FastAid
Health & Emergency Guide

• Swelling around the ankle
• Pain when walking or bearing weight
• Bruising or tenderness
• Limited range of motion

1. Rest — stop activity immediately and do not walk on it.
2. Ice — apply ice wrapped in cloth for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
3. Compression — wrap with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
4. Elevation — keep the ankle raised above the level of your heart.
5. Pain Relief — take mild over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
6. Gentle Movement — after 48 hours, try very gentle circular motions.
7. Check Circulation — ensure bandages aren't too tight (numbness/tingling).

• Don't apply ice directly to skin
• Don't walk on it if severe pain
• Don't ignore swelling that worsens

Seek care if you can't bear weight or swelling is severe.

• Bleeding from skin break
• Pain at wound site
• Possible dirt or debris in wound

1. Wash Hands — Clean your hands thoroughly before touching the wound.
2. Stop Bleeding — Apply gentle, steady pressure with a clean bandage.
3. Rinse Wound — Use clean, running water to wash away dirt and debris.
4. Clean Area — Gently clean the skin around the wound with mild soap.
5. Apply Ointment — Use a thin layer of antibiotic cream to keep it moist.
6. Cover Wound — Place a sterile bandage or gauze over the area.
7. Change Daily — Replace the dressing every 24 hours or if it gets wet.

• Don't remove embedded objects
• Don't use cotton wool directly on wound
• Don't blow on the wound

Seek care if bleeding won't stop after 10 min, wound is deep, or stitches may be needed.

• Red, blistered, or white skin
• Severe pain or no pain (severe burns)
• Swelling at burn site

1. Cool the Burn — Run cool (not cold) water over the area for 10-20 minutes.
2. Remove Jewelry — Gently take off rings or restrictive items before swelling starts.
3. Assess the Area — Check for charred skin or large blisters that need medical care.
4. Cover Loosely — Use cling wrap or a clean, non-fluffy cloth to protect the site.
5. Avoid Irritants — Ensure no ice, grease, or butter is applied to the burn.
6. Pain Management — Take mild over-the-counter pain relief if you feel discomfort.
7. Leave Blisters — Do not pop any blisters, as they protect the underlying skin.

• Don't use ice, toothpaste, or butter
• Don't break blisters
• Don't remove stuck clothing

Seek care for burns larger than palm size, facial burns, or chemical burns.

• Blood flowing from one or both nostrils
• Possible dizziness if blood loss is heavy

1. Positioning — Sit down and lean your body slightly forward.
2. Firm Pinch — Pinch the soft part of your nose firmly with your thumb and finger.
3. Breathe Easy — Breathe through your mouth while your nose is pinched.
4. Be Patient — Hold the pinch for 10–15 minutes continuously without letting go.
5. Release Slowly — Release the pressure slowly to check if the bleeding has stopped.
6. Cool Down — Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bridge of your nose.
7. Rest Quietly — Avoid bending over or straining for several hours after the bleed.

• Don't tilt head back — may cause swallowing blood
• Don't stuff tissue tightly up the nostril
• Don't blow nose after bleeding stops

Seek care if bleeding lasts more than 20 min or follows a head injury.

• Cannot speak, cough, or breathe
• High-pitched noise when breathing
• Blue tinge to lips or face
• Clutching throat with hands

1. Check for Coughing — Encourage them to cough hard if they are able to.
2. Positioning — Stand behind them and lean them slightly forward.
3. Back Blows — Give up to 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades.
4. Check Airway — Quickly check if the object has been dislodged.
5. Abdominal Thrusts — If failed, perform 5 Heimlich thrusts above the navel.
6. Cycle Actions — Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts.
7. Call for Help — Dial emergency services if the object remains stuck.

• Don't do abdominal thrusts on infants
• Don't do blind finger sweeps in the mouth
• Don't leave them alone

Call 911 immediately if person becomes unconscious.

• Sudden brief loss of consciousness
• Pale, cold, clammy skin
• Weak pulse
• Nausea or dizziness before fainting

1. Safe Positioning — Lay the person flat on their back on the ground.
2. Elevate Legs — Raise their legs about 30 cm (12 inches) above heart level.
3. Loosen Clothing — Loosen any tight belts, collars, or restrictive waistbands.
4. Improve Airflow — Ensure they have fresh air and a cool, quiet environment.
5. Check Breathing — Monitor for a clear airway; start CPR if they aren't breathing.
6. Recovery Rest — Allow them to remain lying down when they come around.
7. Monitor Status — Check for confusion or injury and keep them calm while resting.

• Don't give water until fully conscious
• Don't leave person standing
• Don't place a pillow under head

Seek care if fainting is recurrent, unexplained, or followed by confusion.

• Body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F)
• Chills and shivering
• Headache and muscle aches
• Sweating, flushed skin

1. Environment — Rest in a cool, quiet, and well-ventilated room.
2. Hydration — Drink plenty of fluids like water, juice, or broth.
3. Medication — Take paracetamol or ibuprofen only as directed.
4. Cooling — Apply a cool, damp cloth to the forehead or back of neck.
5. Comfort — Remove extra layers of heavy clothing or blankets.
6. Monitoring — Check and record the temperature every 2 to 4 hours.
7. Watch Signs — Look for a stiff neck, rash, or breathing difficulties.

• Don't use ice baths — may cause shivering
• Don't give aspirin to children
• Don't suppress fever below 38°C unnecessarily

Seek care if fever exceeds 39.4°C, lasts more than 3 days, or is accompanied by stiff neck.

• Throbbing or pressure in head
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Nausea
• Pain may be one-sided (migraine)

1. Find Quiet — Rest in a quiet, darkened room to reduce stimulation.
2. Hydrate — Drink a full glass of water, as dehydration is a common trigger.
3. Compress — Apply a cold or warm compress to your forehead or neck.
4. Medication — Take OTC pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed.
5. Digital Break — Avoid all screens, bright lights, and loud noises.
6. Relaxation — Practice slow breathing and consciously relax tense muscles.
7. Pressure Relief — Remove any tight headbands or hats that may cause tension.

• Don't ignore sudden severe "thunderclap" headache
• Don't take pain medication more than 2 days in a row
• Don't skip meals — hunger triggers headaches

Seek care immediately for sudden severe headache, vision changes, or headache after head injury.

• Puncture wounds or lacerations
• Bleeding
• Swelling and bruising around wound

1. Thorough Wash — Wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Control Bleeding — Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if the wound is bleeding.
3. Disinfect — Apply an antiseptic solution to the cleaned area.
4. Dress Wound — Cover the area with a clean, sterile dressing or bandage.
5. Seek Medical Care — Report to the infirmary or hospital within 24 hours.
6. Start Treatment — Receive anti-rabies and tetanus treatment as advised by doctors.
7. Finish Schedule — Complete the full vaccination schedule to ensure full protection.

• Don't delay treatment even if wound seems minor
• Don't close the wound tightly
• Don't ignore it — rabies is fatal if untreated

Seek medical care immediately. Rabies vaccination must begin promptly.

• Red, swollen, itchy bump
• Stinger may be visible (bee)
• Burning or stinging sensation

1. Scrape Stinger — Remove the stinger quickly using a card or fingernail.
2. Clean Area — Wash the bite site thoroughly with mild soap and water.
3. Reduce Swelling — Apply a cold compress or ice pack for 10 minutes.
4. Elevate — Keep the affected limb raised to further reduce any swelling.
5. Apply Cream — Use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for the itch.
6. Oral Relief — Take an over-the-counter antihistamine for severe itching.
7. Watch for Allergy — Monitor for 30 minutes for signs of a severe reaction.

• Don't squeeze or pinch a bee stinger
• Don't scratch — can cause infection
• Don't ignore hives, swelling, or breathing difficulty

Call 911 immediately for signs of anaphylaxis: throat swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness.

• Heavy sweating, cool pale skin
• Rapid weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue

1. Find Shade — Move to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area immediately.
2. Positioning — Lay them down and elevate their legs to support circulation.
3. Cool the Skin — Apply cool, damp cloths or spray the skin with water.
4. Loosen Clothing — Remove or loosen any tight or restrictive clothing.
5. Hydrate Slowly — Have them sip cool water slowly if they are conscious.
6. Airflow — Use fans or fanning to increase cooling through evaporation.
7. Monitor — Closely watch their temperature and level of consciousness.

• Don't give cold beverages too fast — may cause cramps
• Don't leave person alone
• Don't ignore — may progress to heat stroke

Seek care if symptoms worsen, person loses consciousness, or temperature exceeds 40°C.

• Pain at injury site, worse on movement
• Swelling and bruising
• Deformity or unusual shape
• Inability to move limb normally

1. Stop Movement — Immediately stop any movement of the injured area.
2. Immobilize — Use a makeshift splint or padding to keep the limb still.
3. Apply Ice — Use an ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Elevate — Keep the injured limb raised above heart level if possible.
5. Control Bleeding — Apply gentle pressure if there are any open wounds.
6. Check Circulation — Ensure splints aren't too tight; check for warmth and pulse.
7. Seek X-ray — Transport to a hospital for professional imaging and care.

• Don't try to straighten or realign the bone
• Don't apply ice directly to skin
• Don't allow person to bear weight on fracture

Seek emergency care immediately — all suspected fractures need X-ray and proper treatment.

• No response to tapping shoulders
• No normal breathing (gasping is not normal breathing)
• No pulse detectable

1. Call Emergency — Call emergency services immediately.
2. Open Airway — Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
3. Check Breathing — Look for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
4. Compressions — Give 30 chest compressions — hard and fast, in the center of the chest.
5. Rescue Breaths — Give 2 rescue breaths if you are trained and comfortable.
6. Maintain Cycle — Continue the 30:2 cycle until help arrives or the person recovers.
7. Use AED — Attach an Automated External Defibrillator as soon as one is available.

• Don't stop CPR unless person recovers or help arrives
• Don't pause for more than 10 seconds
• Don't be afraid — imperfect CPR is better than none

Continue CPR and call emergency services. Use an AED if available.