Welcome to FirstAidWeb Universal Emergency First Aid Course

First Aid is more than just treating minor cuts and scrapes. It’s about making quick, confident decisions in emergencies—decisions that could save a life before professional medical help arrives.

This course will teach you essential First Aid skills, from handling minor injuries to responding to life-threatening situations.

What is First Aid?

First Aid is the immediate care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives. It can range from treating a small burn to performing CPR on a cardiac arrest victim.

Your Role in an Emergency

Before you step in to help, remember these key principles:

Check the scene for safety – If the situation is dangerous (fire, gas leak, active threat), do not approach. Call 911 instead.
Get consent before helping – If the person is conscious, ask if they need assistance. If they are unconscious, consent is implied.
Call for help – If necessary, activate EMS by calling 911 or your local emergency number.
Look for medical alert tags – Some victims wear bracelets or necklaces with critical medical info.

Good Samaritan Laws: Will You Be Legally Protected?

Many people hesitate to help because they fear legal consequences. The Good Samaritan Law is designed to protect bystanders who provide reasonable and good-faith assistance. However, laws vary by state/country.

Key takeaways:

• You are protected as long as you act within your level of training and do not expect compensation.
• If you start helping, you must continue until professional help arrives or someone more qualified takes over.

Safety First: Protect Yourself First!

Helping someone in an emergency is important, but your safety comes first.

Assess the scene – If there’s danger (fire, traffic, electrical hazards), call for help instead of putting yourself at risk.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Gloves, masks, and face shields reduce the risk of infection.
Be cautious with head and spinal injuries – Never move a victim unless absolutely necessary.

Handwashing: Your First Line of Defense

Proper handwashing prevents the spread of germs. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.

How to wash your hands effectively:
Wet hands thoroughly
Apply anti-bacterial soap
Scrub for at least 20 seconds (don’t forget the back of hands and between fingers)
Rinse under running water
Dry with a clean towel, paper towel, or air dryer

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Reduce Risk for Yourself & Others

To minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens, always wear PPE like:

Disposable gloves (for bleeding control)
Face masks & shields (for rescue breathing)
Protective eyewear (to avoid fluid splashes)

After use: Dispose of PPE as biohazard waste and wash your hands immediately.

First Aid Kit: What You Need to Be Prepared

You can buy a pre-made First Aid Kit or make one yourself. Every First Aid Kit should contain:

For wounds & injuries:
Sterile adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Sterile gauze pads & tape
Antiseptic wipes & ointment

For serious injuries:
Tweezers & scissors
Splints & ace bandages
Safety pins

For illness & symptoms:
Thermometer
Aspirin/Ibuprofen
Cold pack

For protection:
Gloves & face mask
Sunscreen
Emergency contacts

Regularly check & restock your First Aid Kit to keep it up to date!