First Aid: Assessment, Bleeding, Shock, and Medical Emergencies
Scene Safety and the Primary Check
Every first aid response starts with scene safety: look for traffic, fire, downed wires, or hazards before you approach, and use gloves or a barrier when available. Then check responsiveness (tap and shout) and breathing. A person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally needs CPR and an AED - that decision belongs to the CPR domain, but the first aid candidate must recognize it.
Bleeding and Wounds
Control life-threatening bleeding with firm, direct pressure using a dressing or clean cloth. If bleeding soaks through, add more material on top rather than removing the original dressing. A tourniquet is for severe limb bleeding that pressure cannot control. For minor wounds, irrigate and cover. Trap: questions reward steady direct pressure first; tourniquet is not the first step for ordinary bleeding.
Shock
Suspect shock after significant injury or illness. Signs include pale or bluish skin, rapid breathing, weakness, thirst, and confusion. Keep the person lying down, keep them warm, and do not give food or drink.
Medical Emergencies
For stroke, remember F.A.S.T. (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call). For suspected heart attack, help the person rest, loosen tight clothing, and call for emergency help. For seizures, protect the person from injury, do not restrain them or put anything in the mouth, and let the seizure run its course. For diabetic emergencies, only give sugar if the person is awake and can swallow. For poisoning or allergic reaction, call for guidance and follow the person's prescribed plan (such as an epinephrine auto-injector) if trained.
Rule of Thumb
Life threats first, then comfort. Bleeding, breathing, and responsiveness outrank bandaging scrapes. If a question offers two plausible actions, pick the one that addresses the most immediate threat to life.