Glav Pozdravfirst aid in plain words

An independent first-aid reference. It is not a substitute for in-person training and is not medical advice. In a life-threatening situation, call 112 or your local emergency number.

Methods

Methods and approaches

This page brings together the main approaches taught on first-aid courses: adult CPR, the recovery position and watching the person, stopping bleeding with direct pressure, and cooling a burn. We describe them in general terms so you understand the purpose of each action. Technique, force and rhythm can only be taught by an instructor in an in-person class, and in a real situation your first step is to call 112 or your local emergency number.

It is useful to understand why each action matters. But confidence in your hands only comes after practising on a manikin under an instructor's eye.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we describe first-aid approaches without step-by-step instructions, medicines or invasive techniques. Specific figures come only from the European Resuscitation Council guidelines and the current Russian first-aid regulations.

CPR for adults

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is needed when a person does not respond and is not breathing normally. It is a skill you must practise on a course.

Call first

Call 112 or your local emergency number yourself, or ask a specific person to do it. Put the phone on speaker: the call handler can guide you as you go.

Questions

Chest compressions

According to the European Resuscitation Council guidelines (2021), at a rate of 100–120 per minute and a depth of 5–6 cm. You can only get a feel for this rhythm and force on a manikin.

Glossary

Compressions and breaths

The same guidelines give a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Rescue breaths are for those trained to give them; a mask or face shield acts as a barrier.

Glossary

Defibrillator

If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it and follow the device's voice prompts. Have someone bring it while you continue CPR.

Research

Positioning and watching

For a person who is breathing but does not come round, it is important to keep the airway open and never leave them unattended.

The recovery position

The person is laid on their side so that they cannot roll over and their head is tilted slightly back. Exactly how to do this is shown on a course.

Glossary

Constant watching

Watch their breathing until the crew arrives. If it stops or becomes abnormal, call the call handler again and start CPR.

Topics

Warmth and calm

Protect the person from the cold and talk to them calmly, even if they do not answer. Do not give them anything to drink or eat.

Be prepared

Dressings and cooling

Many injuries call not for complex techniques but for simple, consistent actions with clean or protected hands.

Direct pressure on the wound

With heavy bleeding, the wound is pressed firmly with a sterile pad or clean cloth and held. If the pad soaks through, a new one goes on top without removing the first.

Topics

Pressure dressing

A bandage helps keep up the pressure when you need your hands free. How tightly to bandage and what to do if the bleeding does not stop is taught in class.

Glossary

Cooling a burn

The burned area is cooled under cool running water for about 20 minutes. Ice, oil and “home remedies” are not used, and blisters are not opened.

Research

When not to wait — call 112 or your local number now

  • The person does not respond to voice or touch
  • There is no normal breathing, or you are not sure
  • Heavy bleeding that pressure does not stop
  • An adult is choking and cannot speak or breathe
  • A large burn, or a burn to the face or airway
  • Confusion in the heat or after getting very cold
  • Sudden severe chest pain, weakness in an arm or a drooping face
  • Topics

    A map of situations: assessing the scene, unresponsiveness, injuries, burns, heat and cold. The article catalogue is here too.

  • Glossary

    Words you hear on courses and from the emergency call handler: response, breathing, compressions, defibrillator, dressing.

  • Questions

    What to ask a course instructor and what to discuss with a doctor if children or older relatives live with you.

Sources

  • European Resuscitation Council — Guidelines 2021
  • Order of the Russian Ministry of Health No. 220n of 3 May 2024

Information was checked as of the preparation date. First-aid rules and resuscitation guidelines are revised from time to time, so rely on the documents currently in force where you live and on what your in-person course instructor taught you.