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First aid guides.

Search by injury, symptom or situation. For a medical emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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Emergency essentials

Start here for time-critical situations. Call Triple Zero (000) for serious or worsening symptoms.

Fast access · plain language · Australia
GUIDEAdult CPR: compressions, breaths and an AEDA quick Australian guide to starting CPR while help is on the way.GUIDEAdult chokingWhat to do when an adult or older child cannot breathe, speak or cough effectively.GUIDESevere bleedingHow to control heavy bleeding while waiting for emergency help.GUIDEAnaphylaxis: severe allergic reactionThe urgent steps to take when someone has a severe allergic reaction.GUIDEWhat to do when someone is unresponsiveCheck breathing, call for help and choose CPR or the recovery position.GUIDEHow to use an AEDA practical guide to using an automated external defibrillator while waiting for emergency help.

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Browse by situation, including first aid for babies and children.

First response

GUIDEDRSABCD: the Australian first aid action planThe simple sequence to follow when someone is injured or suddenly unwell.GUIDEWhat to do when someone is unresponsiveCheck breathing, call for help and choose CPR or the recovery position.GUIDEAdult CPR: compressions, breaths and an AEDA quick Australian guide to starting CPR while help is on the way.GUIDEHow to use an AEDA practical guide to using an automated external defibrillator while waiting for emergency help.

Babies and children

GUIDEChild and infant CPRWhat changes when the person needing CPR is a child or baby.GUIDEChild and infant chokingAustralian first-aid steps for a choking baby or child.

Everyday injuries

GUIDECuts and grazes: clean and coverCare for a small wound and recognise injuries that need assessment.GUIDEFriction blisters: protect the skinReduce rubbing and protect an intact or burst blister.GUIDENosebleeds: lean forward and pinchWhere to apply pressure, how long to hold it and when bleeding needs medical help.GUIDEAnimal and human bites: wash and get adviceFirst aid for broken skin after a dog, cat, human or bat bite.GUIDEBumps and bruises: care after a minor knockReduce discomfort and recognise signs of a more serious injury.

Injuries

GUIDEBurns and scaldsThe first steps for thermal burns, scalds and common household burns.GUIDESevere bleedingHow to control heavy bleeding while waiting for emergency help.GUIDEFractures, sprains and dislocationsHow to protect an injured limb until medical care is available.GUIDEHead injury and concussionWhat to do after a blow to the head and when to seek urgent help.

Symptoms

GUIDEHeadache: when to get urgent helpRecognise a sudden or unusual headache and choose the next step.GUIDEAbdominal pain in adults and teenagersWarning signs and first steps for people over 12.

Medical emergencies

GUIDEAnaphylaxis: severe allergic reactionThe urgent steps to take when someone has a severe allergic reaction.GUIDEAsthma attackHow to help someone having asthma symptoms in Australia.GUIDEStroke: use FAST and call 000A quick way to recognise possible stroke signs and act without delay.GUIDEChest pain and suspected heart attackWhat to do if someone has chest pain or signs that may indicate a heart attack.GUIDESeizuresHow to keep someone safe during and after a seizure.GUIDEPoisoning and swallowed substancesWhat to do after someone swallows, inhales or gets a harmful substance on their skin.

Bites, stings and outdoors

GUIDESnake, spider and animal bitesAustralian first-aid guidance for bites, including when to use pressure immobilisation.GUIDEInsect and marine stingsFirst-aid steps for common insect stings and Australian marine stings.GUIDEHeat exhaustion and heatstrokeHow to recognise dangerous overheating and respond quickly.GUIDEFrostbite: shelter, protect and get helpFirst steps for numb, pale or firm skin after exposure to freezing conditions.

Preparation and learning

ARTICLEBlue-ringed octopus first aid: what to doA suspected bite is a medical emergency even when the bite does not hurt. Call Triple Zero (000), keep the person completely still, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to a bitten limb and watch their breathing continuously.ARTICLEPut together a useful first aid kitA practical starting list, where to keep it and what to check after use.ARTICLEWhat is first aid?The immediate help you can give when someone is injured or suddenly unwell.ARTICLECan you reuse a bandage?A wound dressing and a washable support wrap serve different purposes. Start with the product label.ARTICLEDo minor cuts need antiseptic or antibiotic cream?Cleaning, covering and recognising infection matter more than choosing between brand names.ARTICLEHow often should you refresh CPR training?The Australian workplace recommendation, what to check for your role and how to practise between courses.ARTICLEWho can help with a workplace first aid concern?Where to raise concerns about missing supplies, inaccessible kits or a lack of first-aid coverage.

Read, practise and print

Search the same topic across guides, practice activities and printables.

Read · practise · print
PRINTABLECPR quick-reference posterCall 000, start CPR and use an AED as soon as available.PRINTABLEChoking response guideA quick reminder for effective and severe choking.PRINTABLEAnaphylaxis action guideLay the person flat if possible, give adrenaline without delay and call 000.PRACTICECPR rhythm practicePractise a steady tapping rhythm with measured input and consistency feedback. This does not assess real CPR quality.PRACTICEAdult choking café challengeRespond to three changing café situations using an action tray and observable clues.PRACTICEStroke FAST recognition challengeRecognise warning signs, call promptly and organise information in three stroke situations.