First Aid Glossary

Every important First Aid terms explained.

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A

Abdominal Injuries

Trauma to the abdomen causing potential internal bleeding and organ damage. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Absence Seizures

An absence seizure causes brief lapses in awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming, and usually lasts only seconds.

Advanced Care

Specialized medical interventions beyond basic first aid, requiring professional skills. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

Advanced Care Directive

An Advanced Care Directive states a person’s healthcare wishes, but first aiders in emergencies are unlikely to access it.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart in cardiac arrest. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Agonal Breathing

Agonal breathing is gasping, irregular breathing during cardiac arrest. It is ineffective and requires urgent CPR.

Airway

Critical path for air entering lungs, must be clear to ensure breathing. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Airway Obstruction

Airway obstruction is a blockage of the airway that prevents normal breathing. It can be life-threatening and requires urgent first aid.

Allergic Reactions

Immune system's response to allergens, can range from mild to severe symptoms. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reaction needing immediate emergency treatment to prevent fatality. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Angina

Angina is chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart. It signals underlying heart disease and needs prompt attention.

Antiseptic

Agent that inhibits the growth of infectious microorganisms on the skin or wounds. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Artificial Respiration

Manual method to restore breathing in individuals who have stopped breathing. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Aspiration

Aspiration is when food, liquid, or vomit enters the airway or lungs, posing a risk of choking or lung infection.

Asthma

Chronic respiratory condition marked by airway inflammation and difficulty breathing. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Asthma Action Plan

An asthma action plan is a personalised guide to managing asthma, including daily care and steps for flare-ups.

Asthma Inhaler

Portable device delivering medication directly to lungs for asthma symptom relief. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

Asthma Puffer

An asthma puffer delivers medication to the lungs to relieve or prevent asthma symptoms, especially during an attack.

Australian Resuscitation Council

The Australian Resuscitation Council sets evidence-based CPR and first aid guidelines to improve survival in medical emergencies.

Automated Voice Prompts

Pre-recorded instructions provided by medical devices to guide users during emergencies. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

B

Back Blows

Back blows are a first aid method to clear a blocked airway by striking between the shoulder blades to dislodge an object.

Bandages

Materials used to cover wounds and provide support to injured body parts. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Barrier Device

Protective equipment used during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to prevent infection. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Emergency procedures for sustaining life, including CPR and airway management. Learn key first aid steps and safety checks that support a safe response.

Bites and Stings

Injuries caused by animals or insects, potentially leading to pain and infection. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Bleeding Control

Techniques and tools used to stop or manage bleeding in injured individuals. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Blisters

Fluid-filled sacs on the skin resulting from friction or burns. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Infectious microorganisms in blood causing diseases, requiring safety precautions. Learn what it means in first aid and how to respond safely.

Body Mechanics

The use of proper body movements to prevent injury during physical tasks. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

BPC Wound Dressing

A BPC wound dressing is a sterile first aid dressing for controlling bleeding and protecting large or serious wounds.

Breathing Difficulties

Conditions that impair normal breathing, necessitating immediate assessment and aid. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing cough and mucus production. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Burns

Tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Bystander

A bystander is someone who witnesses an emergency. Quick action from bystanders, like calling 000 or giving first aid, can save lives.

C

C.O.W.S

C.O.W.S is a first aid acronym to check responsiveness: Can you hear me? Open your eyes. What’s your name? Squeeze my hand.

Calm Reassurance

Providing emotional comfort and reducing anxiety during an emergency situation. Learn key first aid steps and safety checks that support a safe response.

Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cessation of heart function, requiring immediate resuscitative efforts. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Cardiac Conditions

Various heart-related health issues needing medical attention and management. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths to sustain circulatory and respiratory function.

Chain of Survival

Sequence of actions improving the survival rate of cardiac arrest patients. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Chemical Burns

Injury caused by exposure to harmful chemicals, needing prompt care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Chest Compressions

Manual compressions of the chest to maintain blood circulation during cardiac arrest. Know when to act and the first aid steps for a safe response.

Chest Thrusts

Chest thrusts are used in first aid to help dislodge an object from the airway when someone is choking.

Childcare First Aid

First aid techniques tailored to infants and young children's unique needs. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Chin Lift

The chin lift is a first aid technique used to open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin, often used on unconscious people.

Choking

Obstruction of the airway by a foreign object, requiring immediate removal efforts. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Circulation Problems

Issues affecting blood flow, potentially leading to serious health complications. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Cold Related Emergencies

Health emergencies arising from exposure to cold, such as frostbite or hypothermia. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Complex Partial Seizures

A complex partial seizure causes impaired awareness and automatic movements. The person may appear confused or unresponsive.

Concussion

Brain injury from impact causing temporary loss of function and requiring monitoring. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Conforming Bandage

A conforming bandage is a soft, stretchy first aid bandage used to secure dressings on joints or contoured areas of the body.

Consent

Permission obtained from a conscious individual before administering first aid. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Contusions

Bruises resulting from trauma causing bleeding under the skin. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

CPR Flowchart

Diagram showing the steps involved in performing CPR. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Crepe Bandage

A crepe bandage supports joints, reduces swelling, and secures dressings in place during first aid treatment.

Crush Injury

Damage from a heavy object compressing body parts, often leading to serious complications. Know what to watch for and how to respond safely with first aid.

Crush Syndrome

Systemic condition from prolonged compression, requiring specialized treatment. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Cut

A cut is a break in the skin caused by a sharp object. Learn basic first aid to clean, cover, and care for cut injuries safely.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of skin due to lack of oxygen, indicating respiratory issues. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

D

Debriefing

Review and discussion following an emergency event to improve future responses. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Defibrillation

Administering a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Defibrillator

A defibrillator is a device used to restart the heart during sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock.

Diabetes

Chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation, requiring careful management. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Diabetic Emergency

Critical situation caused by abnormal blood sugar levels needing urgent care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Dislocations

Bones forced out of position, often causing pain and requiring realignment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Dizziness

Sensation of lightheadedness or imbalance, potentially indicating underlying issues. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Dressings

Sterile coverings for wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Drowning

Submersion in water leading to respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

DRSABCD

Mnemonic for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation. Know when to act and the first aid steps for a safe response.

Drug Overdose

Ingestion of toxic amounts of drugs, causing serious health risks or death. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Duty of Care

Legal obligation to provide a standard of reasonable care to prevent harm. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

E

Ear Injuries

Damage to the ear from trauma or infection, potentially affecting hearing. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Electric Shock

Injury caused by electrical current passing through the body, needing careful handling. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Electrode Pad

Electrode pads are adhesive pads used with an AED to deliver a shock and analyse heart rhythm during cardiac arrest.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Essential phone numbers to call during emergency situations. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Emergency Plan

Pre-arranged procedures to follow during various types of emergencies. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Emergency Rescue Blanket

An emergency rescue blanket helps prevent heat loss and shock by keeping casualties warm during first aid emergencies.

Emergency Services

Organisations providing immediate assistance in emergencies, like police and fire departments. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

Emergency Worker

Emergency workers respond to crises like accidents, medical emergencies, and disasters, keeping Australians safe in critical situations.

Emotional Support

Providing psychological comfort to individuals during and after emergencies. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Epilepsy

Neurological disorder with recurrent seizures, requiring medical management. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Epileptic Seizure

An epileptic seizure is a burst of abnormal brain activity causing sudden changes in movement or awareness. Keep the person safe until it ends.

Epipen

Device for injecting adrenaline to treat severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

Eye Injuries

Trauma to the eye requiring prompt treatment to prevent vision loss. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Eye Pad

An eye pad is a sterile first aid dressing used to protect an injured eye from dirt, infection, and further damage.

F

Fainting

Temporary loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Febrile Convulsions

Seizures in young children triggered by high fever, needing prompt care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

First Aid Certification

Formal recognition of training and competence in providing first aid. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

First Aid Kit

Set of medical supplies for administering initial care in emergencies. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

First Aid Officer

Designated individual responsible for providing first aid in an organisation. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

First Responder

Person trained to offer initial emergency assistance before professional help arrives. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

Fracture Immobilisation

Techniques used to stabilise broken bones and prevent further injury. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Fractures

Breaks in bones caused by trauma, needing medical evaluation and treatment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Frostbite

Freezing of skin and underlying tissues from extreme cold exposure. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

G

Gauze

Thin, often sterile fabric used to dress and protect wounds. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Gloves

Protective wear for hands to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Good Samaritan Law

Legal protection for individuals who assist in emergencies, provided they act reasonably. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

Grief Counseling

Support provided to help individuals cope with loss and grief. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

H

Haemorrhage

Heavy bleeding from damaged blood vessels, needing urgent control. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Hand Hygiene

Practices to keep hands clean, preventing the spread of germs and infections. Learn key first aid steps and safety checks that support a safe response.

Hazard

A hazard is any danger at an emergency scene. First aiders must identify hazards to stay safe and give effective help.

Hazard Assessment

Process of identifying potential risks in an environment to ensure safety. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Head Injuries

Trauma to the head requiring monitoring and potentially urgent care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Head Tilt

The head tilt is used in first aid to help open an unconscious person's airway by gently tilting the head backward.

Heart Attack

Emergency where blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, causing damage. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Heart Conditions

Medical issues affecting heart function, requiring diagnosis and treatment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is when the heart can't pump blood properly, causing symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling.

Heart Rate

Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. Normal resting rates: infants 100–160, children 70–120, adults 60–100 bpm.

Heat Stroke

Severe heat illness with high body temperature, needing immediate cooling. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Heat-Related Emergencies

Health issues caused by exposure to high temperatures, like heatstroke. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

High Blood Pressure

Condition where the force of blood against artery walls is too high. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Hydrogel

Hydrogel is a water-based gel that cools burns and minor skin injuries, providing soothing relief and wound protection.

Hygiene Procedures

Steps to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection in medical settings. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Hyperventilation

Rapid breathing often from anxiety, needing techniques to restore normal breathing. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Hypothermia

Dangerously low body temperature from prolonged cold exposure. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

I

Immobilisation Techniques

Methods used to keep injured body parts stable and prevent further damage. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Incident Report

Documentation of events and responses during an emergency situation. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Ineffective Breathing

Ineffective breathing is abnormal or insufficient breathing that needs urgent first aid and emergency medical attention.

Infection Control

Measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Infection Signs

Indicators of infection like redness, swelling, and fever. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Injury Prevention

Strategies to avoid injuries in various settings. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Insect Bites

Skin punctures from insects causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Intoxication

Effects of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Irrigation Solutions

Liquids used to cleanse wounds and prevent infection. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

J

Jaw Thrust

The jaw thrust is used to open the airway of an unconscious person when a spinal injury is suspected, without moving the neck.

Joint Injuries

Damage to the connections between bones, like sprains or dislocations. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

L

Lacerations

Deep cuts or tears in the skin, needing cleaning and closure. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Legal Considerations

Aspects of law relevant to providing first aid. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Life-Threatening Conditions

Serious medical situations requiring immediate intervention to prevent death. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

M

Manual Handling

Safe techniques for lifting and moving objects to avoid injury. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Medical Alert Bracelet

Accessory indicating a person's medical conditions in emergencies. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Medical Emergency

Urgent health situation needing immediate medical attention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Medication Management

Organizing and administering medications safely and effectively to patients. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Mental Health First Aid

Initial help given to someone developing a mental health problem. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Minor Injuries

Less severe injuries that do not require emergency medical intervention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Multiple Injury Management

Coordinated care for individuals with multiple injuries. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Muscular Sprains

Injury to muscles or tendons caused by overstretching. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

N

Nasal Injuries

Injuries to the nose, potentially causing bleeding or breathing issues. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Nausea

Nausea is the feeling of needing to vomit. It can result from illness, pain, motion, or anxiety and may indicate a deeper health issue.

Needlestick Injury

Injury from a needle puncturing the skin, posing infection risk. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Negligence

Failure to provide proper care, resulting in harm. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Neurological Assessment

Evaluation of the nervous system to determine injury or disease. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Nosebleed (Epistaxis)

Bleeding from the nose caused by trauma or other factors. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

O

Obstructed Airway

Blockage of the airway requiring immediate intervention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Practices ensuring health and safety in the workplace. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Overexertion

Physical strain from excessive effort. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Own Skills and Limitations

In first aid, knowing your skills and limitations keeps care safe, effective, and within your training level.

Oxygen Administration

Providing supplemental oxygen to individuals with breathing difficulties. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

P

Paediatric First Aid

First aid techniques specifically for infants and children. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Pain Management

Techniques to alleviate pain in patients. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Paracetamol

Common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Paramedic

Paramedics provide life-saving emergency care and transport to hospital. They are highly trained first responders in Australia.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease. Learn how pathogens spread in first aid settings and the hygiene steps that reduce infection risk.

Penetrating Trauma

Injury caused by an object piercing the body. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Poison Control

Services providing advice on managing poisoning incidents. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Poisons

Substances causing harm or illness when ingested, inhaled, or contacted. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Poisons Information Centre

Australia’s Poisons Information Centre offers 24/7 expert advice on poisoning, toxic exposures, and bites or stings. Call 13 11 26 for help.

Post-Incident Debrief

Review of actions and responses after an emergency. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Primary Survey

Initial assessment to identify life-threatening conditions. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Protecting individuals personal health information. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Prosthetic Device

Artificial device replacing a missing body part. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures

PNES are seizure-like episodes caused by psychological factors, not abnormal brain activity, and may resemble epileptic seizures.

Psychological First Aid

Immediate support to reduce initial distress during emergencies. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Pulse Oximetry

Non-invasive method to measure oxygen saturation in the blood. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Puncture Wounds

Deep wounds caused by sharp objects. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

R

Radiation Exposure

Contact with harmful levels of radiation. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Regurgitation

Regurgitation is the backward flow of stomach contents, posing a choking risk during unconsciousness or CPR.

Rescue Breaths

Rescue breaths are given during CPR to provide oxygen to a non-breathing person and support life until help arrives.

Respiratory Arrest

Complete cessation of breathing, requiring resuscitation. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Respiratory Distress

Severe breathing difficulty needing urgent intervention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Respiratory Rate

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths per minute. Normal ranges: infants 30–60, children 20–30, adults 12–20 breaths/min.

Resuscitation Mask

Mask used to deliver breaths during CPR. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Risk Assessment

Identifying and evaluating potential risks. Understand why it matters in first aid, what responders should consider, and how to act safely and responsibly.

S

Saline Solution

Sterile saltwater used to clean wounds. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Secondary Survey

Detailed head-to-toe assessment following the primary survey. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Seizure Management

Care and interventions for individuals experiencing seizures. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Seizures

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Shock

Critical condition with inadequate blood flow to organs. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Skin Integrity

Maintaining healthy, unbroken skin. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Sling Application

Using a sling to immobilise an injured arm. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Snake Bite

Bite from a venomous snake requiring immediate treatment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Spacer (for Asthma Puffers)

A spacer is a chamber used with an asthma puffer to improve medication delivery to the lungs, especially during an asthma attack.

Spinal Injury

Damage to the spinal cord needing careful handling. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Splinter

A splinter is a small object stuck in the skin. Learn safe first aid removal to prevent pain and infection.

Splinter Probe

A splinter probe is a sterile tool for safely removing splinters or small foreign objects from the skin during first aid.

Splinting

Using a splint to immobilise an injured body part. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Spontaneous Breathing

Breathing that occurs without assistance. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Standard Precautions

Basic infection control practices. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Steps to Place a Casualty in the Recovery Position

Safe position to maintain an open airway in an unconscious person. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Sterilisation

Making equipment free of microorganisms. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Strain

Injury to muscles or tendons from overstretching. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Stroke

Interruption of blood supply to the brain. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Substance Misuse

Improper use of drugs or alcohol. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Sunburn

Skin damage from excessive sun exposure. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Swelling

Enlargement of body tissue due to injury or inflammation. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Syncope (Fainting)

Temporary loss of consciousness from insufficient blood flow to the brain. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

T

Tachycardia

Abnormally fast heart rate. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Tetanus

Bacterial infection causing muscle stiffness. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Thermal Burns

Burns caused by heat. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

A tonic-clonic seizure involves stiffening and jerking of muscles with loss of consciousness. Keep the person safe until it ends.

Transient Ischaemic Attack

A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms are stroke-like and require urgent medical care.

Trauma

Severe physical injury or wound. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Triage

Prioritising treatment based on injury severity. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Triangular bandage

A triangular bandage is a versatile first aid tool used as a sling or to support and immobilise injured limbs.

Tuberculosis

Infectious disease affecting the lungs. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

U

Ulcer

Open sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Universal Precautions

Measures to prevent the spread of infections. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Unresponsive

Not reacting to stimuli, indicating severe condition. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

V

Venomous Bites

Bites from venomous animals. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Ventilation

Assisting or controlling breathing. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Vital Signs

Measurements of the body's basic functions. Learn why vital signs matter in first aid assessment and when changes may need urgent help.

Vomiting

Forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

W

Waterborne Diseases

Diseases transmitted through contaminated water. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Wound Care

Procedures to treat and protect wounds. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Wound Dressing

Coverings used to protect wounds. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

X

Xiphoid Process

Small bone at the lower end of the sternum. Learn why it matters during CPR and first aid, including safe hand placement and response steps.

Y

Yellow Fever

Viral infection causing fever and jaundice. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Z

Zoonotic Diseases

Diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.