First aid advice | St John Ambulance

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First aid advice

Our online library of advice for treating common conditions.

What’s happening? What can I do to help? What are the signs that they need an ambulance?

Whether a family member is suffering from an earache, or a stranger in a crowd starts getting chest pains, these are often the questions that go through your head in a medical situation. Our advice library is here to help you find the answers.

Learning about different conditions and how you can treat them with first aid techniques prepares you to give the best care possible. It might even help you save a life one day.

Our advice pages cover everything from the basics of emergency first aid such as CPR and the recovery position, to advice on treating common conditions at home. You can also find specialist advice for treating children and babies.

St John Ambulance is regulated and monitored by the Care Quality Commission. Our clinical team, who include qualified health care professionals, ensure that the first aid advice we give is accurate.

Advice categories

Find advice on how to respond to a range of conditions.

How to do CPR

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.

Choking

When someone is choking, they may be unable to breathe properly. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Severe bleeding

When bleeding is severe, it can be dramatic and distressing. Acting quickly is vital. Find out what to do.

Alcohol poisoning

When someone drinks too much alcohol they can suffer from alcohol poisoning. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Anaphylaxis

An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or ‘trigger’ substance. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of allergic reaction. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Angina attack

Angina is pain in the chest which can happen with increased exertion or excitement. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Asthma attack

During an asthma attack, breathing becomes more difficult. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Baby seizures

Seizures in babies can happen for many reasons. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Blisters

Blisters are common on the feet and can be caused by ill-fitting shoes, but can appear anywhere on the skin. Learn what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Broken bones and fractures

A break or crack in a bone is called a fracture. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Bruises

Bruises can be painful and tender. Find out what causes bruising and how to perform first aid.

Burns and scalds

If someone receives a burn or scald, your priority is to cool the burn as quickly as possible. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities. Learn what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns can occur from common household products, in industry, or from malicious acid attacks. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Choking baby (under one year old)

As you start weaning your baby, they may be at risk of choking. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Choking Child

When a child is choking, they may be unable to breathe properly. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by allergies or infections. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Croup

Children can sometimes be affected by a condition called croup. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Cuts and grazes

Cuts and grazes are common injuries that can usually be treated at home.

Dehydration

Dehydration can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Diabetic emergencies

People who have diabetes may experience a diabetic emergency, where their blood sugar becomes too high or too low. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Dislocation

Dislocated joints happen when bones are pulled out of their normal position. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Drowning

Learn what the signs are for someone drowning, and how to help.

Drug overdose

Poisons are chemicals or substances that if taken or absorbed into the body in sufficient quantities can cause damage. Find out what to look for and what to do for a drug overdose.

Earache

Earache is often caused by an infection. Learn what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Electric shock

Electrical currents can cause serious injury. Find out what to look for and what to do if someone suffers electrocution from low voltage current.

Eye injury

Eye injuries caused by something getting into the eye can vary in severity. Some foreign objects can be rinsed out, but others may cut or penetrate the eye and require medical help quickly.

Fainting

Sometimes people faint if there is not enough blood flowing to the brain. Find out what could cause fainting, and what to do.

Fever

A sustained high temperature above 38°C is called a fever. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning can be caused by eating contaminated food, usually when it hasn't been cooked properly. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Foreign object in child's nose or ear

Children and babies often push foreign objects into their nose or ears, which can cause a number of problems. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Frostbite

Frostbite can happen when exposed to freezing cold temperatures. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Hay fever

Hay fever is a common condition caused by an allergy to pollen.

Head injuries in babies and children

When your baby starts to crawl, they may bump their head or fall. Find out what to look for and what to do for minor and severe head injuries in babies and children.

Head injury

All head injuries are potentially serious because they may damage the brain. A head injury may cause damage to the brain tissue, a skull fracture, or an injury to the spine or neck.

Headaches

Most headaches aren’t serious. However, some headaches can be a sign of more serious conditions. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Heart attack

A heart attack happens when the supply of blood to part of the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. Find out what to do and how to perform first aid.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion usually happens to people who aren't used to hot, humid weather. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Heat rash

Heat rash is sometimes called prickly heat. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is more serious than heat exhaustion and can be life-threatening.

How to apply a dressing

When you have a wound, you should always cover it with a dressing as this can help to prevent infection.

How to bandage a hand

When you have hurt your hand, you can use a roller bandage to hold a dressing in place or to support a sprained wrist.

How to do a baby primary survey

The primary survey is a quick way to find out how to treat any life-threatening conditions a baby may have using DRABC. Learn what to do.

How to do baby CPR (under one year old)

If a baby is not responding to you and not breathing normally, you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help immediately and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.

How to do CPR and use a defibrillator on women and other people with breasts

If a someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.

How to do CPR on a Child

If a child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and perform child CPR straight away. Learn what to do.

How to do the primary survey (DR ABC)

Use the primary survey to quickly assess the situation and the casualty.

How to do the secondary survey

After performing a primary survey and dealing with any life-threatening conditions, you can move on to the secondary survey.

How to handle difficult first aid situations

When responding to an emergency, it's important to recognise the emotional and physical needs of everyone involved, including your own.

How to make an arm sling

An arm sling holds the forearm in a raised or horizontal position and can support an injured upper arm, forearm, and wrist. The sling is also a useful visual warning to others that someone is injured.

How to make an elevation sling

An elevation sling is different to an arm sling. It supports the casualty's forearm and hand in a raised position.

How to manage a traffic accident

Traffic accidents can range from minor incidents such as a bicycle crash or more serious incidents like a vehicle crash.

How to protect a patient's dignity

Tips on how to protect your patient’s dignity when performing first aid.

How to put a baby in the recovery position

If a baby is not responding to you but breathing normally, it’s safe to put them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and to prevent them from choking. Learn how.

How to put a child in the recovery position

If a child is not responding to you but breathing normally, it’s safe to put them in the recovery position. Learn what to do.

How to put on a bandage

Bandages can be used to support injured joints, secure dressings, and control bleeding.

How to put on elbow and knee bandages

Elbow and knee injuries such as sprains and strains can be supported by a roller bandage.

How to put someone in the recovery position

It’s safe to place someone in the recovery position who is not responding to you but is breathing normally. Learn what to do.

How to use a cold compress or ice pack

Cooling an injury like a sprain or bruise can help to reduce the swelling and pain. Find out how to use two types of cold compress.

How to use a defibrillator (AED)

By using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) before an ambulance arrives, you can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival.

Human and animal bites

Learn first aid treatment for someone who has been bitten by someone else or an animal.

Hyperventilation

Find out what to do if someone is hyperventilating.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can become life threatening quickly, so it’s important to treat it straight away.  Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Insect stings

Insect stings can be painful but are not usually dangerous. However, stings to the mouth or throat can be more serious. You should also watch for signs of an allergic reaction.

How to respond to a life-threatening bleed

A severe bleed is likely to be slowed with pressure and usual bleeding treatments, a life-threatening bleed will not.

Meningitis

Anyone of any age can get meningitis although it is more common in babies, children, and young adults. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Nettle stings

Nettle stings can be itchy and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Nosebleeds

A nosebleed is when blood flows from the nose. Find out the causes and how to perform first aid.

Poisoning

Poisons are substances that can be harmful if too much is absorbed by the body. Swallowed poisons include chemicals, fungi, plants, and berries. Poisoning can be accidental or deliberate.

Seizure

Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures (fits), although there are other causes. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. If untreated, it can lead to multiple organ failure and possibly death. Find out what to look for and what to do.

Severe burn

Burns and scalds are caused by damage to the skin when it comes in contact with heat. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Shock

Shock - not to be confused with emotional shock – is a life-threatening condition. It happens when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen to the brain and vital organs. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

Spiking

Find out what to do if you believe someone has been spiked.

Spinal cord injury

There are a variety of possible causes for a spinal injury. The greatest risk is damage to the spinal cord. Find out what to do and how to perform first aid.

Splinters

Splinters from wood, glass, or metal can enter the skin and carry a risk of infection.

Sprains and strains

Injuries to the soft structure around the bones and joints are commonly called strains and sprains. They are often associated with sports activities.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency and you need to act FAST.

Sudden cardiac arrest

If someone has become unresponsive and they are not breathing normally, they could be in cardiac arrest. Find out what to look for and what to do, including how to do CPR and use a defibrillator.

Sunburn

Sunburn is caused by over exposure to the sun, a sunlamp, or a sunbed.

The duties and responsibilities of first aiders

First aid is the help given to someone who is injured or ill to keep them safe and to cause no further harm. The role of a first aider is to give someone this help.

Tick bites

Ticks attach themselves to passing animals (including humans) and bite into the skin, sucking the blood. They can carry diseases and should be removed as soon as possible.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause the body to lose vital fluids and salts. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.

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