Swasthya Suchi

First Aid Quick Guide

Simple steps for common emergencies while you wait for professional help. When in doubt, call emergency services first.

Choking Emergency

  1. Ask 'Are you choking?' — if they can cough or speak, encourage coughing.
  2. If they cannot breathe/cough/speak: give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
  3. If that doesn't work, give 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich): stand behind them, fist above navel, thrust inward and upward.
  4. Repeat back blows and thrusts until the object comes out or they lose consciousness.
  5. If they become unconscious, lower them to the ground and start CPR, calling emergency services immediately.
⚠ Never do blind finger sweeps in the mouth — you may push the object further in.

Severe Bleeding Emergency

  1. Apply firm, direct pressure on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
  2. Keep pressing continuously — don't lift the cloth to check.
  3. If blood soaks through, add another layer on top rather than removing the first.
  4. Raise the injured area above heart level if possible.
  5. Call emergency services for deep or spurting wounds.
⚠ Don't apply a tourniquet unless trained — improper use can cause tissue damage.

Burns Emergency

  1. Cool the burn under running water for 10–20 minutes as soon as possible.
  2. Remove tight clothing/jewellery near the area before it swells (unless stuck to skin).
  3. Cover loosely with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or cling film.
  4. For large or deep burns, call emergency services immediately.
⚠ Never apply ice, butter, toothpaste, or ointments to a fresh burn.

CPR (Adult, Cardiac Arrest) Emergency

  1. Check responsiveness — tap and shout. Call emergency services immediately.
  2. Place the person on their back on a firm surface.
  3. Place heel of one hand on the center of the chest, other hand on top, interlock fingers.
  4. Push hard and fast — at least 5cm deep, 100–120 compressions per minute.
  5. Continue until emergency help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
⚠ If untrained in rescue breaths, hands-only CPR (compressions only) is still effective and recommended.

Fainting Emergency

  1. Lay the person flat and raise their legs about 30cm to improve blood flow to the brain.
  2. Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
  3. Ensure fresh air — open a window or move away from crowds.
  4. Once conscious, keep them lying down for a few minutes before sitting up slowly.
⚠ If they don't regain consciousness within a minute, call emergency services.

Suspected Fracture Emergency

  1. Keep the injured area still — don't try to straighten or realign it.
  2. Support the area above and below the injury with padding.
  3. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling.
  4. Get medical help for X-ray and proper immobilization.
⚠ Don't move the person unnecessarily if a spine or neck injury is suspected — wait for emergency responders.

Seizure Emergency

  1. Stay calm, clear the area of hard/sharp objects.
  2. Cushion their head with something soft.
  3. Turn them onto their side once the jerking stops, to keep the airway clear.
  4. Time the seizure — call emergency services if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
⚠ Never put anything in the person's mouth or try to hold them down during a seizure.

This guide is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a certified first-aid course or professional medical training. In any serious emergency, call for help immediately.

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