A

Trauma to the abdomen causing potential internal bleeding and organ damage. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

An absence seizure causes brief lapses in awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming, and usually lasts only seconds.

Specialized medical interventions beyond basic first aid, requiring professional skills. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

An Advanced Care Directive states a person’s healthcare wishes, but first aiders in emergencies are unlikely to access it.

Device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart in cardiac arrest. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Agonal breathing is gasping, irregular breathing during cardiac arrest. It is ineffective and requires urgent CPR.

Critical path for air entering lungs, must be clear to ensure breathing. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Airway obstruction is a blockage of the airway that prevents normal breathing. It can be life-threatening and requires urgent first aid.

Immune system's response to allergens, can range from mild to severe symptoms. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Severe allergic reaction needing immediate emergency treatment to prevent fatality. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Angina is chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart. It signals underlying heart disease and needs prompt attention.

Agent that inhibits the growth of infectious microorganisms on the skin or wounds. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Manual method to restore breathing in individuals who have stopped breathing. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Aspiration is when food, liquid, or vomit enters the airway or lungs, posing a risk of choking or lung infection.

Chronic respiratory condition marked by airway inflammation and difficulty breathing. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

An asthma action plan is a personalised guide to managing asthma, including daily care and steps for flare-ups.

Portable device delivering medication directly to lungs for asthma symptom relief. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

An asthma puffer delivers medication to the lungs to relieve or prevent asthma symptoms, especially during an attack.

The Australian Resuscitation Council sets evidence-based CPR and first aid guidelines to improve survival in medical emergencies.

Pre-recorded instructions provided by medical devices to guide users during emergencies. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

B

Back blows are a first aid method to clear a blocked airway by striking between the shoulder blades to dislodge an object.

Materials used to cover wounds and provide support to injured body parts. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Protective equipment used during mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to prevent infection. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

Emergency procedures for sustaining life, including CPR and airway management. Learn key first aid steps and safety checks that support a safe response.

Injuries caused by animals or insects, potentially leading to pain and infection. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Techniques and tools used to stop or manage bleeding in injured individuals. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Fluid-filled sacs on the skin resulting from friction or burns. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Infectious microorganisms in blood causing diseases, requiring safety precautions. Learn what it means in first aid and how to respond safely.

The use of proper body movements to prevent injury during physical tasks. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

A BPC wound dressing is a sterile first aid dressing for controlling bleeding and protecting large or serious wounds.

Conditions that impair normal breathing, necessitating immediate assessment and aid. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing cough and mucus production. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

A bystander is someone who witnesses an emergency. Quick action from bystanders, like calling 000 or giving first aid, can save lives.

C

Providing emotional comfort and reducing anxiety during an emergency situation. Learn key first aid steps and safety checks that support a safe response.

Sudden cessation of heart function, requiring immediate resuscitative efforts. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Various heart-related health issues needing medical attention and management. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Sequence of actions improving the survival rate of cardiac arrest patients. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Injury caused by exposure to harmful chemicals, needing prompt care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Manual compressions of the chest to maintain blood circulation during cardiac arrest. Know when to act and the first aid steps for a safe response.

Chest thrusts are used in first aid to help dislodge an object from the airway when someone is choking.

First aid techniques tailored to infants and young children's unique needs. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

The chin lift is a first aid technique used to open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin, often used on unconscious people.

Obstruction of the airway by a foreign object, requiring immediate removal efforts. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Issues affecting blood flow, potentially leading to serious health complications. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Health emergencies arising from exposure to cold, such as frostbite or hypothermia. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

A complex partial seizure causes impaired awareness and automatic movements. The person may appear confused or unresponsive.

Brain injury from impact causing temporary loss of function and requiring monitoring. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

A conforming bandage is a soft, stretchy first aid bandage used to secure dressings on joints or contoured areas of the body.

Permission obtained from a conscious individual before administering first aid. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Bruises resulting from trauma causing bleeding under the skin. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

C.O.W.S is a first aid acronym to check responsiveness: Can you hear me? Open your eyes. What’s your name? Squeeze my hand.

Combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths to sustain circulatory and respiratory function.

Diagram showing the steps involved in performing CPR. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

A crepe bandage supports joints, reduces swelling, and secures dressings in place during first aid treatment.

Damage from a heavy object compressing body parts, often leading to serious complications. Know what to watch for and how to respond safely with first aid.

Systemic condition from prolonged compression, requiring specialized treatment. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

A cut is a break in the skin caused by a sharp object. Learn basic first aid to clean, cover, and care for cut injuries safely.

Bluish discoloration of skin due to lack of oxygen, indicating respiratory issues. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

D

Review and discussion following an emergency event to improve future responses. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Administering a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

A defibrillator is a device used to restart the heart during sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock.

Chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation, requiring careful management. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Critical situation caused by abnormal blood sugar levels needing urgent care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Bones forced out of position, often causing pain and requiring realignment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Sensation of lightheadedness or imbalance, potentially indicating underlying issues. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Sterile coverings for wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Submersion in water leading to respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Mnemonic for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation. Know when to act and the first aid steps for a safe response.

Ingestion of toxic amounts of drugs, causing serious health risks or death. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Legal obligation to provide a standard of reasonable care to prevent harm. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

E

Damage to the ear from trauma or infection, potentially affecting hearing. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Injury caused by electrical current passing through the body, needing careful handling. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Electrode pads are adhesive pads used with an AED to deliver a shock and analyse heart rhythm during cardiac arrest.

Essential phone numbers to call during emergency situations. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Pre-arranged procedures to follow during various types of emergencies. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

An emergency rescue blanket helps prevent heat loss and shock by keeping casualties warm during first aid emergencies.

Organisations providing immediate assistance in emergencies, like police and fire departments. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

Emergency workers respond to crises like accidents, medical emergencies, and disasters, keeping Australians safe in critical situations.

Providing psychological comfort to individuals during and after emergencies. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Neurological disorder with recurrent seizures, requiring medical management. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

An epileptic seizure is a burst of abnormal brain activity causing sudden changes in movement or awareness. Keep the person safe until it ends.

Device for injecting adrenaline to treat severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Learn safe first aid use, key checks, and responder safety tips.

Trauma to the eye requiring prompt treatment to prevent vision loss. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

An eye pad is a sterile first aid dressing used to protect an injured eye from dirt, infection, and further damage.

F

Temporary loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Seizures in young children triggered by high fever, needing prompt care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Formal recognition of training and competence in providing first aid. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Set of medical supplies for administering initial care in emergencies. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Designated individual responsible for providing first aid in an organisation. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Person trained to offer initial emergency assistance before professional help arrives. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

Techniques used to stabilise broken bones and prevent further injury. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Breaks in bones caused by trauma, needing medical evaluation and treatment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Freezing of skin and underlying tissues from extreme cold exposure. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

G

Thin, often sterile fabric used to dress and protect wounds. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Protective wear for hands to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Legal protection for individuals who assist in emergencies, provided they act reasonably. Know when it matters and how to act safely.

Support provided to help individuals cope with loss and grief. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

H

Heavy bleeding from damaged blood vessels, needing urgent control. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Practices to keep hands clean, preventing the spread of germs and infections. Learn key first aid steps and safety checks that support a safe response.

A hazard is any danger at an emergency scene. First aiders must identify hazards to stay safe and give effective help.

Process of identifying potential risks in an environment to ensure safety. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Trauma to the head requiring monitoring and potentially urgent care. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

The head tilt is used in first aid to help open an unconscious person's airway by gently tilting the head backward.

Emergency where blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, causing damage. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Medical issues affecting heart function, requiring diagnosis and treatment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Heart failure is when the heart can't pump blood properly, causing symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling.

Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. Normal resting rates: infants 100–160, children 70–120, adults 60–100 bpm.

Health issues caused by exposure to high temperatures, like heatstroke. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Severe heat illness with high body temperature, needing immediate cooling. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Condition where the force of blood against artery walls is too high. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Hydrogel is a water-based gel that cools burns and minor skin injuries, providing soothing relief and wound protection.

Steps to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection in medical settings. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Rapid breathing often from anxiety, needing techniques to restore normal breathing. Learn warning signs and first aid steps to help you respond safely.

Dangerously low body temperature from prolonged cold exposure. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

I

Methods used to keep injured body parts stable and prevent further damage. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Documentation of events and responses during an emergency situation. Know why it matters in first aid and how to act safely and responsibly.

Ineffective breathing is abnormal or insufficient breathing that needs urgent first aid and emergency medical attention.

Measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Indicators of infection like redness, swelling, and fever. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Strategies to avoid injuries in various settings. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Skin punctures from insects causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Effects of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Liquids used to cleanse wounds and prevent infection. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

J

The jaw thrust is used to open the airway of an unconscious person when a spinal injury is suspected, without moving the neck.

Damage to the connections between bones, like sprains or dislocations. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

L

Deep cuts or tears in the skin, needing cleaning and closure. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Aspects of law relevant to providing first aid. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Serious medical situations requiring immediate intervention to prevent death. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

M

Safe techniques for lifting and moving objects to avoid injury. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Accessory indicating a person's medical conditions in emergencies. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

Urgent health situation needing immediate medical attention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Organizing and administering medications safely and effectively to patients. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Initial help given to someone developing a mental health problem. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Less severe injuries that do not require emergency medical intervention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Coordinated care for individuals with multiple injuries. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Injury to muscles or tendons caused by overstretching. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

N

Injuries to the nose, potentially causing bleeding or breathing issues. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Nausea is the feeling of needing to vomit. It can result from illness, pain, motion, or anxiety and may indicate a deeper health issue.

Injury from a needle puncturing the skin, posing infection risk. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Failure to provide proper care, resulting in harm. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Evaluation of the nervous system to determine injury or disease. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Bleeding from the nose caused by trauma or other factors. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

O

Blockage of the airway requiring immediate intervention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Practices ensuring health and safety in the workplace. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Physical strain from excessive effort. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

In first aid, knowing your skills and limitations keeps care safe, effective, and within your training level.

Providing supplemental oxygen to individuals with breathing difficulties. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect responders.

P

First aid techniques specifically for infants and children. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Techniques to alleviate pain in patients. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Common medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Paramedics provide life-saving emergency care and transport to hospital. They are highly trained first responders in Australia.

Microorganisms that can cause disease. Learn how pathogens spread in first aid settings and the hygiene steps that reduce infection risk.

Injury caused by an object piercing the body. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Services providing advice on managing poisoning incidents. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Substances causing harm or illness when ingested, inhaled, or contacted. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Australia’s Poisons Information Centre offers 24/7 expert advice on poisoning, toxic exposures, and bites or stings. Call 13 11 26 for help.

Review of actions and responses after an emergency. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Initial assessment to identify life-threatening conditions. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Protecting individuals personal health information. Understand why it matters in first aid and how responders can act safely and responsibly.

Artificial device replacing a missing body part. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

PNES are seizure-like episodes caused by psychological factors, not abnormal brain activity, and may resemble epileptic seizures.

Immediate support to reduce initial distress during emergencies. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Non-invasive method to measure oxygen saturation in the blood. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Deep wounds caused by sharp objects. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

R

Contact with harmful levels of radiation. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Regurgitation is the backward flow of stomach contents, posing a choking risk during unconsciousness or CPR.

Rescue breaths are given during CPR to provide oxygen to a non-breathing person and support life until help arrives.

Complete cessation of breathing, requiring resuscitation. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Severe breathing difficulty needing urgent intervention. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths per minute. Normal ranges: infants 30–60, children 20–30, adults 12–20 breaths/min.

Mask used to deliver breaths during CPR. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Identifying and evaluating potential risks. Understand why it matters in first aid, what responders should consider, and how to act safely and responsibly.

S

Safe position to maintain an open airway in an unconscious person. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe response.

Sterile saltwater used to clean wounds. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Detailed head-to-toe assessment following the primary survey. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Care and interventions for individuals experiencing seizures. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Critical condition with inadequate blood flow to organs. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Maintaining healthy, unbroken skin. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Using a sling to immobilise an injured arm. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Bite from a venomous snake requiring immediate treatment. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

A spacer is a chamber used with an asthma puffer to improve medication delivery to the lungs, especially during an asthma attack.

Damage to the spinal cord needing careful handling. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

A splinter is a small object stuck in the skin. Learn safe first aid removal to prevent pain and infection.

A splinter probe is a sterile tool for safely removing splinters or small foreign objects from the skin during first aid.

Using a splint to immobilise an injured body part. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

Breathing that occurs without assistance. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Basic infection control practices. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Making equipment free of microorganisms. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Injury to muscles or tendons from overstretching. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Interruption of blood supply to the brain. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Improper use of drugs or alcohol. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Skin damage from excessive sun exposure. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Enlargement of body tissue due to injury or inflammation. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

Temporary loss of consciousness from insufficient blood flow to the brain. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

T

Abnormally fast heart rate. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Bacterial infection causing muscle stiffness. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Burns caused by heat. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

A tonic-clonic seizure involves stiffening and jerking of muscles with loss of consciousness. Keep the person safe until it ends.

A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms are stroke-like and require urgent medical care.

Severe physical injury or wound. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Prioritising treatment based on injury severity. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

A triangular bandage is a versatile first aid tool used as a sling or to support and immobilise injured limbs.

Infectious disease affecting the lungs. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

U

Open sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Measures to prevent the spread of infections. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Not reacting to stimuli, indicating severe condition. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

V

Bites from venomous animals. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Assisting or controlling breathing. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Measurements of the body's basic functions. Learn why vital signs matter in first aid assessment and when changes may need urgent help.

Forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Learn warning signs, risks, and first aid steps that help you respond safely.

W

Diseases transmitted through contaminated water. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Procedures to treat and protect wounds. Learn when it is used in first aid and the steps that support a safe, confident response.

Coverings used to protect wounds. Learn safe first aid use and the safety checks that help protect the casualty and responder.

X

Small bone at the lower end of the sternum. Learn why it matters during CPR and first aid, including safe hand placement and response steps.

Y

Viral infection causing fever and jaundice. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.

Z

Diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Learn the warning signs and first aid steps that help you respond safely before professional care arrives.