Basic First Aid Skills Everyone in the UK Should Know

  • 5 min reading time

Accidents and medical emergencies can happen anywhere — at home, at work, or outdoors. Having a well-stocked first aid kit is important, but knowing what to do in the critical first minutes can save lives. Here are the essential first aid skills everyone in the UK should know, whether you’re a parent, colleague, traveller or passer-by.

Why Basic First Aid Skills Matter

Immediate first aid can prevent minor injuries from worsening and, in severe cases, save lives. Emergency services may take time to arrive, especially in rural areas or during busy periods. Training provides the confidence to act quickly, stay calm and use your first aid kit effectively.

To understand the difference between tools and skills, see our First Aid Kit vs Training Guide.

1. How to Assess a Situation Safely

  • ✅ Check for danger to yourself, others and the casualty.
  • ✅ Assess the person’s responsiveness and breathing.
  • ✅ Call 999 early — don’t delay if the situation is serious.
  • ✅ Use the What3Words app to share your exact location if outdoors or in rural areas.

2. How to Perform CPR (Adults & Children)

Knowing CPR can save lives in cardiac arrest. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

  • Call for help and dial 999.
  • Start chest compressions: 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (if trained).
  • If untrained or unwilling to give breaths, perform hands-only CPR — continuous chest compressions at 100–120 per minute.
  • Keep going until emergency services arrive or the person recovers.

3. The Recovery Position

If someone is unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position:

  • Lay the person on their side.
  • Tilt their head back to keep the airway open.
  • Keep monitoring breathing until help arrives.

4. How to Control Severe Bleeding

  • Apply firm, direct pressure with a dressing, cloth or your hand (with gloves if possible).
  • Raise the injured area if practical.
  • Do not remove objects stuck in the wound — apply pressure around them.
  • Call 999 if bleeding doesn’t stop quickly.

5. Treating Burns

  • Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Remove tight clothing or jewellery near the burn (not stuck to it).
  • Cover with cling film or a clean, non-fluffy dressing.
  • Do not apply creams, butter or toothpaste.
  • Call 999 for serious or large burns.

6. Managing Choking (Adults & Children)

  • Encourage the person to cough first.
  • If coughing fails, give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades.
  • If that doesn’t work, give up to five abdominal thrusts (chest thrusts for infants).
  • Alternate between back blows and thrusts until the obstruction clears or help arrives.

7. Recognising and Responding to Shock

Shock can occur after serious injury or blood loss. Signs include pale, cold skin, rapid pulse, and confusion.

  • Lay the person down and raise their legs if possible.
  • Keep them warm with a blanket.
  • Call 999 immediately.

8. Recognising Common Emergencies

Basic knowledge of serious medical conditions helps you act faster:

  • Heart attack: Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating — call 999 immediately.
  • Stroke: Use FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) to recognise symptoms — call 999.
  • Asthma attack: Help the person use their inhaler and sit upright — call 999 if not improving.
  • Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reaction; use an adrenaline auto-injector if available and call 999.

Essential First Aid Kit Items to Support These Skills

Skills work best when combined with the right tools. Every UK household and workplace should keep a well-stocked kit containing:

  • ✅ Plasters and sterile dressings
  • ✅ Bandages and tape
  • ✅ Antiseptic wipes
  • ✅ Nitrile gloves
  • ✅ CPR face shield
  • ✅ Emergency foil blanket

See our First Aid Kit Contents Guide and Kits vs Training Guide for more details.

Basic First Aid Skills — FAQ

What are the top first aid skills I should learn in the UK?
Everyone should know how to assess a situation, perform CPR, use the recovery position, control bleeding, treat burns, and manage choking. Recognising stroke, heart attack and anaphylaxis is also crucial.
Do I need formal training to give first aid?
No — anyone can provide basic first aid. However, taking a certified course gives you confidence and helps ensure you act correctly in emergencies.
What should I do while waiting for an ambulance?
Keep the person safe, warm and reassured. Follow any instructions from 999 operators, continue first aid as needed, and keep monitoring their breathing and response.
Can I do CPR if I’m not trained?
Yes. Hands-only CPR is effective and encouraged if you're not trained or not comfortable giving rescue breaths.
Where can I learn basic first aid in the UK?
Organisations like St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, and many local councils offer affordable or free basic first aid courses. Even a short session can make a big difference.

 

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