Am Fam Physician. 2026;113(3):287-290
Author disclosure: Dr. Nelson disclosed stock ownership in Eli Lilly. This relevant financial relationship was mitigated when she sold her shares in May 2024, before her work on this content began.
| • When providing first aid, the responder should calmly approach the person who may need help from the front, introduce themself, state their intentions, and ask for consent, which will give information about the need to call EMS. |
| • A stroke scale such as the FAST (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911) mnemonic should be used to recognize acute stroke. |
| • EMS should be activated after a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes or associated with breathing difficulty, traumatic injury, choking, or water immersion. |
| • For opioid overdose, EMS should be called, high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation provided in unconscious individuals, and naloxone administered. |
| From the AFP Editors |
Physicians are often asked to speak to groups about providing first aid and are sometimes bystanders during an acute emergency, in or out of the office. This guideline from the American Heart Association and American Red Cross provides guidance on administering first aid.
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