MJR Health

First Aid Awareness

Simple first aid that can save a life

Practical, easy-to-remember steps for common emergencies in our villages and towns. These are awareness guides — not a replacement for a doctor or a hospital.

Important: In any serious emergency, call 108 (ambulance) or reach the nearest hospital immediately. Use these guides only for basic support until medical help arrives.

CPR — Cardiac arrest

If someone collapses, is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Do
  • Shout for help and call an ambulance / 108 immediately.
  • Place the person flat on their back on a firm surface.
  • Push hard and fast at the centre of the chest — about 100–120 pushes per minute.
  • Continue until help arrives or the person starts breathing normally.
Don't
  • Do not stop chest compressions to check pulse repeatedly.
  • Do not give water or food.
  • Do not move the person unnecessarily if the location is safe.

Burns (heat, hot liquid)

For minor to moderate burns from stoves, hot water or fire.

Do
  • Cool the burn under gentle running tap water for 15–20 minutes.
  • Remove rings, bangles or tight clothing near the burn before it swells.
  • Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick cloth.
  • See a doctor for burns larger than a palm, or on face/hands/joints/genitals.
Don't
  • Do not apply toothpaste, oil, ghee, ice or turmeric on the burn.
  • Do not burst blisters.
  • Do not use cotton wool directly on the wound.

Snakebite

Every snakebite should be treated as potentially serious.

Do
  • Keep the person calm and still — panic and movement spread venom faster.
  • Immobilise the bitten limb with a splint, keep it below heart level.
  • Remove rings, watches and tight clothing.
  • Get to the nearest hospital urgently for anti-snake venom.
Don't
  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out venom.
  • Do not apply a tight tourniquet.
  • Do not give alcohol or pain-killers.
  • Do not waste time on traditional remedies — go to hospital.

Cuts & bleeding

For minor to moderate cuts and wounds.

Do
  • Wash your hands, then clean the wound gently with clean water.
  • Apply firm, steady pressure with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
  • Raise the injured part above heart level if possible.
  • Cover with a clean dressing and see a doctor if bleeding does not stop or the wound is deep.
Don't
  • Do not use cotton wool directly on an open wound.
  • Do not remove an object stuck in the wound — stabilise it and go to hospital.
  • Do not ignore deep or dirty wounds — tetanus injection may be needed.

Road accident

First few minutes decide the outcome. Stay calm and act step by step.

Do
  • Call 108 immediately with the exact location.
  • Make the site safe — switch on hazard lights, keep bystanders back.
  • If the person is breathing, leave them where they are unless in more danger.
  • Control heavy bleeding with firm pressure using clean cloth.
Don't
  • Do not shake or move an unconscious person unnecessarily — suspect spine injury.
  • Do not remove a helmet unless absolutely required and you know how.
  • Do not give water or food.

Heat stroke

In hot summer, high fever with confusion, dry skin or fainting is an emergency.

Do
  • Move the person to a cool, shaded, ventilated place.
  • Loosen clothing and sponge the body with cool water; fan them.
  • Give sips of water or ORS if they are fully conscious.
  • Take them to hospital urgently if temperature stays high or they are confused.
Don't
  • Do not give any medication without medical advice.
  • Do not give ice-cold water suddenly to an unconscious person.
  • Do not ignore early signs — headache, dizziness, weakness.

Want a first aid session for your school or village?

We run community awareness sessions along with our rural health camps.

Request a camp