How to perform CPR on an adult

If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 000 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do here.

How to respond to a choking adult or child

Choking occurs when something gets stuck in, and blocks, a person's throat or windpipe.

How to treat burns and/or scalds

Burns and scalds are damage to the skin caused by heat.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction – also called anaphylaxis – can be life-threatening. Here is a handy fact sheet of signs and symptoms to look for, and how to administer an EpiPen.

Asthma attack

Most people who experience asthma attacks should have an action plan and medication with them at all times. Here is a fact sheet of what to do if someone has an asthma attack.

Bat bites and scratches

Anyone who is either bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical assistance, regardless of severity.

Bites and stings

Here’s a helpful guide for dealing with many different types of bites and stings – from snakes and spiders to jellyfish and bluebottles.

Burns and scalds

Remember – do not apply oils, ointment, fat or ice to burns, and do not touch the injured or blistered area. Here’s a handy fact sheet of how to treat different types of burns and scalds.

Choking adult or child

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of choking, and what to do in a situation where an adult or child is choking.

Choking infant

If an infant is choking, you should immediately call 000. Our fact sheet details the steps you can take to assist a choking infant.

Concussion

This fact sheet identifies the signs and symptoms of concussion, and outlines the steps you can take to treat someone who you suspect has a concussion.

Coronavirus

Know the signs of coronavirus (COVID-19) and help stop the spread with this handy fact sheet.

CPR on an adult

If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 000 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do here.

CPR on an infant

If an infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 000 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do here.

Diabetic emergency

Diabetic emergencies are when blood sugar levels become either too high or too low. This fact sheet covers signs and symptoms, and details what to do.

Dislocations

A dislocation is where a bone has been displaced from its normal position at a joint. Do not try to force a broken or dislocated bone back into place.

DRSABCD action plan

The St John DRSABCD Action Plan is crucial in assessing whether a patient has any life-threatening conditions and if any immediate first aid is necessary.

Electric shock

An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source. Even for a mild electric shock, the patient should seek medical first aid assistance. Learn more with this quick fact guide here.

Epileptic seizure

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterised by repeated seizures. Our first aid guide will help you to understand the signs and symptoms, and what to do to keep the person safe.

Eye injuries

An eye injury is trauma or damage to the eye caused by a direct blow to the eye. Act with extreme urgency (within seconds) if it is a heat or chemical burn.

Fainting

If someone faints, it’s important not to sit them on a chair with their head between their knees – direct the patient to lie on their back with knees raised.

Febrile convulsions

A febrile seizure is a fit or convulsion caused by a sudden change in your child's body temperature, and is usually associated with a fever.

First Aid Kits

A first aid kit is an essential item for the home, workplace and vehicles. This fact sheet identifies a checklist so you can ensure your first aid kit is stocked and ready for an emergency.    

Fractures

It can be difficult to tell whether an injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain. If in doubt, always treat it as a fracture. We’ve put together a handy first aid guide for fractures.

Frostbite

If you or someone else has suspected frost bite, it’s important not to rub or massage the frozen area, or apply radiant heat (such as fire). Learn more about how to treat frostbite here.

Hand rubbing

Using sanitiser or liquid alcohol handrub? Here’s a handy fact sheet about the best, most effective way to use handrub.

Hand washing

The single most important action you can do to avoid infection is washing your hands. We’ve put together a quick fact sheet about the best way to wash your hands to avoid infection.

Heart attack

A heart attack happens when the supply of blood to part of the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. Here’s a quick fact sheet of signs and symptoms to look for, and what to do if someone has a heart attack.  

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can quickly become heat stroke if not treated properly, which can be life-threatening. Here are the signs, symptoms, and what to do for heat-induced illnesses.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is potentially life-threatening and immediate medical aid is needed.

Hypothermia

Here’s a quick first aid fact sheet about the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, and what to do if you suspect you or someone else is experiencing hypothermia.

Nose bleed

Here’s a quick fact sheet for how to treat nose bleeds. Remember – the patient must lean their head slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nostrils for at least 10 minutes.

Poisoning

In the case of suspected poisoning, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. It’s important not to induce vomiting, unless instructed by them to do so.

Recovery position

The recovery position is one of those important pieces of first aid information that everyone should know, so we’ve created a quick and simple guide to the recovery position here.

Severe bleeding

Bleeding should be managed as severe and life-threatening if it can’t be controlled by firm, direct and continuous pressure, and/or there are signs of shock.

Shock

Any health condition or trauma can cause shock, and it is a life-threatening condition. It’s important to treat the injury or illness causing the shock, as well as the shock itself.

Smoke in your eyes

Exposure to smoke and harmful or poisonous gases and chemicals can lead to eye irritation, pain and discomfort. Here’s how to treat smoke or embers in your eyes.

Snake bite

All known or suspected snake bites must be treated as potentially life-threatening, and medical aid should be sought urgently. Learn more with this fact guide.

Spider bite

Here is a handy fact sheet and action plan for dealing with different types of spider bites.

Spinal and neck injuries

In the case of suspected neck or spinal injury, it’s imperative not to move the patient. If the patient is unconscious as a result of a head injury, you should always suspect a spinal injury.

Sprains and strains

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments and capsule at a joint in the body. A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons.

Stroke

If you see any symptoms of stroke, act F.A.S.T! Has the person's FACE dropped? Can they lift both ARMS? Is the person’s SPEECH slurred? Do they understand you? Call triple zero (000) because TIME is critical.