First Aid Basics Every Nigerian Should Know: Bleeding, Burns, Choking, Fits and Fainting

In an emergency, help can take time to arrive. Knowing a few first aid steps can keep someone alive until you reach a hospital. These are simple actions anyone can learn — and the common mistakes to avoid.

🩸 Heavy bleeding

1. Press firmlyPress on the wound with a clean cloth and keep pressing.
2. Add more clothIf blood soaks through, add more cloth on top — don’t remove the first one.
3. Raise itIf it’s an arm or leg and not broken, raise it above the heart.
4. Get to a hospitalKeep pressing on the way.

🔥 Burns

1. Cool itRun cool (not ice-cold) clean water over the burn for 20 minutes.
2. Remove tight thingsTake off rings, watches or tight clothing near the burn — but not clothing stuck to the skin.
3. Cover looselyUse clean cling film or a clean cloth.

😮 Choking (adult or older child)

1. Ask “Are you choking?”If they can cough, encourage them to keep coughing.
2. Back blowsIf they can’t breathe or speak, lean them forward and give up to 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades.
3. Abdominal thrustsStand behind, fist just above the navel, pull sharply in and up, up to 5 times. Repeat back blows and thrusts until it comes out.
4. If they become unconsciousCall for help and start CPR if you know how.

⚡ Fits (seizures/convulsions)

• Move hard or sharp objects away and protect their head.
• Don’t hold them down, and never put anything in their mouth — not a spoon, not your fingers.
• When the fit stops, turn them on their side and stay with them.
• Get help if it lasts more than 5 minutes, they don’t wake up, or it’s their first fit.

😵 Fainting

• Lay them on their back and raise their legs.
• Loosen tight clothing and give them air.
• If they don’t wake up within a minute, call for help and turn them on their side.

Frequently asked questions

What should I put on a burn?

Cool running water for 20 minutes, then a clean loose cover. No toothpaste, oil or egg.

Should I put a spoon in the mouth of someone having a fit?

No. It can break teeth and block breathing. Protect their head and turn them on their side after.

How do I stop heavy bleeding?

Press firmly with a clean cloth and keep pressing while you get help.

Where can I learn first aid?

Organisations such as the Nigerian Red Cross run first aid training. Ask at your local branch or hospital.

Written by the askJBoss team from public information and our own research; last updated November 2026. Prices, dates and rules change — always confirm with the official source. Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments.