Online First Aid Course

Learn how to provide essential care before emergency responders arrive with our 100% Online First Aid Course. Complete it in 1–2 hours and receive instant certification valid for 2 years—plus unlimited quiz retakes.

(111,773 reviews with 4.8 stars)

$36.95 $39.90

Chapters	CE Credits	Validity	Cost	Duration	ECC	Exam Attempts	Wallet Card
25	6.0	2 Years	$36.95	1-2 Hrs	Compliant	Unlimited	Download/Print/Mail

Chapters25
CE Credits6.0
Validity2 Years
Cost$36.95
Duration1-2 Hrs
ECCCompliant
Exam AttemptsUnlimited
Wallet CardDownload/Print/Mail

Chapter 18: Nervous System Emergencies

The brain and central nervous system control nearly every part of the body, from movement and sensation to reasoning, reflexes, and vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. Because of this, injuries to the brain, spine, or nervous system can have serious effects elsewhere in the body. Quick and correct First Aid is essential in these cases.

What Can Cause a Nervous System Emergency?

These emergencies can happen due to both medical conditions and physical trauma. Some common causes include:

Diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or MS
Infections
Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
Problems with blood flow or organ failure
Head or spinal injuries
Tumors

Signs and Symptoms

Every emergency looks a little different, but common signs include:

Chest pain or pressure
Sudden confusion or slurred speech
Numbness or tingling
Seizures
Headache or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Weakness or paralysis
Drainage from the nose or ears
Loss of balance or coordination

Emergency Types and How to Respond

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.