Preparation and learning
What is first aid?
The immediate help you can give when someone is injured or suddenly unwell.
First aid means taking practical steps to keep someone safe, support breathing or control an injury while arranging the help they need. Begin by checking danger, response and breathing, and call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Start with what you can observe
Check that it is safe to approach. Speak to the person and check for a response. If they are unresponsive, call 000 and check normal breathing. The DRSABCD action plan takes you through this sequence.
An unresponsive person who is not breathing normally needs CPR and an AED as soon as available. If you are unsure, put 000 on speaker and follow the call-taker.
Get the right level of help
Some minor injuries can be cleaned, covered and monitored. Severe bleeding, breathing difficulty, stroke signs or other life-threatening symptoms need an ambulance. Use the relevant guide for warning signs.
Prepare before you need it
- Learn practical skills on a first-aid course.
- Know where your kit and nearest AED are kept.
- Rehearse describing your location to an emergency call-taker.