Category: First aid blog

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...

Bleeding can be defined as blood loss from the patient’s circulatory system. The causes for bleeding can be different, including cuts on the external layer of the skin to deeper wounds and the kinds...

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...

A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel supplying the heart becomes blocked causing a lack of oxygen to reach the heart. A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires prompt emergency treatment in...

First aiders and first responders need to have a basic understanding of medical terminology. Here’s our list of common medical terms and what they mean. Please leave a comment on this post if you...

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction which occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to a trigger. Adrenaline is one of the emergency treatments used to treat this reaction, as it reduces the...

Are you preparing for a Basic First Aid exam or written test? Here are fifteen practice first aid questions to help you revise. The answers to these practice questions are at the end of...