An ESL lesson on basic first aid vocabulary, explaining the meanings and providing over 80 examples to enhance understanding and usage.

 


Comprehensive Guide to Basic First Aid Vocabulary

Understanding first aid vocabulary is crucial for anyone, especially for ESL learners. Knowing these terms can help you respond effectively in emergency situations and communicate clearly with healthcare professionals. This lesson will explore basic first aid vocabulary, providing detailed meanings and over 80 examples. By the end of this lesson, learners will understand how to use these terms in different contexts, enhancing their overall communication skills in emergencies.

Useful Vocabulary for First Aid

In this section, we will highlight essential vocabulary related to first aid. Words such as "ointment," "bandage," "resuscitation," and "sterile" will be explained in detail, providing context and examples to ensure thorough understanding.


Detailed List of First Aid Vocabulary with Examples

  1. First aid

    • First aid is the immediate assistance given to someone injured or ill.
    • She administered first aid to the injured child.
    • Knowing first aid can save lives.
  2. Ointment

    • Ointment is used to treat minor skin injuries.
    • Apply the ointment to the cut.
    • He used antiseptic ointment on the wound.
  3. Adhesive bandage

    • An adhesive bandage is used to cover small cuts.
    • She placed an adhesive bandage on her finger.
    • Always keep adhesive bandages in your first aid kit.
  4. Safety pin

    • A safety pin is used to secure bandages.
    • He used a safety pin to hold the bandage in place.
    • Safety pins are essential in first aid.
  5. Bandage

    • A bandage is used to support or restrict a part of the body.
    • She wrapped a bandage around her sprained ankle.
    • The first aid kit contains various types of bandages.
  6. Painkillers

    • Painkillers help relieve pain.
    • He took painkillers for his headache.
    • Keep painkillers in your first aid kit for emergencies.
  7. Gauze

    • Gauze is used to cover and protect wounds.
    • She applied gauze to the bleeding cut.
    • Gauze pads are essential for wound care.
  8. First aid kit

    • A first aid kit contains essential medical supplies.
    • Every home should have a well-stocked first aid kit.
    • He checked the first aid kit for necessary items.
  9. Antiseptic wipe

    • Antiseptic wipes are used to clean wounds.
    • She cleaned the cut with an antiseptic wipe.
    • Antiseptic wipes help prevent infections.
  10. Tweezers

    • Tweezers are used to remove splinters or debris.
    • He used tweezers to remove the glass shard.
    • Keep tweezers in your first aid kit.
  11. Scissors

    • Scissors are used to cut bandages and tape.
    • She cut the bandage with scissors.
    • Scissors are an important tool in first aid.
  12. Antiseptic

    • Antiseptic prevents infection in wounds.
    • Apply antiseptic to the wound before bandaging.
    • Antiseptic solutions are essential in first aid.
  13. Dressing

    • A dressing is applied to a wound to promote healing.
    • She changed the dressing on her injury daily.
    • Keep sterile dressings in your first aid kit.
  14. Splint

    • A splint is used to immobilise broken bones.
    • They applied a splint to his broken leg.
    • Splints help prevent further injury.
  15. Adhesive

    • Adhesive is used to hold dressings in place.
    • She used adhesive tape to secure the bandage.
    • Adhesive strips are found in first aid kits.
  16. Shock

    • Shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
    • He went into shock after the accident.
    • Learn to recognise the signs of shock.
  17. Pulse

    • Pulse is the heartbeat felt through the walls of the arteries.
    • Check the patient’s pulse regularly.
    • A weak pulse can indicate a medical emergency.
  18. Choke (v)

    • To choke is to have difficulty breathing because of a blocked throat.
    • He choked on a piece of food.
    • Learn how to help someone who is choking.
  19. Resuscitation

    • Resuscitation is the act of reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death.
    • She performed resuscitation on the drowning victim.
    • Resuscitation techniques can save lives.
  20. Can you help?

    • Ask "Can you help?" when you need assistance.
    • He asked, "Can you help?" during the emergency.
    • Knowing how to ask for help is crucial.
  21. Breathing

    • Breathing is the process of taking air into and expelling it from the lungs.
    • Check if the patient is breathing.
    • Proper breathing techniques are essential in first aid.
  22. Sterile

    • Sterile means free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
    • Use sterile gloves when treating wounds.
    • Sterile dressings are crucial for preventing infection.
  23. Unconscious

    • Unconscious means not awake and aware of surroundings.
    • She was unconscious after the fall.
    • Know how to assist an unconscious person.
  24. Do you know first aid?

    • Asking "Do you know first aid?" can identify those who can help in an emergency.
    • He asked, "Do you know first aid?" at the scene of the accident.
    • Being able to ask for help is important.

Additional Examples

  1. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

    • CPR is performed to restore breathing and circulation.
    • He performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.
    • Learning CPR can save lives.
  2. Bleeding

    • Bleeding is the loss of blood from the body.
    • Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
    • Severe bleeding requires immediate attention.
  3. Burn

    • A burn is an injury caused by heat, electricity, or chemicals.
    • She treated the burn with cool water.
    • Burns should be covered with a sterile dressing.
  4. Fracture

    • A fracture is a break in a bone.
    • He suffered a fracture in his arm.
    • Immobilise the fracture to prevent further injury.
  5. Allergic reaction

    • An allergic reaction occurs when the body reacts to a foreign substance.
    • She had an allergic reaction to the medication.
    • Administer an antihistamine for mild allergic reactions.
  6. Anaphylaxis

    • Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
    • He experienced anaphylaxis after eating peanuts.
    • Use an epinephrine injector for anaphylaxis.
  7. Asthma attack

    • An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms.
    • She had an asthma attack during the race.
    • Use an inhaler to relieve asthma symptoms.
  8. Bandage scissors

    • Bandage scissors are used to cut bandages and dressings.
    • She used bandage scissors to remove the gauze.
    • Keep bandage scissors in your first aid kit.
  9. Blister

    • A blister is a small bubble on the skin filled with serum.
    • He got a blister from his new shoes.
    • Cover the blister to protect it from further injury.
  10. Breathlessness

    • Breathlessness is difficulty or discomfort in breathing.
    • He felt breathless after the run.
    • Sit the person down and calm them to ease breathlessness.
  11. Bruise

    • A bruise is an injury that causes discolouration of the skin.
    • She had a bruise on her arm.
    • Apply ice to reduce swelling and bruising.
  12. Cardiac arrest

    • Cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of heart function.
    • He suffered cardiac arrest during the workout.
    • Immediate CPR is crucial in cardiac arrest.
  13. Cold compress

    • A cold compress is used to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
    • Apply a cold compress to the injury.
    • Cold compresses help in managing minor injuries.
  14. Cramp

    • A cramp is a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction.
    • He had a cramp in his leg.
    • Stretch and massage the area to relieve the cramp.
  15. Cuts and scrapes

    • Cuts and scrapes are minor skin injuries.
    • Clean cuts and scrapes with antiseptic.
    • Cover cuts and scrapes with a bandage.
  16. Dehydration

    • Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in.
    • He suffered from dehydration after the hike.
    • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
  17. Dislocation

    • A dislocation is when a bone is forced out of its joint.
    • She dislocated her shoulder during the fall.
    • Immobilise the joint and seek medical help.
  18. Dizziness

    • Dizziness is a feeling of unsteadiness or light-headedness.
    • He felt dizzy after standing up quickly.
    • Sit or lie down to prevent falls.
  19. Electric shock

    • Electric shock is an injury caused by electrical current passing through the body.
    • He received an electric shock from a faulty appliance.
    • Turn off the power source and seek medical help.
  20. Epileptic seizure

    • An epileptic seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.
    • She had an epileptic seizure during class.
    • Keep the person safe and seek medical assistance.
  21. Eye injury

    • An eye injury is any injury to the eye or surrounding area.
    • He got dust in his eye and suffered an injury.
    • Rinse the eye with clean water and seek medical help.
  22. Fainting

    • Fainting is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness.
    • She fainted due to the heat.
    • Lay the person down and elevate their legs.
  23. First responder

    • A first responder is a person trained to provide initial emergency care.
    • The first responder arrived quickly.
    • First responders play a crucial role in emergencies.
  24. Heatstroke

    • Heatstroke is a severe heat-related illness.
    • He suffered heatstroke after prolonged exposure to the sun.
    • Move the person to a cool place and hydrate them.
  25. Hyperventilation

    • Hyperventilation is rapid or deep breathing that can cause dizziness.
    • She started hyperventilating during the panic attack.
    • Encourage slow, deep breaths to calm the person.
  26. Immobilise

    • To immobilise means to prevent movement of a body part.
    • They immobilised his leg after the injury.
    • Immobilising a fracture is essential.
  27. Infection

    • An infection is the invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms.
    • The cut became infected.
    • Clean wounds properly to prevent infection.
  28. Laceration

    • A laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin.
    • He had a laceration on his arm.
    • Lacerations often require stitches.
  29. Nosebleed

    • A nosebleed is bleeding from the nose.
    • He had a nosebleed during the game.
    • Pinch the nose and lean forward to stop the bleeding.
  30. Overdose

    • An overdose is taking an excessive amount of a substance.
    • She was hospitalised after an overdose.
    • Overdoses require immediate medical attention.
  31. Panic attack

    • A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear.
    • He experienced a panic attack during the flight.
    • Help the person stay calm and breathe slowly.
  32. Plaster

    • A plaster is a small adhesive bandage.
    • She put a plaster on her cut.
    • Plasters protect small wounds from infection.
  33. Poisoning

    • Poisoning occurs when harmful substances are ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
    • He was treated for food poisoning.
    • Seek immediate medical help for poisoning.
  34. Rash

    • A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin.
    • She developed a rash after touching the plant.
    • Apply cream to soothe the rash.
  35. Rescue breaths

    • Rescue breaths are given during CPR to provide oxygen to the person.
    • He administered rescue breaths.
    • Rescue breaths are crucial in resuscitation.
  36. Scrape

    • A scrape is an abrasion on the skin.
    • He scraped his knee playing football.
    • Clean scrapes to prevent infection.
  37. Severe bleeding

    • Severe bleeding is heavy and rapid blood loss.
    • She suffered severe bleeding from the cut.
    • Apply pressure and seek medical help immediately.
  38. Shock

    • Shock is a critical condition brought on by sudden blood loss or trauma.
    • He went into shock after the accident.
    • Treating shock quickly is essential.
  39. Sling

    • A sling is a bandage used to support an injured arm.
    • They placed his arm in a sling.
    • Slings help immobilise and support injuries.
  40. Splinter

    • A splinter is a small, thin piece of material that has broken off from a larger piece.
    • She got a splinter from the wooden fence.
    • Use tweezers to remove splinters.
  41. Sprain

    • A sprain is an injury to ligaments caused by twisting.
    • He sprained his ankle during the match.
    • Rest and ice are crucial for sprain recovery.
  42. Sterile dressing

    • A sterile dressing is free from bacteria and used to cover wounds.
    • Apply a sterile dressing to the cut.
    • Sterile dressings prevent infections.
  43. Stroke

    • A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
    • He had a stroke last year.
    • Immediate medical help is crucial for stroke patients.
  44. Suffocation

    • Suffocation is the condition of being deprived of oxygen.
    • He nearly suffocated under the debris.
    • Ensure a clear airway to prevent suffocation.
  45. Sunburn

    • Sunburn is skin damage caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.
    • She got sunburned at the beach.
    • Apply aloe vera to soothe sunburn.
  46. Swelling

    • Swelling is an enlargement of a body part due to injury or inflammation.
    • Ice the swelling to reduce it.
    • Swelling can be a sign of injury.
  47. Tetanus

    • Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by contaminated wounds.
    • She got a tetanus shot after the injury.
    • Tetanus can be prevented with vaccination.
  48. Tourniquet

    • A tourniquet is a device used to stop severe bleeding.
    • They used a tourniquet on his leg.
    • Tourniquets should be used with caution.
  49. Trauma

    • Trauma is physical injury or wound.
    • He suffered trauma to his head.
    • Trauma care is critical in emergencies.
  50. Unresponsive

    • Unresponsive means not reacting to stimuli.
    • She was unresponsive after the collapse.
    • Check for signs of breathing in unresponsive individuals.
  51. Wound

    • A wound is an injury that breaks the skin.
    • Clean the wound to prevent infection.
    • Dress the wound with a sterile bandage.
  52. Wrap

    • To wrap is to cover with a protective layer.
    • Wrap the injury with a bandage.
    • Wrapping helps protect and immobilise injuries.
  53. Zinc oxide

    • Zinc oxide is used in creams to protect skin.
    • Apply zinc oxide to the rash.
    • Zinc oxide helps heal minor skin irritations.
  54. Stitch

    • A stitch is a loop of thread used to close a wound.
    • He needed stitches for the deep cut.
    • Stitches are often required for deep wounds.
  55. Tourniquet

    • A tourniquet is used to stop severe bleeding.
    • Apply a tourniquet above the wound.
    • Tourniquets can save lives in severe bleeding situations.
  56. Unconscious

    • Unconscious means not awake and aware.
    • He was unconscious after the fall.
    • Treat an unconscious person with care.
  57. Vomit

    • Vomit is the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
    • She felt like she was going to vomit.
    • Provide comfort and hydrate after vomiting.
  58. Wrist support

    • A wrist support helps immobilise and support injured wrists.
    • She wore a wrist support after the sprain.
    • Wrist supports aid in recovery.

Summary and Takeaways

Lesson Overview

This lesson focused on basic first aid vocabulary, providing detailed explanations and over 80 examples to help ESL and TEFL learners understand and use these terms in their daily interactions and emergencies. Learners will gain knowledge about the specific contexts in which these terms are used and improve their English vocabulary.

Key Phrases Learnt

  • First aid
  • Ointment
  • Adhesive bandage
  • Safety pin
  • Painkillers
  • Gauze
  • Antiseptic wipe
  • Splint
  • Shock
  • Resuscitation

Practice Exercises

To reinforce learning, students can create sentences using the phrases discussed. They can also write short dialogues incorporating multiple phrases to practise how to use these terms correctly. Additionally, practising these tips in daily conversations will help internalise the vocabulary and its usage.

Tips for Remembering

Remembering the different first aid terms can be made easier by associating each term with specific actions or contexts. Using flashcards or digital reminders can also help. Discussing these terms with friends or family will further reinforce the learning.

Further Lessons

We encourage you to explore our website for more lessons on emergency vocabulary, health-related terms, and other topics. Expanding your vocabulary in different areas will improve your overall language skills.

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