Accidents are inevitable, and it's crucial to be prepared. These guidelines are applicable in 191 countries. While these tips are a great starting point, we highly recommend enrolling in a first aid and CPR training course in your area.

Prepare or buy a first aid kit

Both hosts and guests should have a first aid kit readily available. Hosts should inform their guests of its location, and guests should inquire if they’re unsure.

Essential supplies for a first aid kit

You can find these items at your local pharmacy or medical supply store:

Two pairs of latex-free gloves
Adhesive bandages of various sizes
Sterile gauze pads of various sizes
One roll of adhesive cloth tape
Roller bandages of various sizes
One elastic bandage
3 or 4 triangular bandages
One 36" malleable radiolucent splint
Antibiotic ointment, cream, or wound gel
Four sealable plastic bags
Five antiseptic wipe packets
Two packets of chewable aspirin
One space blanket
One CPR breathing barrier (with a one-way valve)
One pair of utility shears or scissors
Oral thermometer
Tweezers

Understanding how to use these items is crucial, but it can be challenging to remember every step during an emergency.

Emergency response: Check – call – care

Even if you have basic training, never risk your or someone else’s life—leave it to emergency medical professionals. However, quick action using the Check–call–care method can be lifesaving:

Check: Assess if an emergency exists by evaluating the person and their surroundings.
Call: If the situation is critical, immediately call the designated emergency number in your country.
Care: Stay with the person, monitor vital signs, and inform the medical team.

Providing first aid

Emergency responders might take some time to arrive, especially in remote areas or due to traffic. After calling emergency services, here are some initial steps you can take:

Allergic reactions

Common allergens include pollen, insect stings, latex, certain foods (nuts, shellfish, eggs, dairy), and medications.

Supplies needed

First aid kit
First aid app for your country
Epinephrine auto-injector (if prescribed to the guest)

Immediate actions

Identify symptoms: Look for a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Call emergency services: If symptoms are present, call for help immediately.
Use an epinephrine auto-injector: Assist the person using their auto-injector if they have one prescribed.
Keep the person comfortable: Reassure them and stay with them until help arrives.
Inform emergency services of actions taken: Provide details of the situation and any medication administered.

Some helpful tips

For safety, clear the area during a seizure and avoid restraint; for diabetic emergencies, offer a sugary snack and monitor improvement.

Seizures

Protect them from injury: Clear the area around the person.
Do not restrain them: Let the seizure run its course.
After the seizure, position them on their side: This helps keep their airway clear.
Check for breathing: Ensure they are breathing correctly.

Diabetic emergencies

Provide a sugary drink or food: This can help raise their blood sugar levels.
Reassure them: Stay with them and monitor their improvement.

Stroke

Check for one-sided weakness: Look for drooping or weakness on one side of the face.
See if they can raise both arms: Difficulty doing so can indicate a stroke.
Assess their speech: Slurred speech is a common symptom.

Choking

Ensure they are breathing: Tilt their head backward to clear the airway.
Clear the airway if blocked: Perform back blows or abdominal thrusts.
Alternate actions: Continue until the object is expelled.

Poisoning

Gather information: Determine what, when, and how much was ingested.
Do not induce vomiting or give anything to drink: This can worsen the situation.

Heart attack

Help them sit down: Keep them calm and still.
Give them aspirin: Ensure they are not allergic before administering.
Reassure them: Stay with them and monitor their condition.

External bleeding

Apply pressure to the wound: Use a clean cloth or bandage.
Maintain pressure until help arrives: This helps control the bleeding.

Fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains

Support the injury: Use a splint or sling to immobilise the area.
Keep it supported until help arrives: Prevent further movement.

Neck, head, and spinal Injuries

Report to emergency services: Inform them if the person is tired, confused, vomiting, or if the injury was caused by a significant fall.
Keep the person still: Prevent movement to avoid further injury.
Apply a cold compress: Use it for 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off to reduce swelling.

Additional guidance

Emergency planning

We recommend that all guests and hosts prepare an emergency plan for natural disasters or other emergencies.

In an emergency, contact local police or emergency services immediately.

In case the site is temporarily unavailable, you can reach us through @livjazahelp. Please use this option for emergencies only.