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First Aid
As a group involved in physical activity, it's only right that where things go wrong, we have a duty to make it right. We have borrowed some information from St. John's Ambulance to make people aware of how to respond. We recommend everyone takes a first aid course before doing anything and uses information we provide as a reminder.
Identifying Problems
First aid advice | St John Ambulance
Click Anywhere In This Section For Direct Link To St. John's Ambulance Website
Advice categories
Get advice on a range of common conditions.
Medication in hot weather:
what you need to know
Some medications can change how your body responds to heat and sun exposure.
Alcohol poisoning
When someone drinks too much alcohol they can suffer from alcohol poisoning.
Anaphylaxis
An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an allergen or ‘trigger’ substance. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of allergic reaction.
Angina attack
Angina is pain in the chest which can happen with increased exertion or excitement.
Asthma attack
During an asthma attack, breathing becomes more difficult.
Baby seizures
Seizures in babies can happen for many reasons.
Blisters
Blisters are common on the feet and can be caused by ill-fitting shoes, but can appear anywhere on the skin.
Broken bones and fractures
A break or crack in a bone is called a fracture.
Bruises
Bruises can be painful and tender.
Burns and scalds
If someone receives a burn or scald, your priority is to cool the burn as quickly as possible.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns can occur from common household products, in industry, or from malicious acid attacks.
Choking
When someone is choking, they may be unable to breathe properly.
Choking baby (under one year old)
As you start weaning your baby, they may be at risk of choking.
Choking Child
When a child is choking, they may be unable to breathe properly.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by allergies or infections.
Croup
Children can sometimes be affected by a condition called croup.
Cuts and grazes
Cuts and grazes are common injuries that can usually be treated at home.
Dehydration
Dehydration can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated.
Diabetic emergencies
People who have diabetes may experience a diabetic emergency, where their blood sugar becomes too high or too low.
Dislocation
Dislocated joints happen when bones are pulled out of their normal position.
Drowning
Learn what the signs are for someone drowning, and how to help.
Drug overdose
Poisons are chemicals or substances that if taken or absorbed into the body in sufficient quantities can cause damage.
Earache
Earache is often caused by an infection.
Electric shock
Electrical currents can cause serious injury. Find out what to look for and what to do if someone suffers electrocution from low voltage current.
Eye injury
Eye injuries caused by something getting into the eye can vary in severity. Some foreign objects can be rinsed out, but others may cut or penetrate the eye and require medical help quickly.
Fainting
Sometimes people faint if there is not enough blood flowing to the brain.
Fever
A sustained high temperature above 38°C is called a fever.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning can be caused by eating contaminated food, usually when it hasn't been cooked properly.
Foreign object in child's nose or ear
Children and babies often push foreign objects into their nose or ears, which can cause a number of problems.
Frostbite
Frostbite can happen when exposed to freezing cold temperatures.
Hay fever
Hay fever is a common condition caused by an allergy to pollen.
Head injuries in babies and children
When your baby starts to crawl, they may bump their head or fall.
Head injury
All head injuries are potentially serious because they may damage the brain. A head injury may cause damage to the brain tissue, a skull fracture, or an injury to the spine or neck.
Headaches
Most headaches aren’t serious. However, some headaches can be a sign of more serious conditions.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when the supply of blood to part of the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion usually happens to people who aren't used to hot, humid weather.
Heat rash
Heat rash is sometimes called prickly heat.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is more serious than heat exhaustion and can be life-threatening.
How to apply a dressing
When you have a wound, you should always cover it with a dressing as this can help to prevent infection.
How to bandage a hand
When you have hurt your hand, you can use a roller bandage to hold a dressing in place or to support a sprained wrist.
Sport Romford people will often carry support bandages to be used by people who need them.
How to do a baby primary survey
The primary survey is a quick way to find out how to treat any life-threatening conditions a baby may have using DRABC.
How to do baby CPR (under one year old)
If a baby is not responding to you and not breathing normally, you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help immediately and start CPR straight away.
How to do CPR
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away.
How to do CPR and use a defibrillator on women and other people with breasts
If a someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away.
How to do CPR on a Child
If a child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you will need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and perform child CPR straight away.
How to do the primary survey (DR ABC)
Use the primary survey to quickly assess the situation and the casualty.
How to do the secondary survey
After performing a primary survey and dealing with any life-threatening conditions, you can move on to the secondary survey.
How to handle difficult first aid situations
When responding to an emergency, it's important to recognise the emotional and physical needs of everyone involved, including your own.
How to make an arm sling
An arm sling holds the forearm in a raised or horizontal position and can support an injured upper arm, forearm, and wrist. The sling is also a useful visual warning to others that someone is injured.
How to make an elevation sling
An elevation sling is different to an arm sling. It supports the casualty's forearm and hand in a raised position.
How to manage a traffic accident
Traffic accidents can range from minor incidents such as a bicycle crash or more serious incidents like a vehicle crash.
How to protect a patient's dignity
Tips on how to protect your patient’s dignity when performing first aid.
How to put a baby in the recovery position
If a baby is not responding to you but breathing normally, it’s safe to put them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and to prevent them from choking.
How to put a child in the recovery position
If a child is not responding to you but breathing normally, it’s safe to put them in the recovery position.
How to put on a bandage
Bandages can be used to support injured joints, secure dressings, and control bleeding.
How to put on elbow and knee bandages
Elbow and knee injuries such as sprains and strains can be supported by a roller bandage.
Sport Romford people will often carry support bandages to be used by people who need them.
How to put someone in the recovery position
It’s safe to place someone in the recovery position who is not responding to you but is breathing normally.
How to use a cold compress or ice pack
Cooling an injury like a sprain or bruise can help to reduce the swelling and pain.
How to use a defibrillator (AED)
By using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) before an ambulance arrives, you can significantly increase someone’s chance of survival.
Human and animal bites
Learn first aid treatment for someone who has been bitten by someone else or an animal.
Hyperventilation
Find out what to do if someone is hyperventilating.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can become life threatening quickly, so it’s important to treat it straight away.  
Insect stings
Insect stings can be painful but are not usually dangerous. However, stings to the mouth or throat can be more serious. You should also watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
How to respond to a life-threatening bleed
A severe bleed is likely to be slowed with pressure and usual bleeding treatments, a life-threatening bleed will not.
Meningitis
Anyone of any age can get meningitis although it is more common in babies, children, and young adults. Find out what to look for and what to do.
Nettle stings
Nettle stings can be itchy and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation.
Nosebleeds
A nosebleed is when blood flows from the nose.
Poisoning
Poisons are substances that can be harmful if too much is absorbed by the body. Swallowed poisons include chemicals, fungi, plants, and berries. Poisoning can be accidental or deliberate.
Seizure
Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures (fits), although there are other causes. Find out what to look for and what to do.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. If untreated, it can lead to multiple organ failure and possibly death.
Severe bleeding
When bleeding is severe, it can be dramatic and distressing. Acting quickly is vital. Find out what to do.
Severe burn
Burns and scalds are caused by damage to the skin when it comes in contact with heat.
Shock
Shock - not to be confused with emotional shock – is a life-threatening condition. It happens when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen to the brain and vital organs.
Spiking
Find out what to do if you believe someone has been spiked.
Spinal cord injury
There are a variety of possible causes for a spinal injury. The greatest risk is damage to the spinal cord. Find out what to do and how to perform first aid.
Splinters
Splinters from wood, glass, or metal can enter the skin and carry a risk of infection.
Sprains and strains
Injuries to the soft structure around the bones and joints are commonly called strains and sprains. They are often associated with sports activities. Sport Romford people will often carry support bandages to be used by people who need them.
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency and you need to act FAST.
Sudden cardiac arrest
If someone has become unresponsive and they are not breathing normally, they could be in cardiac arrest.
Sunburn
Sunburn is caused by over exposure to the sun, a sunlamp, or a sunbed.
The duties and responsibilities of first aiders
First aid is the help given to someone who is injured or ill to keep them safe and to cause no further harm. The role of a first aider is to give someone this help.
Tick bites
Ticks attach themselves to passing animals (including humans) and bite into the skin, sucking the blood. They can carry diseases and should be removed as soon as possible.
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause the body to lose vital fluids and salts.
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