Simple steps for everyday situations
Plain-language, step-by-step guides for first aid, personal safety, and common health concerns. Each one tells you exactly when to call for help.
Basic first aid
Simple steps for common injuries and medical problems until help arrives.
Hands-only CPR and using an AED
If an adult or teen suddenly collapses and isn’t breathing normally, call 911, push hard and fast in the center of the chest, and use an AED as soon as you can.
Read stepsChoking
If someone can’t cough, speak, or breathe, give 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out. Babies need a different method.
Read stepsSevere bleeding
Call 911, press hard on the wound, and don’t let up. For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg, a tourniquet can save a life.
Read stepsAllergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Mild reactions cause itching or hives. Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be deadly — use epinephrine right away and call 911.
Read stepsMinor cuts and scrapes
Stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and keep it covered so it heals without infection.
Read stepsBurns
Cool the burn under cool running water right away, then cover it loosely. Know when a burn needs emergency care.
Read stepsHead injuries and concussion
Most bumps to the head are minor, but some cause concussions or bleeding in the brain. Know the danger signs and when to get help.
Read stepsSeizures
Keep the person safe, turn them on their side, time the seizure, and never put anything in their mouth. Call 911 if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
Read stepsPoisoning
If someone swallowed, breathed in, or touched something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if they have serious symptoms.
Read stepsBroken bones
Keep the injured area still, don’t try to straighten it, and get medical care. Call 911 for serious breaks.
Read stepsSprains and strains
Rest, ice, gentle compression, and raising the injured area help most sprains and strains heal. Get it checked if you can’t put weight on it.
Read stepsNosebleeds
Sit up, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of your nose for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go. Most nosebleeds stop this way.
Read stepsHeat exhaustion and heat stroke
Heat exhaustion is a warning sign. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Cool the person down fast and call 911 for heat stroke.
Read stepsHypothermia and frostbite
Get out of the cold, remove wet clothing, and warm up slowly. Severe hypothermia is an emergency, and frostbite needs medical care.
Read stepsBites and stings
Most insect bites and stings are minor. Know how to remove a tick, care for an animal bite, and recognize when a bite or sting is an emergency.
Read stepsEye injuries
Flush chemicals out of the eye with water right away. Don’t rub the eye, and don’t try to remove anything stuck in it.
Read stepsPersonal safety
Stay safe at home, outdoors, and in severe weather or dangerous situations.
Home fire safety
Working smoke alarms and a practiced escape plan give your family the best chance to get out. In a fire, get out, stay out, and call 911.
Read stepsCarbon monoxide safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poison gas you can’t see or smell. CO alarms and safe use of generators, heaters, and grills can save your life.
Read stepsThunderstorms, lightning, and tornadoes
When thunder roars, go indoors. For a tornado warning, go to a basement or an inside room on the lowest floor and cover your head.
Read stepsFloods
Turn around, don’t drown. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches can carry away most cars. Get to higher ground.
Read stepsPower outages
Keep the fridge and freezer closed, use flashlights instead of candles, and run generators only outdoors, far from windows and doors.
Read stepsBuild an emergency kit
After a disaster, you may need to get by on your own for several days. Gather water, food, medicine, and basic supplies now so you’re ready.
Read stepsStaying safe in public
Stay aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and know what to do if you think you’re being followed.
Read stepsWater safety
Drowning is fast and often silent. Watch children closely near any water, wear life jackets, learn to swim, and know how to escape a rip current.
Read stepsMedication and poison safety at home
Store medicines and chemicals up and away from children, use the right dose, and get rid of old medicine safely. Save Poison Help, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone.
Read stepsEveryday health
Handle common illnesses, medicines, and know when to see a doctor.
Choosing the right care
Know when to call 911, when to go to urgent care, and when a pharmacist, nurse line, telehealth visit, or your regular doctor is the best fit.
Read stepsColds and flu
Most colds and flu get better with rest and fluids. Know the warning signs that mean you need care, and ask early about flu medicine if you are at high risk.
Read stepsFever
A fever is usually the body fighting an infection. Most can be treated at home, but babies under 3 months with a fever need a doctor right away.
Read stepsDehydration
Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluid than you take in. Sip fluids often, and watch closely for signs in babies, children, and older adults.
Read stepsVomiting and diarrhea
Most stomach bugs get better on their own in a few days. The main goal is to prevent dehydration with small sips of fluid. Wash hands to stop the spread.
Read stepsHeadaches
Most headaches are not serious and get better with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relief. Some headaches are warning signs that need emergency care.
Read stepsSore throat
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better in about a week. Strep throat needs a test and antibiotics. Trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency.
Read stepsManaging stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but too much for too long can affect your body and mind. Small daily habits help, and so does reaching out for support.
Read stepsSleep basics
Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night. A regular schedule and a calm, dark bedroom can help you sleep better.
Read stepsTry a simpler word, like “burn” or “fever”. If someone is in danger right now, call 911. For emotional support, see Crisis Support.