First Aid Reference
Field protocols for life-threatening emergencies. Study them now — you won't have time to read when they matter.
CALL 911 FIRST
This reference is for education and backup situations where professional help is not immediately available. For any life-threatening emergency with cell/internet service, call 911 (or local emergency services) immediately. Take a real Red Cross or Stop the Bleed course — reading is not training.
⚡Emergency? Jump Here
Primary Survey — ABCDE
The universal assessment order for any unresponsive or injured person. Check and treat in order.
Airway
Is the airway open and clear? Tilt head back, lift chin. Remove visible obstructions.
Breathing
Is the person breathing? Look at chest, listen at mouth, feel for breath. 10 seconds max.
Circulation
Check pulse (carotid for adult). Control any severe bleeding.
Disability
Check neurological status. Is the person alert? Responding to voice? Pain? Unresponsive?
Exposure
Expose injuries to assess fully, but keep warm — prevent hypothermia.
Critical — Life-Threatening
CPR (Adult)
CriticalCardiopulmonary resuscitation for an unconscious adult who is not breathing normally.
Brain damage in 4-6 minutes without oxygen
Severe Bleeding / Hemorrhage
CriticalLife-threatening bleeding from a wound — arterial (spurting/bright red) or major venous bleeding.
Death possible in 3-5 minutes from major arterial bleed
Choking (Conscious Adult)
CriticalComplete airway obstruction — person cannot speak, cough, or breathe.
Brain damage in 4-6 minutes without oxygen
Shock
CriticalLife-threatening condition where blood/oxygen isn't reaching vital organs. Can result from bleeding, trauma, allergic reaction, infection, or cardiac issues.
Can become fatal in 30-60 minutes if untreated
Heatstroke
CriticalBody temperature regulation fails. Core temperature over 104°F (40°C). Medical emergency.
Death possible within 30 minutes above 104°F core temp
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
CriticalLife-threatening allergic reaction. Airway swelling, cardiovascular collapse. Common triggers: food, insect stings, medications.
Death possible in 15-30 minutes without treatment
Urgent
Burns (1st, 2nd, 3rd Degree)
UrgentThermal, chemical, or electrical burn injuries. Severity depends on depth and body surface area.
Treat within 20 minutes for best results
Hypothermia
UrgentBody core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). Can be fatal. Common in cold/wet exposure.
Death possible below 86°F core body temperature
Fractures & Broken Bones
UrgentBroken bone, possibly open (skin broken) or closed. Goal: immobilize without worsening injury.
Stabilize within 1 hour for best outcomes
Get Real Training
Reading about CPR is not the same as doing CPR. Take a hands-on course with the Red Cross, your local fire department, or a Stop the Bleed trainer.