Every year in the UK, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in accidents. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if first aid was given at the scene before emergency services arrive.
What to do
See Accidents and first aid - first aid guide for information on how to deal with common accidents and emergencies, such as choking, poisoning and bleeding.
For detailed information on how to deal with burns and scalds, see Health A-Z: treating burns and scalds.
If someone is injured in an accident:
- first check that you and the casualty are not in any danger and, if so, make the situation safe
- when safe, assess the casualty and dial 999 for an ambulance (if necessary)
- carry out basic first aid
For more information, see Accidents and first aid - what to do after an accident.
If they are unconscious and breathing...
If a person is unconscious but is breathing and has no other life-threatening conditions, they should be placed in the recovery position.
If they are unconscious and not breathing...
If a person is not breathing normally after an accident you should call for an ambulance and then, if you are able to, start CPR (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) straight away.
First aid courses
The information on these pages gives some guidance on common first aid situations, but it is not a replacement for doing a first aid training course. Basic first aid courses are run regularly in most areas around the UK. The British Red Cross both provide a selection of first aid courses.
Last updated: 19 January 2012
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