Online First Aid Course

• Heart Attack
  A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. The person might complain of chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or pain in their back, jaw, neck, or arms.
  What to do: If they’re not allergic to aspirin, aren’t bleeding, and aren’t showing signs of stroke, give one full-dose or two low-dose aspirins. Call 9-1-1 right away and stay with them.
• Seizure
  Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal brain activity. They can cause full-body shaking or just a brief spell of confusion or staring. Causes include epilepsy, injury, low blood sugar, missed meds, or toxins.
  What to do: Move objects out of the way so the person doesn’t get hurt. Don’t try to hold them down. If they vomit and you’re sure there’s no head or spine injury, gently roll them into the recovery position. Call 9-1-1.
• Stroke
  A stroke usually hits fast. Blood flow to the brain is either blocked or interrupted by a rupture. Symptoms include a sudden headache, dizziness, drooping on one side, or loss of coordination or speech.
  What to do: Call 9-1-1 right away. Make note of when the symptoms started. If the person becomes unresponsive and you don’t suspect a spinal injury, gently place them in the recovery position.
• Spinal or Head Injury
  These injuries can stop the brain from sending signals to the rest of the body. They’re often caused by car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. You might see nausea, confusion, sleepiness, or even paralysis.
  What to do: Don’t move the person unless there’s immediate danger. If they begin vomiting and you must roll them, try to keep their head, neck, and spine as still as possible. Call 9-1-1 and follow dispatcher instructions.

If they stop breathing or lose consciousness, start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Hands-Only CPR if you’re not trained to give breaths.

You’ll come back to these steps often in this Online First Aid Course, and they’ll help you act quickly and safely when every second matters.