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Emergencies and first aid
Ohotata me whakarauora

Anaphylaxis (severe allergy)

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It can happen in a few minutes and can cause death.

Bites and stings

If you or a whānau member has been bitten or stung, the injury can be serious. It’s important to know what to do.

Broken bones

When you have a broken bone (fracture) you might need some help and first aid to get you to a healthcare team who can diagnose and treat your fracture. It is important you know what has happened, what to expect and how to take care of yourself until the injury is well healed.

Burns

If a person has suffered a burn, they may need your help and you may need to call an ambulance. You can start first aid for burns once the area where the accident occurred has been made safe.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas. If you breathe it in (inhale it) it can cause illness and in severe cases death.

Chemical poisoning

Poisoning means exposure to a substance that is harmful to your body. Poisons can be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through your skin, or injected under your skin. Nearly all poisonings are accidental.

Choking

Choking happens when something — often food — becomes stuck in a person's windpipe, blocking it. This makes it difficult or impossible to breathe.

Cuts, scrapes and wounds

You can usually take care of minor cuts and scrapes at home without seeing a healthcare professional.

Dehydration

If you are dehydrated, it means your body has lost more fluids than you have drunk. If it gets worse, it can be a serious problem and life threatening.

Dislocated joints

Dislocated joints happen when a bone comes out of its normal joint. The most common joints to dislocate are shoulders, fingers and kneecaps. Dislocations commonly happen during sporting activities or are caused by a fall.

Foreign object in the eye

If you or someone else has something in the eye and it is not coming out naturally, it is important to deal with it as soon as possible.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

You might feel heat exhaustion when your body's natural mechanisms are working hard to keep your body temperature stable. Heat stroke is when your body temperature rises too high — it is a dangerous condition.

Lead poisoning

Too much exposure to lead can cause lead poisoning and associated health problems. It can take months or years to develop lead poisoning if you are exposed to a small amount. A lot of lead exposure can quickly lead to more serious lead poisoning.

Self care at home

With the right supplies and information, most minor cuts and grazes, bruises, sprains, or coughs and colds can be managed at home without needing medical help.

Soft tissue injuries and treatment

Strains and sprains are common soft tissue injuries. They can affect your muscles, tendons, joint capsules and ligaments.