Question

Reteaching Activity
First Aid in Emergency Situations
Directions: Complete the following chart by writing how you
should respond with first-aid treatment for each of the following
health emergencies.
Health Emergency First-Aid Treatment
Choking
Shock
Severe Bleeding
Loss of Consciousness

Answer 1

Here are clear, simple first-aid steps you can write into the chart. These are basic, general guidelines — get formal first-aid/CPR training for hands-on practice and follow local emergency protocols.

Choking
- Ask “Are you choking?” If they can cough or speak, encourage coughing and monitor closely; do NOT hit them on the back hard.
- If they cannot breathe, speak, or cough (severe obstruction): call emergency services (or tell someone to call).
- For a conscious adult/child: perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) — until object is expelled or they become unconscious. For pregnant or very large people, use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.
- For an infant (<1 year): give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades followed by 5 chest thrusts; repeat until cleared or infant becomes unconscious.
- If they become unconscious: lower to the ground, call/confirm EMS, open airway (head-tilt/chin-lift unless spinal injury suspected), begin CPR and check mouth for dislodged object each time you open the airway.
- Do not sweep the mouth blindly; do not give anything to eat/drink.

Shock
(Signs: pale, cool/clammy skin, rapid breathing/weak pulse, confusion, thirst)
- Call emergency services if shock is suspected.
- Lay person flat on their back. If no suspected spinal/leg injury, elevate the legs about 12 inches to improve blood flow to vital organs.
- Keep them warm and comfortable (cover with blanket), but don’t overheat.
- Control any obvious bleeding.
- Loosen tight clothing, especially around neck and chest.
- Keep the person calm and monitored — watch breathing and level of consciousness.
- Do not give food or drink; avoid sudden changes in position.
- If they stop breathing, begin CPR.

Severe Bleeding
- Call emergency services immediately for heavy bleeding.
- Protect yourself with gloves if available.
- Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or dressing. Maintain pressure — do not remove dressings if soaked; add more on top and continue pressing.
- If possible and no fracture, elevate the injured limb above heart level to reduce bleeding.
- If bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled with direct pressure, use a tourniquet proximal to the wound as a last resort (record time applied) and seek emergency care immediately.
- If an object is embedded, do not remove it; apply pressure around the object and stabilize it.
- Once bleeding is controlled, secure a pressure bandage and continue to monitor for signs of shock.
- Do not remove dressings repeatedly or wipe the wound.

Loss of Consciousness
- Check safety of the scene. Tap and shout to see if they respond. Call for help/EMS if unresponsive.
- If unresponsive, check breathing: look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
- If breathing normally: place in recovery position (on their side) to keep airway clear, loosen tight clothing, monitor breathing and pulse until help arrives.
- If not breathing or only gasping: call emergency services and begin CPR (30 compressions : 2 breaths for trained rescuers). Use an AED if available.
- Check for and treat other causes (severe bleeding, head injury, overdoses) and treat for shock if needed.
- Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
- Note length of unconsciousness and any events before loss of consciousness to tell EMS.

Reminder: Call your local emergency number early for any life-threatening condition and seek formal first-aid/CPR training to prepare.