First aid
Learning first aid saves lives. Knowing how to respond can also help you and your family stay calm during emergency situations.
Making sure your household has the correct first aid kit and knowledge can mean the difference between life and death.
What to put in a first aid kit
All homes should have a first aid kit. You may need to act quickly in an emergency - so make sure you know where it is and how to use it.
What to put in your first aid kit (St John Ambulance)
Learn first aid
There are a lot of courses and resources available to help you learn first aid. You may be able to do first aid training through your workplace. Both St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross offer courses for the general public:
- St John Ambulance first aid courses for individuals and community groups
- British Red Cross first aid workshops for adults
- British Red Cross first aid workshops for children and young people
Free first aid resources
Use these free resources to help you learn first aid skills - including CPR and first aid for children and babies:
- First aid advice and how-to guides from St John Ambulance
- Learn first aid skills online with the British Red Cross
- St John Ambulance first aid apps
- British Red Cross first aid apps
- NHS first aid advice
How to find and use a defibrillator
A defibrillator is a device that can save the life of someone in cardiac arrest. It works by giving a high energy shock to the heart.
Anyone can use a defibrillator. You do not need training. Once you turn it on, it will give clear step-by-step voice instructions.
Share this page
