In the UK, someone calls 999 every 6 seconds. Knowing basic first aid — and having the right supplies at home — can mean the difference between life and death in the critical minutes before professional help arrives. Yet fewer than 20% of UK adults feel confident performing first aid on a bystander. This guide covers the essentials every adult should know.
The Most Important Life-Saving Skills
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Cardiac arrest outside hospital has a survival rate of approximately 8% in the UK — rising to over 25% when a bystander performs CPR immediately. How to perform Hands-Only CPR: 1. Call 999. 2. Place heel of one hand on centre of chest (lower half of breastbone), interlock other hand on top, fingers raised. 3. Push down hard and fast — at least 5–6cm depth, 100–120 compressions per minute (the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” is exactly right). 4. Continue until ambulance arrives or the person starts breathing normally. For trained responders: alternate 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths. Hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) is equally effective for adults in the first few minutes and overcomes the hesitation many feel about mouth-to-mouth.
Choking
Choking is the 4th most common cause of accidental death in the UK. Signs of severe choking: unable to speak, cough or breathe; clutching the throat. Action: 5 back blows (heel of hand between shoulder blades, forcefully). If unsuccessful: 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre — hands just above navel, sharp inward and upward thrust). Alternate back blows and abdominal thrusts until the obstruction clears or the person loses consciousness (call 999 and begin CPR). For pregnant women or very obese individuals: chest thrusts (same position as CPR) instead of abdominal thrusts. For infants under 1 year: 5 back blows (face-down on forearm) then 5 chest thrusts — never abdominal thrusts.
Severe Bleeding
Direct firm pressure with a clean cloth or dressing is the cornerstone of bleeding control. Do not remove dressings once applied — add more on top. Elevate the injured area above heart level. Apply pressure for at least 10 minutes without lifting. If a limb is severely bleeding and cannot be controlled with direct pressure, a tourniquet applied 5–7cm above the wound (tight enough to stop blood flow) can be life-saving while awaiting emergency services. Call 999 for any severe bleeding that cannot be controlled within 10 minutes of direct pressure.
The Home First Aid Kit — What to Include
Wound care: adhesive plasters (assorted sizes, including waterproof and fingertip), sterile gauze dressings (several sizes), triangular bandages (2 — for slings and broad bandages), crepe bandages, micropore tape, sterile wound closure strips, saline wound wash. Protection: disposable nitrile gloves, face shield for rescue breaths. Assessment: digital thermometer (ear or forehead), pen torch. Medications: paracetamol (tablets and children’s liquid if applicable), ibuprofen, antihistamine tablets and cream, oral rehydration sachets (Dioralyte). Topical treatments: antiseptic cream or spray (Savlon, Dettol), hydrocortisone 1% cream (for insect bites, mild allergic rashes), aloe vera gel (for burns and sunburn), eye wash solution. Instruments: scissors (blunt-ended, safety), tweezers, safety pins, instant cold pack.
When to Call 999 vs 111 vs Go to Pharmacy
Call 999 immediately: cardiac arrest, choking with unconsciousness, severe uncontrolled bleeding, suspected stroke (FAST — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems), suspected heart attack (chest pain, jaw pain, breathlessness), severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), unconsciousness, major trauma. Call 111: urgent medical advice needed but not life-threatening; unsure whether condition is serious; need guidance on next steps. Visit pharmacy: minor wounds, insect bites, mild allergic reactions, common illness, medication queries, minor burns.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Aid
Where can I learn first aid properly?
British Red Cross and St John Ambulance offer first aid courses across the UK — ranging from 3-hour emergency first aid courses to 3-day comprehensive first aid at work qualification. Many courses are available online or in-person. Employers are required by law to provide adequate first aid provision — many workplaces fund employee training. The skills are genuinely life-saving and the time investment is minimal.
How do I treat a burn at home?
Cool the burn immediately with cool (not cold) running water for 20 minutes — this is the most important and time-sensitive action. Remove jewellery or watches near the burn. Cover loosely with a sterile dressing or cling film. Do not apply butter, toothpaste, ice, or any cream. Go to A&E or seek urgent medical advice for: burns larger than the size of the patient’s palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals or major joints, burns from chemicals or electricity, burns causing white or charred skin, or any burn in a child.
How do I know if a cut needs stitches?
A wound likely needs closure (stitches, tissue glue, or wound closure strips applied by a professional) if: it is gaping (wound edges don’t stay together), it is on the face (scar risk), it is deeper than superficial, it is a puncture wound (high infection risk), it doesn’t stop bleeding with 15 minutes of firm pressure, or it involves tendons, joints or bone. A&E or urgent care provides wound closure. Minor, clean cuts with apposed edges that are not gaping can usually be managed at home with wound closure strips and appropriate dressing.
What should I do if someone has a seizure?
Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. Clear space around them. Time the seizure. After the convulsions stop, place them in the recovery position (on their side, top knee drawn forward to stabilise) and stay with them until they are fully recovered. Call 999 if: this is their first known seizure, the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, they don’t regain consciousness, they have a second seizure shortly after, they are injured, pregnant, or in water.
Browse First Aid products and antiseptics at Huncoat Pharmacy. Related: Wound Care Guide, Medicines Safety.
At Huncoat Pharmacy: Pharmacy First, Browse first aid supplies.