This is not medical advice. Always call emergency services (911 in the US) for serious injuries or life-threatening emergencies. This guide provides general information only. Take a certified first aid/CPR course for hands-on training.
A first aid quick reference guide gives you step-by-step emergency instructions when every second counts. From choking and burns to heart attack and stroke, knowing what to do before paramedics arrive can mean the difference between life and death. Select any emergency below to see immediate action steps, when to call 911, and critical mistakes to avoid.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
When to Call 911
What NOT to Do
Recovery Position
How to Use the First Aid Quick Reference Guide
This first aid quick reference is designed to give you instant access to critical emergency instructions when seconds matter. Select any of the 15 emergency types, and the guide immediately displays step-by-step instructions, 911 call criteria, common mistakes to avoid, and recovery position guidance.
Step 1: Find the Emergency Type
Click on the emergency that matches the situation — or use the search bar to type keywords like "choking," "burn," or "seizure." The guide covers choking, burns, severe bleeding, fractures, seizures, allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, poisoning, heatstroke, hypothermia, drowning, insect stings, nosebleeds, and fainting.
Step 2: Follow Steps in Order
Read the numbered steps carefully and follow them in sequence. Steps are prioritized by urgency — the most critical actions (like calling 911 or stopping bleeding) appear first. Do not skip steps or change the order unless instructed by emergency services on the phone.
Step 3: Note When to Call 911
Each emergency type includes a red "When to Call 911" section. In many cases, you should call emergency services immediately while beginning first aid. Keep someone else on the phone with 911 while you administer aid whenever possible — dispatchers can guide you through CPR and other life-saving procedures in real time.
Step 4: Avoid Common Mistakes
The amber "What NOT to Do" section lists critical errors that can worsen outcomes — such as applying ice to burns, restraining someone during a seizure, or moving someone with a suspected spinal injury. These mistakes are common and can turn a survivable emergency into a fatal one.
Step 5: Use the Recovery Position When Appropriate
If a person is unconscious but breathing normally and there is no suspected spinal injury, the recovery position helps keep the airway open. Roll them onto their side, bend the top knee for stability, tilt the head back slightly, and monitor breathing continuously until help arrives.
Important Limitations of This Guide
This first aid guide provides general information based on widely accepted guidelines. It is not a substitute for hands-on first aid and CPR training from a certified organization such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Emergency protocols evolve — always follow the most current guidelines from your local health authority. This tool is a reference aid, not a diagnostic tool.
FAQ
Is this first aid guide free to use?
Yes, the First Aid Quick Reference Guide is completely free with no signup, no account, and no hidden fees. All content runs locally in your browser and no data is ever sent to a server.
Is this a substitute for professional medical advice?
No. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always call emergency services (911 in the US) for serious injuries or medical emergencies. Take a certified first aid course for hands-on training.
When should I call 911 instead of using first aid?
Call 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, not breathing, having a heart attack or stroke, experiencing severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), has a life-threatening bleed, or is in any situation you cannot safely manage. First aid buys time until professionals arrive — it does not replace emergency services.
What is the recovery position and when should I use it?
The recovery position (lateral recumbent position) is used for unconscious people who are breathing normally. It involves rolling them onto their side to keep the airway open and prevent choking on vomit. Do NOT use it if you suspect a spinal injury — keep the person still until paramedics arrive.
How do I perform the Heimlich maneuver for choking?
Stand behind the choking person, make a fist above their navel, cover with your other hand, and give 5 firm upward abdominal thrusts. For infants, use 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts instead — never abdominal thrusts on babies under 1 year old.
What should I NOT do when someone is having a seizure?
Never hold the person down, put anything in their mouth, or try to stop the seizure. Clear the area of hard objects, place something soft under their head, and time the seizure. Call 911 if it lasts more than 5 minutes, the person does not regain consciousness, or it is their first known seizure.
How do I treat a severe burn?
Cool the burn with cool (not ice cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. Do NOT use ice, butter, toothpaste, or any home remedy. Remove jewelry near the burn but do not remove stuck clothing. Cover with a clean non-fluffy material and seek medical help for burns larger than 3 inches or on hands, face, feet, or genitals.
What are the signs of a stroke?
Use the FAST acronym: Face drooping (one side), Arm weakness (one arm drifts down), Speech difficulty (slurred or strange), Time to call 911 immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency — every minute without treatment causes irreversible brain damage. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.