Emergencies
By Rod Brouhard, About.com Guide
CPR & the Heimlich Maneuver
CPR is the cornerstone of emergency first aid. While there's no substitute for proper CPR training, the basic steps for Adult, child and infant CPR are all here, as well as how to respond to choking victims.
- Hands Only Adult CPR (no breaths)
- Adult CPR (with breaths)
- Child CPR (1 - 8 years old)
- Infant CPR (Under 1 year old)
- Video: How to Do Hands Only CPR
- Adult and Child Choking
- Video: How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver
- Infant Choking
- 2010 CPR Guidelines
- CPR Certification FAQ
Calling for Help
Getting help during a life-threatening emergency should be as easy as calling 911, and it is. But sometimes, 911 can be more confusing than it should be.
Heart Attacks
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart attacks can happen suddenly, but don't have to be fatal. Recognizing a heart attack and reacting quickly can save a life.
- Symptoms of a Heart Attack
- Heart Attack Facts or Fiction?
- Don't Take Chest Pain to the Doctor's Office
- Women and Heart Attacks
Strokes and Seizures
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and there is almost no way to predict them. Advances in emergency medical care make strokes much more treatable, but you only have a small window of time to get help.
Shortness of Breath
There are few worse feelings than shortness of breath. Severe shortness of breath is a life-threatening emergency.
- Shortness of Breath Causes
- Paper Bags and Hyperventilation
- Shortness of Breath Symptoms
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
Poisoning
There are plenty of toxic chemicals around the house that can lead to serious poisoning.
Heat Illness
Too much sun and too much heat can lead to life-threatening illness. Learn to recognize and respond to heat illness.
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Cold weather emergencies can lead to not only death, but loss of limbs as well.
