Ask my Doctor

Run the affected area under cool (not cold) running water for several minutes, apply a clean, cool dressing or burn shield if available, and avoid using creams or butter. If the burn is large, blistered, or on the face or genitals, see your GP or visit the emergency department.

Clean the wound gently with water, apply a clean dressing or plaster, and keep it covered. If bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes of pressure, or if signs of infection appear, consult your GP.

Lay the person flat, elevate their legs slightly, and loosen tight clothing. Allow fresh air and observe for recovery. If they do not regain consciousness quickly, seek urgent medical help.

Sit upright, lean slightly forward, and pinch the soft part of the nose for about 10 minutes. Avoid leaning back. If the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop, see your doctor or go to the emergency department.

Keep the child comfortable and well-hydrated, avoid overdressing, and monitor their temperature. If they appear unusually drowsy, struggle to breathe, or you’re worried, seek medical advice.

Remove any visible sting gently, clean the area, and apply a cool compress to reduce swelling. If there is difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face or tongue, call for emergency help immediately.

Rest the injured limb, apply a cool compress or ice pack (wrapped), and elevate it. Avoid weight-bearing if painful. If swelling or pain is severe, visit your GP for assessment.

If the cut is deep, gaping, or continues bleeding despite pressure, it may need sutures. Cover with a clean dressing and have it checked promptly by a healthcare provider.

Encourage them to cough if they can. If unable to breathe, speak, or cough, perform back blows and seek emergency help immediately. Learn basic first aid for choking from a certified provider.

Support the limb in the position found, avoid unnecessary movement, and seek medical attention urgently. Apply a cold pack if possible to reduce swelling.

Wash your hands, clean the area, and use clean tweezers to gently remove it. If it’s deeply embedded or the area becomes red or swollen, see your GP.

Keep them safe by moving objects away, place something soft under their head, and do not put anything in their mouth. Once the seizure ends, place them on their side and seek medical review.

Do not try to remove it with tools at home. Keep calm and have it checked by a healthcare professional.

Remove or avoid the trigger if known, and consider a non-prescription antihistamine if previously tolerated. If swelling of the lips, tongue, or breathing difficulty occurs, seek emergency care immediately.

Rinse the eye gently with clean water or saline if something is in it. Avoid rubbing. If pain, redness, or vision changes persist, see your doctor or an eye specialist.

If it’s a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently in milk or saline, and try to reinsert it if possible. Otherwise, keep it moist in milk and see a dentist urgently.

Chest pain should always be taken seriously. Stop activity, sit or lie comfortably, and if pain persists, call emergency services immediately.

If someone has a head injury and seems confused, vomits, loses consciousness, or has a worsening headache, they should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Cool the skin with lukewarm water, apply a moisturising lotion or aloe vera, and stay hydrated. Avoid further sun exposure until healed.

If there is severe pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness, or confusion, go to the emergency department or call emergency services immediately.

A simple way to remember the signs of a possible stroke is the FAST test:

• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A – Arm: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
• S – Speech: Ask them to speak a short sentence. Is their speech slurred, strange, or hard to understand?
• T – Time: If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to seek emergency medical help immediately — call your local emergency number.

Acting FAST can save brain function and lives. Even if the symptoms seem to improve, the person should still be assessed by a doctor urgently.n