Bleeding, burns and breaks
Bleeding, burns and breaks: a chapter of the First Aid Book, with the steps that help in the first minutes of an emergency.
10 cards · Science
Each Zap teaches up to 5 new cards, so you learn the deck a few at a time.
Checked by the Brain Zap team · reviewed 26 Oct 2026
Sources: First aid (NHS), First aid advice (British Red Cross)
Preview
First thing to do for heavy bleeding
Show answerHide answer: First thing to do for heavy bleeding
Press hard on the wound
Learn more: Steady pressure lets the blood clot; if blood soaks through, add more pads on top rather than lifting.
How long to cool a burn under running water
Show answerHide answer: How long to cool a burn under running water
20 minutes
Learn more: Cool or lukewarm running water limits the damage, and it still helps if you start a while after the burn.
An old remedy you should never put on a burn
Show answerHide answer: An old remedy you should never put on a burn
Butter
Learn more: Butter, oils and creams hold the heat in and can cause infection; ice can damage the skin even more.
A good loose cover for a burn once it's cooled
Show answerHide answer: A good loose cover for a burn once it's cooled
Cling film
Learn more: It won't stick to the wound and keeps it clean; lay it on loosely rather than wrapping it round.
For a nosebleed, lean which way?
Show answerHide answer: For a nosebleed, lean which way?
Forward
Learn more: Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes; tipping the head back makes you swallow blood.
About this topic
Most injuries need the same few things: stop the bleeding with firm pressure, cool a burn for long enough, and keep a broken bone still. Some old remedies make things worse, such as butter on a burn or tipping your head back for a nosebleed. Whenever an injury is serious, or you're not sure, call the emergency number and follow what they tell you.
This is a chapter of the First Aid Book. Each card asks one question, with a hint before you answer and a short reason after. Once you know most of this chapter, the next one starts arriving in your Daily Zap.
All 10 cards
First thing to do for heavy bleeding
Press hard on the wound
Learn more: Steady pressure lets the blood clot; if blood soaks through, add more pads on top rather than lifting.
How long to cool a burn under running water
20 minutes
Learn more: Cool or lukewarm running water limits the damage, and it still helps if you start a while after the burn.
An old remedy you should never put on a burn
Butter
Learn more: Butter, oils and creams hold the heat in and can cause infection; ice can damage the skin even more.
A good loose cover for a burn once it's cooled
Cling film
Learn more: It won't stick to the wound and keeps it clean; lay it on loosely rather than wrapping it round.
For a nosebleed, lean which way?
Forward
Learn more: Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 to 15 minutes; tipping the head back makes you swallow blood.
What to do with a suspected broken bone
Keep it still
Learn more: Moving a broken bone can damage nerves and blood vessels; pad it or use a sling, and get help.
Sprain care: Rest, Ice, Compression and…
Elevation
Learn more: Lifting the injured limb lets fluid drain away, which brings the swelling down.
Something is stuck in a wound: you should…
Leave it in
Learn more: Press around it, not on it, and pad either side; pulling it out can start heavy bleeding.
Treating shock: lay them down and raise their…
Legs
Learn more: Raise and support their legs, keep them warm and call for help: shock after an injury can kill.
Before touching someone hurt by electricity
Switch off the power
Learn more: Unplug or turn off the mains first; never touch them while they're still in contact with the source.
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