Medical disclaimer: This page is general health information for education only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified health professional. It has not been reviewed by a clinician. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
In a life-threatening emergency, call your local emergency number.
In the United States, call 911. In the United Kingdom, call 999. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.
Learn before an emergency
First aid can help someone while professional care is on the way. A practical course gives you a chance to learn and rehearse skills with an instructor. A web article cannot check your technique.
The American Red Cross provides first aid, CPR and AED training and a current first aid steps guide.
Know your resources
Keep your local emergency number easy to find, know where your first aid supplies are, and choose training appropriate to your household or workplace.
Sources & further reading
Sources consulted September 20, 2026. This is a drafting date, not a medical review date.