TL;DR
An October 2026 review linked ventilator-delivered breaths during adult CPR with higher odds of restoring circulation and surviving to hospital discharge. Observational studies drove those findings, and the randomized trials did not establish a benefit. Mechanical chest compression devices serve a different purpose. AEDCPR recommends reserving them for situations where rescuers cannot safely deliver or sustain high-quality manual compressions. … read more
What are the Signs of Internal Bleeding? When to Call 911.
TL;DR
Internal bleeding can be difficult to recognize because you can’t always see what’s happening inside the body. Warning signs may include severe pain, swelling, unexplained bruising, dizziness, weakness, or confusion. Serious blood loss can also cause shock, a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect severe internal bleeding, especially after an injury, call 911 immediately. Keep the person still, monitor their … read more
Eye Injury First Aid: What to Do and When It’s an Emergency
TL;DR
Eye injuries can happen in an instant, and knowing what to do can help protect your vision. Minor irritation from dust or sand can often be treated by gently rinsing the eye with clean water. However, chemical splashes, deep scratches, puncture wounds, or objects stuck in the eye can cause serious damage. Never rub or press on an injured … read more
What To Do After an Electric Shock
An electric shock occurs when electrical current passes through a person’s body. The damage done by an electrical shock can vary from mild pain to burns, muscle injuries, heart rhythm abnormalities, loss of consciousness, and even death.
TL;DR
An electric shock can cause serious injuries even when there are few or no visible burns. Before helping, make sure the electrical … read more
Does My Cut Need Stitches? How to Tell and When to Get Help
You cut yourself and you’re bleeding. After the initial shock wears off, one question usually comes next:
Does this cut need stitches?
Small cuts can often be cleaned, bandaged, and treated at home. But a deeper or larger cut may need stitches, staples, skin adhesive, or another type of medical closure. Large cuts can also damage nerves, tendons, muscles, blood … read more
How to Stop a Nosebleed: First Aid and When to Get Help
TL;DR
Most nosebleeds aren’t serious and can be handled at home. Sit upright, lean forward, and firmly pinch the soft part of your nose until the bleeding stops. Don’t tilt your head back, since this can cause blood to run down your throat. If the bleeding is very heavy, won’t stop after about 15 minutes, or makes it difficult to … read more
Unconscious but Breathing: What Should You Do?
Finding someone unconscious can be scary, especially when you aren’t sure what happened. You’re not sure if they’re okay. They won’t wake up or respond when you speak to them.
So what should you do?
An unconscious person needs immediate medical attention, even if they’re still breathing. You should make sure both you and the unconscious person are in a … read more
What to Do if Someone Faints: First Aid and When to Call 911
TL;DR
Most people who faint recover quickly. But it is essential to make sure it is not a more serious emergency. If possible, help the person lie down. Check for breathing, signs of circulation, as well as any other injuries. If they wake up, do not rush them to sit up or stand. Call 911 if they do not regain … read more
How to Treat Food Poisoning
TL;DR:
Most cases of food poisoning get better with rest, fluids, and time. The biggest concern is dehydration, so replacing lost fluids is important. However, severe vomiting or diarrhea, blood in the stool, a high fever, confusion, fainting, or signs of serious dehydration may mean it’s time to seek medical care. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened … read more
Sprained Toe vs Broken Toe: How to Tell the Difference
TL;DR:
A sprained toe and a broken toe can both cause pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble walking, making it difficult to tell them apart. A sprain involves injured ligaments, while a broken toe means one or more bones have fractured. Learn what signs to look for, what you can safely do at home, and when severe pain, deformity, numbness, or … read more