Minimize movement to protect the spine when a fracture or dislocation is suspected. The approach that should not be used with an unconscious victim is carrying them because you cannot protect the spine or the airway. An unconscious person may have a spinal injury, and moving them by carrying can worsen spinal damage or block the airway. Instead, first ensure the airway and breathing are assessed and stabilized (use a jaw-thrust if a spinal injury is suspected), call for help, and immobilize the spine. If you must move the person for safety, do so with spinal precautions (for example, a log-roll with the head and neck stabilized or onto a long spine board) to keep the spine in alignment. The other scenarios can be managed in ways that limit movement and maintain spinal protection, depending on the situation.

Fainting treatment guidance centers on finding and addressing the underlying cause. The best action is to identify and control the cause of fainting because addressing the trigger directly helps prevent another episode and reduces risk. In practice, assess for reversible factors like dehydration, overheating, or low blood sugar, and take steps to correct them: have the person lie down, loosen restrictive clothing, and if there are no injuries, raise the legs and ensure the airway is open while monitoring breathing. Offer fluids or a small sugary snack only if the person is conscious and able to swallow. Seek emergency help if red flags appear (chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, injury from a fall, or if the person does not regain consciousness promptly). While EMS is important in certain situations, the overall guidance emphasizes identifying and controlling the cause rather than applying a generic action.

Direct pressure on the wound with a clean dressing is the first action to control external bleeding. Pressing firmly compresses the injured vessels and helps form a clot, which stops or slows the bleed. If blood soaks through, don’t remove the initial dressing—add more layers on top and continue applying pressure. Elevating the limb can help but shouldn’t delay applying pressure, and it’s not a substitute for it. Distal circulation should be checked and monitored during care, not waited on until the bleeding stops. Ice directly on the wound isn’t used to stop bleeding and should be avoided on the wound itself; cold is sometimes used later with a barrier if needed, after bleeding is controlled.

Documenting seizure activity by recording how many seizures occur and how long each one lasts provides crucial information for ongoing care. Knowing the duration helps identify potential escalation, such as status epilepticus, where seizures continue or follow one another without recovery for several minutes, which signals a need for emergency medical help. Tracking how often seizures occur also helps clinicians understand the pattern and effectiveness of any treatments or medications the person uses. While you keep the person safe during a seizure and arrange for care after it ends, the most important action for you during the event is to note the timing and frequency, since this information directly informs medical decisions and monitoring.