First Aid Basics

Grade 5 · Health · Study Guide

Learn how to respond to common injuries and emergencies using basic first aid techniques.

First aid is the immediate care given to someone who is injured or suddenly ill. Knowing basic first aid can help keep a person safe until professional medical help arrives.

The first step in any emergency is to stay calm and assess the situation. Check that the scene is safe before approaching. Then check the injured person for responsiveness — call their name or tap their shoulder. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for help immediately.

For cuts and scrapes, the steps are: stop the bleeding by pressing a clean cloth firmly on the wound, clean it gently with water, apply an adhesive bandage, and keep it clean to prevent infection. Deep cuts or wounds that do not stop bleeding need medical attention.

Burns should be cooled with cool (not ice-cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. Never put butter or toothpaste on a burn. Cover lightly with a clean bandage. Severe burns need emergency care.

For a nosebleed, lean slightly forward (not backward), pinch the soft part of the nose, and hold for 10 minutes. If someone is choking, encourage them to cough. If they cannot speak or breathe, back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) can help dislodge the object.

Always tell a trusted adult after giving first aid, even for minor injuries.

Key terms

First aid: Immediate care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives.
Emergency: A sudden, serious situation that requires immediate action.
Wound: A cut, scrape, or injury to the skin or body.
Heimlich maneuver: A technique using abdominal thrusts to remove an object blocking someone's airway.
Infection: When harmful germs enter the body through a wound and cause illness or swelling.
Responsiveness: Whether a person is awake and able to react to their surroundings.

Flashcards

First aid: Immediate help given to an injured or ill person before medical professionals arrive.
911: The emergency phone number to call for police, fire, or medical help in the United States.
Heimlich maneuver: Abdominal thrusts used to remove a choking object from someone's airway.
Wound care: The process of stopping bleeding, cleaning, and covering a cut or scrape.
Burn treatment: Cool the burn with running water for 10 minutes; never use butter or ice.
Nosebleed response: Lean forward slightly, pinch the soft part of the nose, and hold for 10 minutes.
Infection: When harmful bacteria enter the body through a wound, causing redness, swelling, or pus.
Responsiveness check: Calling someone's name or tapping their shoulder to see if they react.

Questions

What is the first thing you should do when approaching an emergency scene?
1. Immediately start treating the injured person
2. Make sure the scene is safe
3. Take a photo for evidence
4. Run away
Show answer
Answer: Make sure the scene is safe
Scene safety is always the first priority — entering an unsafe scene can put both you and the victim at greater risk.
You should put butter or ice on a burn to help it heal faster.
Show answer
Answer: False
Butter and ice can make burns worse. Cool running water for 10 minutes is the correct treatment.
To stop bleeding from a cut, press a clean cloth ________ on the wound.
Show answer
Answer: firmly
Applying firm pressure with a clean cloth helps stop bleeding by promoting clotting.
For a nosebleed, what is the correct position?
1. Tilt the head back
2. Lie flat on the ground
3. Lean slightly forward and pinch the nose
4. Jump up and down
Show answer
Answer: Lean slightly forward and pinch the nose
Leaning forward prevents blood from flowing into the throat; pinching the soft part closes the blood vessels.
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, you should call 911 or get help immediately.
Show answer
Answer: True
An unresponsive person not breathing normally is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate professional help.

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