First Aid

Seizure and epilepsy
Most seizures last no longer than a few minutes and end spontaneously, but in some cases emergency help is essential.

Asthma first aid
Asthma attacks are seldom fatal with prompt, correct treatment. Here's what to do.

Fainting
Fainting occurs when blood supply to the brain is momentarily inadequate, causing brief loss of consciousness.

Heart attack
A heart attack occurs when one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked by a blood clot.

Road accidents
When stopping to assist at the scene of an accident, park in a safe position that does not add to an already dangerous situation.

Poisoning and toxicity
Poisoning and toxicity occurs when individuals drink, eat, breathe, inject, or touch enough of a chemical (also called a poison or toxin) to cause illness or death. A poison is any substance that is harmful to the body when eaten, breathed, injected, or absorbed through the skin. Any substance can be poisonous if enough is taken.

Burns - from Natural Standard
Burns are a type of traumatic injury caused by thermal (heat such as fire, steam, tar, or hot liquids), electrical, radiation (UV rays or radiation treatments), chemical, or electromagnetic energy.

Abscesses - from Natural Standard
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling and inflammation. An abscess may develop, enlarge, or subside, depending upon the degree of infection by microorganisms, such as bacteria. Abscesses may develop in any organ and in the soft tissues beneath the skin in any area.

Stroke first aid
A stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted, usually by a blood clot.

Diabetes: first aid
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening state that occurs when blood glucose levels are extremely high. Diabetics are also at risk of dangerously low blood glucose levels.

Fever
Fever is when body temperature rises above normal (over 37°C).

Poisoning
Poison may be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the mucous membranes or skin, or injected.

Hypothermia - from Natural Standard
Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person's internal body temperature is less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When hypothermia occurs, the body loses heat faster than it is able to produce heat.

Poisonous plants
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are three of the most common causes of allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) in North America. When these plants cause a skin reaction, it is called Rhus dermatitis.

Animal bites
An animal bite can result in a break in the skin, a bruise, or a puncture wound. Some animals inject venom into the patient's skin when they bite. Venomous bites can be potentially deadly if left untreated.