---
name: first-aid-guide
description: |
  Comprehensive first aid reference covering emergency response protocols (DRSABCD), CPR basics, choking response, wound care, burn treatment, fracture and sprain care, allergic reaction management, heat and cold emergencies, and poisoning response. Reference only - always seek certified training.
  Use when the user asks about first aid guide, or needs help with comprehensive first aid reference covering emergency response protocols (drsabcd), cpr basics, choking response, wound care, burn treatment, fracture and sprain care, allergic reaction management, heat and cold emergencies, and poisoning response.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional medical advice or falls outside the scope of first aid guide.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "health-wellness guide checklist"
  category: "health-wellness"
  subcategory: "preventive-health"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "not-medical-advice"
  difficulty: "beginner"
---

# First Aid Reference Guide

> **Disclaimer:** This skill provides general wellness and health information for educational purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, starting a new fitness program, or changing your diet. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.

> **CRITICAL DISCLAIMER:** This skill is a **REFERENCE GUIDE ONLY**. It is **NOT** a substitute for certified first aid and CPR training. Reading this guide does NOT qualify you to provide first aid. **Get properly certified** through:
>
> - **American Red Cross:** redcross.org
> - **American Heart Association:** heart.org
> - **National Safety Council:** nsc.org
> - Or your country's equivalent certification body
>
> **In any emergency, ALWAYS call 911 (or your local emergency number) FIRST.** Follow the instructions of emergency dispatchers. Provide first aid only to the extent of your training and comfort level.
>
> This guide does not replace professional medical care and cannot account for individual circumstances. Laws regarding Good Samaritan protections vary by jurisdiction.

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about first aid guide
- User needs guidance on first aid guide topics
- User wants a structured approach to first aid guide

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

```
FIRST AID SCENARIO ASSESSMENT
================================

1. IS THIS AN ACTIVE EMERGENCY?
   [ ] Yes, happening right now -> Call 911 FIRST, then reference this guide
   [ ] No, I want to learn/prepare -> Continue with guide

2. WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION DO YOU NEED?
   [ ] Emergency response steps (DRSABCD)
   [ ] CPR reference
   [ ] Choking response
   [ ] Wound/bleeding care
   [ ] Burn treatment
   [ ] Fracture/sprain care
   [ ] Allergic reaction response
   [ ] Heat or cold emergency
   [ ] Poisoning response
   [ ] General first aid kit contents
   [ ] When to call emergency services

3. TRAINING STATUS:
   [ ] CPR/First Aid certified (current)
   [ ] Previously certified (expired)
   [ ] No formal training
   [ ] Want to get certified (-> provide resources)

4. CONTEXT:
   [ ] Home/family preparedness
   [ ] Workplace first aid
   [ ] Outdoor/wilderness
   [ ] Childcare
   [ ] Elderly care
   [ ] Sports/athletics
```

## DRSABCD - Emergency Response Protocol

This is the primary framework for responding to any emergency:

```
D - DANGER
===========
  CHECK for danger to:
  1. YOURSELF (you can't help if you become a victim)
  2. BYSTANDERS
  3. THE PATIENT

  Only approach if it is SAFE to do so.
  Remove the danger from the person, or the person from the danger.
  If unsafe, stay back and call 911.

R - RESPONSE
=============
  CHECK if the person is responsive:
  1. Tap their shoulders firmly
  2. Shout: "Are you okay? Can you hear me?"
  3. Check for response: eyes opening, speaking, moving

  If RESPONSIVE: Ask what happened, assess injuries, call for help if needed
  If UNRESPONSIVE: Move to next step immediately

S - SEND FOR HELP
# ... (condensed) ...
  5. Press ANALYZE button (or it auto-analyzes)
  6. If shock advised: Shout "CLEAR!", ensure no one is touching, press SHOCK
  7. Immediately resume CPR after shock
  8. Follow AED prompts

  AEDs are designed for use by untrained bystanders.
  You CANNOT harm someone by using an AED incorrectly - it will
  only deliver a shock if the heart rhythm requires it.
```

## Choking Response

### Adult and Child (over 1 year) - Conscious

```
CHOKING RESPONSE - CONSCIOUS ADULT/CHILD
==========================================
1. ASK: "Are you choking? Can you cough?"
   - If they CAN cough forcefully: Encourage coughing
   - If they CANNOT cough, speak, or breathe: Proceed below

2. CALL 911 (or have someone call)

3. ABDOMINAL THRUSTS (Heimlich Maneuver):
   a. Stand behind the person
   b. Make a fist with one hand
   c. Place thumb side of fist just ABOVE the navel,
      BELOW the breastbone
   d. Grasp fist with other hand
   e. Give quick, upward thrusts
   f. Repeat until object is expelled or person becomes unconscious

4. IF PERSON BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS:
   - Lower them to the ground carefully
   - Call 911 if not already done
   - Begin CPR (check mouth for visible object before breaths)

FOR PREGNANT OR OBESE INDIVIDUALS:
   - Perform CHEST THRUSTS instead (arms around chest,
     hands on center of breastbone)
```

### Infant (under 1 year) - Conscious

```
CHOKING RESPONSE - CONSCIOUS INFANT
=====================================
1. Support infant face-down on your forearm, head lower than body
2. Give 5 BACK BLOWS between shoulder blades with heel of hand
3. Turn infant face-up on your forearm
4. Give 5 CHEST THRUSTS with 2 fingers on center of breastbone
   (just below nipple line)
5. Repeat back blows and chest thrusts until object is cleared
   or infant becomes unconscious
6. If unconscious: Begin infant CPR, call 911

NEVER do abdominal thrusts on an infant.
NEVER do a blind finger sweep in an infant's mouth.
```

## Wound Care

### Controlling Bleeding

```
BLEEDING CONTROL STEPS
========================
1. PROTECT yourself (gloves or barrier if available)
2. APPLY DIRECT PRESSURE with clean cloth/gauze
3. MAINTAIN PRESSURE - do not lift to check
4. If blood soaks through, ADD more material on top
5. ELEVATE the injured area above the heart if possible
6. For SEVERE bleeding: Apply pressure firmly and call 911

TOURNIQUET (life-threatening limb bleeding only):
  - Use ONLY when direct pressure fails and bleeding is life-threatening
  - Apply 2-3 inches above the wound (not on a joint)
  - Tighten until bleeding stops
  - Note the time applied
  - Do NOT remove once applied
  - This requires training; use only in extreme situations
```

### Wound Cleaning and Bandaging

```
MINOR WOUND CARE
==================
1. WASH your hands thoroughly
2. STOP bleeding with gentle pressure (5-10 minutes)
3. CLEAN the wound:
   - Rinse under clean running water for 5 minutes
   - Use mild soap around (not in) the wound
   - Remove visible debris with clean tweezers (sterilized with alcohol)
4. APPLY thin layer of antibiotic ointment (if no allergy)
5. COVER with sterile bandage or adhesive bandage
6. CHANGE the dressing daily or when wet/dirty
7. WATCH for signs of infection (see below)
```

### When Wounds Need Medical Attention
- Deep wounds (fat or muscle visible)
- Gaping wounds that won't close
- Wounds that won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
- Wounds on the face, hands, feet, or over joints
- Dirty wounds or wounds from rusty/dirty objects
- Animal or human bites
- Puncture wounds
- Signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, fever
- If tetanus shot is not up to date (every 10 years, or 5 years for dirty wounds)

## Burn Treatment

### Burn Classification

| Degree | Appearance | Pain Level | Depth | Treatment |
|--------|-----------|-----------|-------|-----------|
| 1st (Superficial) | Red, dry, no blisters | Painful | Epidermis only | Home care usually OK |
| 2nd (Partial) | Red, blisters, moist | Very painful | Into dermis | Doctor for large/sensitive areas |
| 3rd (Full) | White/charred, dry, leathery | May be painless (nerve damage) | Through dermis | Call 911 - Emergency |

### Burn First Aid

```
BURN TREATMENT STEPS
======================
1. STOP the burning process:
   - Remove from heat source
   - Remove clothing near burn (unless stuck to skin)
   - Remove jewelry near burn (before swelling)

2. COOL the burn:
   - Run COOL (not cold/ice) water over the burn for 10-20 minutes
   - This is effective up to 3 hours after the burn
   - Do NOT use ice, butter, toothpaste, or other home remedies

3. COVER:
   - Loosely cover with sterile non-stick dressing
   - Do NOT pop blisters
   - Do NOT apply ointments to severe burns

4. MANAGE PAIN:
   - OTC pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
   - Keep the burn elevated if possible

CALL 911 FOR:
  - Burns larger than the person's palm
  - Burns on face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
  - All 3rd degree burns
  - Chemical burns
  - Electrical burns
  - Burns all the way around a limb
  - Burns in children under 5 or adults over 60
  - Burns with inhalation injury (singed nose hair, soot in mouth)
```

## Fracture and Sprain Care

### Identifying Fractures vs Sprains

| Sign | Possible Fracture | Sprain |
|------|------------------|--------|
| Deformity | Visible - limb looks bent/abnormal | Usually none |
| Swelling | Rapid, significant | Moderate |
| Bruising | May be severe | Usually present |
| Pain | Severe, worse with movement | Moderate to severe |
| Ability to use | Often cannot bear weight/use | May be able to partially use |
| Sound at injury | May have heard a crack/snap | May have heard a pop |

### RICE Protocol (for sprains and stable suspected fractures)

```
R - REST
  Stop using the injured area
  Do not try to "walk it off"

I - ICE
  Apply ice wrapped in cloth for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
  Continue for first 48-72 hours
  Never apply ice directly to skin

C - COMPRESSION
  Wrap with elastic bandage (not too tight)
  Should not cause numbness, tingling, or color change
  Remove if swelling increases

E - ELEVATION
  Raise the injured area above heart level when possible
  Use pillows to prop up while resting
```

### When to Seek Emergency Care for Injury
- Visible bone or deformity
- Loss of sensation or circulation below injury
- Unable to bear any weight
- Joint appears dislocated
- Severe swelling that is increasing rapidly
- Open fracture (bone through skin) - call 911
- Injury to head, neck, or spine - call 911, do not move person

### Splinting (immobilization)

```
BASIC SPLINTING PRINCIPLES
=============================
Purpose: Immobilize the injury to prevent further damage

1. Do NOT attempt to realign or push bones back
2. Splint in the position found
3. Immobilize the joint ABOVE and BELOW the fracture
4. Use whatever is available: boards, rolled newspaper,
   pillows, cardboard, buddy-taping fingers/toes
5. Pad the splint for comfort
6. Secure with bandages, tape, cloth strips
7. Check circulation below the splint:
   - Skin color (should not be blue/white)
   - Temperature (should not be cold)
   - Sensation (should not be numb)
   - Capillary refill (press nail, color should return in 2 sec)
```

## Allergic Reaction Response

### Severity Levels

```
ALLERGIC REACTION ASSESSMENT
==============================

MILD (antihistamine and monitor):
  [ ] Hives in a limited area
  [ ] Mild itching
  [ ] Slight swelling at contact site
  [ ] Sneezing, runny nose

MODERATE (seek medical care):
  [ ] Widespread hives
  [ ] Significant swelling (face, lips)
  [ ] Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
  [ ] Difficulty swallowing (mild)

SEVERE / ANAPHYLAXIS (CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY):
  [ ] Difficulty breathing, wheezing
  [ ] Throat tightness or swelling
  [ ] Swollen tongue
  [ ] Dizziness, fainting
  [ ] Rapid or weak pulse
  [ ] Two or more body systems affected simultaneously
  [ ] Drop in blood pressure (pale, clammy, weak)
```

### Anaphylaxis Response

```
ANAPHYLAXIS EMERGENCY RESPONSE
================================
1. CALL 911 immediately
2. Help person use their EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTOR (EpiPen) if available:
   - Remove safety cap
   - Press firmly against OUTER THIGH (can go through clothing)
   - Hold for 10 seconds
   - Note the time
   - Can repeat in 5-15 minutes if symptoms don't improve
3. Have person LIE DOWN with legs elevated
   (sit up if having breathing difficulty)
4. Loosen tight clothing
5. If person stops breathing, begin CPR
6. Do NOT give anything by mouth if having difficulty breathing
7. Stay with person until emergency services arrive

AFTER EPINEPHRINE:
  Person MUST still go to the emergency room
  Anaphylaxis can return (biphasic reaction) hours later
```

## Heat and Cold Emergencies

### Heat Emergencies

| Condition | Signs | Response |
|-----------|-------|----------|
| Heat cramps | Muscle cramps during exercise, sweating | Move to shade, stretch, hydrate with electrolytes |
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, cool/clammy skin | Move to cool place, loosen clothing, cool with wet cloths, sip water. Seek medical help if vomiting or symptoms worsen |
| Heat stroke | HIGH temp (103F+), red/hot/DRY skin, confusion, loss of consciousness | **CALL 911.** Cool rapidly (cold water immersion, ice packs at neck/armpits/groin). This is life-threatening. |

### Cold Emergencies

| Condition | Signs | Response |
|-----------|-------|----------|
| Frostnip | Numbness, white/waxy skin | Move indoors, warm gently (body heat, warm water 98-105F) |
| Frostbite | Hard/waxy skin, blisters, no sensation | Seek medical care. Warm in 98-105F water. Do NOT rub. Do NOT rewarm if refreezing is possible |
| Hypothermia | Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness | **CALL 911.** Move to warm area, remove wet clothing, warm the core GRADUALLY with blankets, warm (not hot) drinks if conscious |

## Poisoning Response

```
POISONING EMERGENCY
=====================
1. CALL Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (US, available 24/7)
   or CALL 911 if person is unconscious, having seizures,
   or difficulty breathing

2. IDENTIFY the substance if possible:
   - What was it?
   - How much?
   - When?
   - Person's age and weight?

3. DO NOT:
   - Induce vomiting (unless specifically told to by Poison Control)
   - Give anything by mouth unless directed by Poison Control
   - Follow advice from the internet without calling Poison Control first

4. IF POISON IS ON SKIN:
   - Remove contaminated clothing
   - Flush skin with water for 15-20 minutes

5. IF POISON IS IN EYES:
   - Flush eyes with clean water for 15-20 minutes
   - Remove contact lenses

6. IF POISON IS INHALED:
   - Move to fresh air immediately
   - Call 911 if person is not breathing
```

## First Aid Kit Contents

### Home First Aid Kit

```
BASIC HOME FIRST AID KIT
===========================
[ ] Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
[ ] Sterile gauze pads (3x3 and 4x4)
[ ] Roller gauze bandage
[ ] Adhesive tape (medical)
[ ] Elastic bandage (ACE wrap)
[ ] Triangular bandage (sling)
[ ] Scissors
[ ] Tweezers
[ ] Disposable gloves (non-latex)
[ ] Instant cold packs
[ ] Antibiotic ointment
[ ] Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
[ ] Antiseptic wipes
[ ] Hand sanitizer
[ ] Thermometer
[ ] CPR face shield or pocket mask
[ ] First aid reference card
[ ] Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
[ ] Antihistamine (diphenhydramine)
[ ] Emergency blanket (mylar)
[ ] Saline solution (eye wash)
[ ] List of emergency contacts and medications

CHECK AND RESTOCK: Every 6 months
Replace expired items immediately
```

## When to Call Emergency Services

```
CALL 911 WHEN:
================
[ ] Person is unconscious or unresponsive
[ ] Difficulty breathing or not breathing
[ ] Chest pain or pressure
[ ] Severe bleeding that won't stop
[ ] Signs of stroke (FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
[ ] Severe burns
[ ] Suspected spinal or head injury
[ ] Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
[ ] Poisoning or overdose
[ ] Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or first seizure
[ ] Drowning
[ ] Severe heat stroke
[ ] Severe hypothermia
[ ] Compound fracture (bone through skin)
[ ] Pregnancy emergency
[ ] Any situation where you feel the person's life is at risk

WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL. It is always better to call and not need
emergency services than to not call and need them.
```


## Output Format

```
FIRST AID GUIDE OUTPUT
======================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with first aid guide"

**Output:** A structured first aid guide plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
