Take the First Aid/Emergency Quiz

Try to remain calm and speak slowly and clearly. The dispatcher may ask you if anyone has been injured and, if so, how many; and the condition of the victim(s). Don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you it's OK to do so. Wait on the scene until emergency help arrives.

Paramedics ride in ambulances and take care of injured victims at accident scenes; in hospitals they work as technicians, starting IV lines, drawing blood, splinting, and prepping wounds. A hospital emergency department is staffed with doctors and nurses specially trained in emergency medicine. They know how to treat accident victims and patients who suddenly become sick (heart attack, for example).

If your area does not have 911 service, also post emergency numbers for police and fire. Other useful numbers are your local hospital and ambulance service. If you have pets, post your veterinarian's number, as well.

You should also call an ambulance if the victim cannot be safely moved without the help of emergency medical personnel.

In the meantime, review CPR procedures every six months to keep them fresh in your mind.

Use hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds, the calamine lotion to relieve itching from insect bites or poison ivy, and the aspirin in case of heart attack symptoms while waiting for emergency medical personnel.

Never use a tourniquet to control bleeding. A tourniquet, such as a cloth or bandage twisted tight, can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to greater injury. To raise a leg wound above the heart to slow bleeding, have the victim lie on the ground and elevate the leg. If you have applied pressure to a wound for at least 20 minutes, but it continues to bleed, seek medical help. Do not remove any objects that have pierced the victim; medical personnel should do this.

Even if a victim's injuries aren't life-threatening, the victim can go into shock and die. Shock occurs when the victim's organs and tissues don't get an adequate supply of blood or oxygen. The victim may be unconscious, but not always. Call for emergency help first, then follow these steps: Maintain an open airway for breathing; control obvious bleeding; elevate the legs about a foot, unless the injury makes that impossible; cover the victim with blankets; keep the victim on his or her back, unless the victim vomits (move victim onto his or her side at that point).

Minor burns are defined as first-degree burns and any second-degree burns that extend over an area of skin no larger than three inches. In a first-degree burn, the skin is red and may be swollen and somewhat painful. If blisters are present, it's considered a second-degree burn. Ice water, ice, butter, and oil can damage the skin. Instead, for minor burns, soak the area in cool water. When the burn is cool, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a dry, sterile gauze (not fluffy cotton) bandage. The burn should heal in two weeks. Change the dressing every day and watch for any signs of infection. More serious burns are a medical emergency and should be treated by a doctor right away.