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Learning first aid is easy, cheap and can save a life. In the US you can take a one-day class (about 3-5 hours) from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and get a certificate that is valid for 2 years. You learn CPR, using an AED, choking help, stopping bleeding and handling common emergencies. No certificate is legally required for everyday life, but it is strongly recommended and is required for many jobs (lifeguard, teacher, childcare, coach).
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Not required by law for normal people, but many jobs and volunteer roles require it. Certificates are valid for 2 years. Blended courses (online part plus short in-person skills session) are common. Teens can usually take classes; many courses have no minimum age, but under 18 you may need a parent's OK to sign up, so ask the provider.
Can I start right away? Today: watch the 1-minute Hands-Only CPR video on the American Heart Association website, save 911 and Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) in your phone, and look up a class near you on redcross.org.
First make sure the scene is safe. Check if the person responds (tap shoulders, shout). If not, call 911 right away or tell someone to call, and get an AED. Then give care until help arrives.
If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start chest compressions: hands in the center of the chest, push hard and fast about 2 inches deep, 100-120 per minute (think of the beat of 'Stayin' Alive'). Let the chest rise fully. Hands-only CPR is fine if you are untrained or unwilling to do breaths.
Turn the AED on and follow its voice instructions. Place the pads as shown in the pictures on bare, dry chest. Make sure nobody touches the person when it analyzes or shocks. AEDs are safe for lay people and are found in schools, malls and gyms.
If an adult can't cough, speak or breathe, give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades, then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich). Alternate until the object comes out or the person passes out, then call 911 and start CPR. Babies need back blows and chest thrusts, never abdominal thrusts.
For heavy bleeding, press firmly with a clean cloth and do not remove it; add more layers if soaked. Call 911 if it won't stop. For minor burns, cool under running cool water for 10-20 minutes, no ice, butter or toothpaste. Cover loosely with a clean non-stick dressing.
Call for unconsciousness, trouble breathing, chest pain, stroke signs (face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble), severe bleeding, seizures over 5 minutes, severe allergic reaction, or poisoning (also Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222). If unsure, call. This guide does not replace a certified class or a doctor.
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