In a serious injury, the first minutes matter most. Bystanders who stay calm, call for help and give simple first aid can save a life before the ambulance arrives.
First steps at any emergency
- Check the scene is safe for you before approaching
- Call 108 or 112, or ask a bystander to
- Check if the person responds and is breathing
- Give first aid for what you find, and stay until help arrives
Common situations
Not breathing: CPR
Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the chest and push hard and fast, about 5 to 6 cm deep, 100 to 120 times a minute. Do not stop until help arrives.
Heavy bleeding
Press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth and keep pressing. Do not remove soaked cloth; add more on top.
Burns
Cool with clean running water for 20 minutes. Do not apply ice, butter or toothpaste. Do not burst blisters.
Fractures and spine injury
Keep the person still and support the injured part. Do not move someone with a suspected neck or back injury unless there is danger.
Mass casualty management
In a disaster, many people may be injured at once. Responders use triage to treat the most urgent first:
- Red: needs immediate life-saving care
- Yellow: serious, can wait a short time
- Green: minor injuries, can walk
- Black: deceased or beyond help
The NDMA has issued guidelines on medical preparedness and mass casualty management; see Guidelines.
General first-aid guidance only. It does not replace a certified first-aid or CPR course. Ask ODM for a training session.