Category: First aid blog

A seizure is a medical condition in which occurs due to disorganised electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may be related to a chronic disorder called epilepsy or acutely due to head injury, low...

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Cardiac arrest occurs when a victim’s heart stops beating properly. There are many causes of sudden cardiac arrest including problems...

Automated External Defibrillator’s (or AED’s) are devices that treat the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electrical shock to the heart. AEDs treat an abnormal heart rhythm called Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) that...

What are the signs and symptoms of a seizure? Seizures can present in many different ways: Involuntary twitching Sudden change in consciousness Unusual eye movements A vacant stare Numbness or inability to use a...

What are the symptoms and signs of a headache? Babies and toddlers may not be able to tell you that they have a headache. Some other symptoms and signs that may accompany a headache...

Bumps and tumbles are a part of every childhood. With the first rush of a child’s tears, every parent goes through a period of indecision as to whether or not the injury is serious....

Splints are common injuries, especially in those undertaking outdoor activities or DIY. If a splinter is embedded deeply, difficult to remove or on a joint then leave it in place and seek medical attention. ...

Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that breaks down the sugar that we digest, so that it can be used by the cells of the body or...

Life threatening bleeding is a medical emergency. First aiders should be competent at dealing with major blood loss. There are broadly three different types of bleeding: arterial, venous and capillary.  How much blood do...

Drowning is a common cause of accidental death, especially amongst children and toddlers.  Contrary to popular opinion, a casualty who drowns does not usually inhale large amounts of water into the lungs. 90% of...

Anaphylaxis is an extremely dangerous life-threatening allergic reaction. The name ‘anaphylaxis’ means ‘without protection’ and indeed, the condition is caused by a massive over-reaction of the body’s protection (immune) system. Luckily, severe anaphylactic reactions are...

Choking is a common cause of accidental death and often preventable. Objects such as food, sweets or small objects can easily become lodged in the airway if they are accidentally ‘breathed in’ rather than...

Head injuries are a common and potentially life-threatening. It is important for first aiders to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a serious head injury and seek early medical advice. In...

Meningitis is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the meninges which are the protective coverings surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses and the contagiousness...