Toe-tourniquet syndrome occurs when a strand of hair wraps around a toe causing injury. This is known as a hair tourniquet. All parents and caregivers should be aware of the risk of hair tourniquets...

The heart requires a rhythm in which to pump the blood, this rhythm allows time for blood to fill the ventricles and for the ventricles to empty completely before filling again. In patients with...

Veins are just one part of the larger circulatory system. The circulatory system comprises various components, including the heart, arteries, veins, and blood.  This system is vital because it works to carry essential elements...

Blood pressure is a measure of the force that is required to push blood around the body. Like a boiler system, a certain amount of pressure is required to ensure adequate flow. The blood...

The clavicle, also called the collar bone, is an important bone which connects our upper limb to the rest of our body. The clavicle (collar bone) connects the sternum (breast bone) from the axial...

Resuscitation and CPR guidelines have been changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. The international liaison committee on resuscitation (ILCOR) has published new guidance based upon a review of the...

A button battery (also called coin cell / disk battery) is a small battery used in small portable electronic devices, for example, watches and vehicle keys. Lithium button batteries are commonly found in our...

A flail chest is a serious injury to the thorax (chest). Severe trauma to the chest wall may cause extensive disruption, with multiple rib and sternal fractures. When a segment of chest wall loses...

Tonic-clonic (convulsive) seizures, (formerly referred to as grand mal epilepsy) are what most people think of as epilepsy. There are four stages in this type of seizure. In this first aid blog post we...

A cerebrovascular event (CVE) is another term used to refer to a stroke. Strokes are sudden and have an immediate effect on the patient. A patient may become numb, weak or have paralysis on one...

The ‘FAST’ test is a commonly used tool to remember the key signs and symptoms of a stroke (cerebrovascular event, or CVE). The FAST test is widely taught on first aid/CPR courses globally. The...

Strokes, and mini-strokes, are both serious conditions affecting the blood supply to the brain. In this first aid blog post, we will discuss the difference between a stroke and a mini-stroke (TIA). First aiders...

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often affects young and fit people and will continue to affect them to a varying degree for the rest of their lives. Spinal cord injuries often occur after high-energy traumatic...

An animal or insect bite or sting can be dangerous. Bites or stings can cause infection, pain, shock, an allergic reaction and in some cases death. It’s important to know the basic first aid...