First Aid Help
Quick and effective life-saving first aid techniques simplified for African communities.
First Aid
A minute of your time and basic knowledge of first aid can make a difference.
Only 2 in 10 people in Africa would feel confident helping someone in a first aid emergency. Together, we can learn how to respond to emergencies.
Stay safe while giving first aid
Always consider your personal safety when giving first aid. Look out for any dangers and only act when you're confident it's safe.
Common Emergencies
Make the person safe and prevent injury. Protect their head using a blanket or clothing. Do not restrain their movements. After the seizure, place them on their side with their head tilted back.
Apply direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth to control bleeding. If possible, elevate the injured area above heart level. Once bleeding is controlled, secure the dressing with a bandage.
Keep the person cool with light clothing and fluids. Monitor temperature. Seek medical advice if fever is very high or lasts longer than 2 days.
Ensure the area is safe before approaching. Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the electrical source. Turn off the power supply if possible. Once safe, check for responsiveness and breathing, and provide CPR if necessary.
For adults, encourage the person to cough. If ineffective, give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. If still choking, perform up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until the blockage is cleared or help arrives.
For babies under 1 year, place the baby face down along your forearm with their head lower than their chest. Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. If still choking, turn the baby over and give up to 5 chest thrusts. Never perform abdominal thrusts on babies.
If the person has swallowed a poisonous substance, do not induce vomiting. Call emergency services and provide information about the substance ingested. Keep the person calm and monitor their condition until help arrives.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Monitor for signs of concussion: confusion, dizziness, nausea, or unequal pupils. If the person loses consciousness, vomits repeatedly, or has severe headache, seek immediate medical attention. Keep the person awake if possible.
Clean the wound with clean water or mild soap. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until bleeding stops. Apply an antiseptic if available. Cover with a sterile bandage. Watch for signs of infection: increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus.
More First Aid Tips
Use the FAST method to assess: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call emergency services. If any signs are present, call for emergency help immediately.
Call emergency services immediately. Help the person to sit in a comfortable position, ideally semi-reclined. Encourage them to rest and stay calm. If they have prescribed medication (e.g., nitroglycerin), assist them in taking it.
Cool the affected area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes. Remove any clothing or jewelry near the burn, unless stuck to the skin. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Avoid applying creams or ointments.
Check for responsiveness and breathing. If the person is breathing, place them in the recovery position to maintain an open airway. If not breathing, begin CPR and call emergency services immediately.
Rinse the eye gently with clean water or sterile saline solution to remove any foreign objects. Avoid rubbing the eye. If the injury is severe or a foreign object remains, cover the eye with a sterile dressing and seek medical help.
Immobilize the injured area using a splint or by supporting it with padding. Avoid moving the affected limb. Seek medical attention promptly.
Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. Call emergency services immediately. If possible, identify what was swallowed and how much. Keep the person calm and monitor their breathing and consciousness until help arrives.
Remember RICE: Rest the injured area, apply Ice for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours, Compress with an elastic bandage, and Elevate the injured limb above heart level when possible. Avoid heat, alcohol, and activities that cause pain for the first 48-72 hours.
Move the person to a warm, dry place. Remove wet clothing and replace with dry, warm clothes or blankets. If the person is conscious, provide warm (not hot) drinks. Do not rub or massage the person's skin. For severe hypothermia with unconsciousness, seek immediate medical help.
First Aid Kit Essentials
ðĐš Everyday First Aid Kit Essentials
- Plasters (various sizes)
- Sterile dressings
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages (small and large)
- Safety pins
- Disposable gloves
- Thermometer
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Adhesive tape
- Cold pack
- Elastic bandage for sprains
- Antiseptic cream or ointment
- Pain relievers (paracetamol/acetaminophen)
Community First Aid Training Programs
Empower your community with life-saving skills through our tailored first aid training programs designed specifically for African contexts.
Why Community Training Matters
Rapid Response
In many African communities, emergency services may be far away. Community first responders can provide critical care during the golden hour.
Preventable Deaths
Up to 54% of deaths in rural African communities could be prevented with basic first aid knowledge and prompt action.
Sustainable Impact
Training community members creates a sustainable network of first aid knowledge that remains in the community for years.
Our Training Programs
Community First Responders
- â3-day intensive training for selected community members
- âCPR, choking, bleeding control, and fracture management
- âEmergency coordination and communication skills
- âFirst aid kit provided to each trained responder
- âCertification valid for 2 years with refresher courses
School First Aid Program
- â1-day training for teachers and older students
- âFocus on common school emergencies and injuries
- âAge-appropriate first aid education materials
- âSchool first aid kit and wall charts provided
- âAnnual refresher training available
Maternal & Child Health
- â2-day training for community health workers and mothers
- âInfant and child first aid techniques
- âPregnancy emergencies and newborn care
- âRecognition of serious childhood illnesses
- âTake-home pictorial guides in local languages
Train-the-Trainer Program
- â5-day comprehensive training for future instructors
- âAdvanced first aid and teaching methodologies
- âComplete training materials and curriculum provided
- âOngoing support and certification process
- âEquipment loan program for community training
How to Get Started
- 1
Contact Our Team
Email us at training@askmydoctor.org with information about your community and the type of training you're interested in.
- 2
Community Assessment
Our team will work with you to assess your community's specific needs and customize a training program that addresses local health challenges.
- 3
Schedule Training
We'll coordinate with local facilities and schedule the training sessions at times that work best for your community members.
- 4
Ongoing Support
After the training, we provide ongoing support through refresher courses, digital resources, and a network connecting trained communities across Africa.