First aid: the key basics

In short: First aid means: recognise danger, call the emergency number (112 in Germany and the EU), help and, for an unconscious person who is not breathing, start chest compressions immediately. More important than perfection is that someone acts at all.

In more detail: Failure to render assistance is punishable in Germany if it is reasonable. Anyone who helps in good faith generally acts correctly in law. A first-aid course refreshes knowledge.

In Depth

• Sequence (mnemonic): Mind your own safety (secure the scene, hazard lights, warning vest), assess the situation, call 112 (Where? What? How many? Which injuries? Wait for questions), give help.
• Speak to the person and check breathing: Address the person loudly, shake the shoulders. No reaction: open the airway (tilt head back, lift chin) and look for normal breathing for no more than ten seconds.
• Recovery position: Unconscious but breathing normally: place in the recovery position, keep checking breathing until the ambulance arrives.
• Resuscitation: No normal breathing: call, then 30 chest compressions in the middle of the chest (about 100 to 120 per minute, 5 to 6 cm deep), plus if possible 2 rescue breaths, alternating. If you do not feel able to give breaths, press continuously.
• Defibrillator (AED): If someone brings one, switch it on and follow the voice instructions. Devices are built for laypeople.
• Bleeding: Cover the wound with clean material, apply a pressure bandage, raise the injured part. Use protective gloves.
• Burns: For small burns cool briefly (about 10 minutes) with lukewarm water, not with ice. No home remedies (butter, flour).
• Choking: Ask the person to cough; in case of choking give firm blows between the shoulder blades.
• First-aid kit: Mandatory in the car, also sensible at home. Check the expiry date.

See also: first aid for the computer

General information, not medical advice. For complaints or questions about your situation, talk to a doctor.