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Ohotata me whakarauora

Emergencies and first aid

Learn about first aid for different situations and what to do in an emergency.

Anaphylaxis (severe allergy)

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It can happen in a few minutes and can cause death.

Burns

If a person has suffered a burn, they may need your help and you may need to call an ambulance. You can start first aid for burns once the area where the accident occurred has been made safe.

Chemical poisoning

Poisoning means exposure to a substance that is harmful to your body. Poisons can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through your skin, or injected under your skin. Nearly all poisonings are accidental.

Choking

Choking happens when something — often food — becomes stuck in a person's windpipe, blocking it. This makes it difficult or impossible to breathe.

Cuts, scrapes and wounds

You can usually take care of minor cuts and scrapes at home without seeing a healthcare professional.

Dehydration

If you are dehydrated, it means your body has lost more fluids than you have drunk. If it gets worse, it can be a serious problem and life threatening.

Dislocated joints first aid

Dislocated joints happen when a bone slips out of its normal joint. The most common joints to dislocate are shoulders, fingers and kneecaps. Dislocations commonly happen during sporting activities or are caused by a fall.

Foreign object in the eye

If you or someone else has something in the eye and it is not coming out naturally, it is important to deal with it as soon as possible.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

You might feel heat exhaustion when your body's natural mechanisms are working hard to keep your body temperature stable. Heat stroke is when your body temperature rises too high — it is a dangerous condition.

Lead poisoning

Too much exposure to lead can cause health problems or lead poisoning. It can takes months or years to develop lead poisoning if you are exposed to a small amount. A lot of lead exposure can quickly lead to more serious lead poisoning.

Self care at home

With the right supplies and information, most minor cuts and grazes, bruises, sprains, or coughs and colds can be managed at home without needing medical help.