking in an Aveeno bath, and taking oral antihistamines.

Expert Views and News

First Aid Topic Guide - Visuals

Slideshow

Bruises: Causes, Colors, and Treatments
Slideshow

First Aid Essentials
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First Aid Quiz: Care for Wounds, Scrapes, Cuts, and Burns
Slideshow

First Aid Wound Care
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First Aid: Bandaging Injuries and Wounds From Head to Toe
Slideshow

Pain Relief and Care for Bumps, Bruises, Sprains, and Strains
Slideshow

When to Call 911

First Aid Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

Aspirin (oral)

Aspirin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate) that is used to treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation.

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Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »