First Aid6 min read
First aid procedures
Recovery position, bleeding compression, cardiac massage and defibrillator: the life-saving actions while waiting for the emergency services.
Updated 13 June 2026
What this lesson covers
Why act while waiting for the emergency services?
Checking the state of consciousness
Checking breathing
The recovery position (PLS)
Stopping a haemorrhage
Cardiac arrest: massage and defibrillator
Actions you must never take
While waiting for the emergency services
Recap
- First check consciousness (simple questions), then breathing (breath, chest, pulse).
- Unconscious victim who is breathing: place them in the recovery position (PLS).
- Haemorrhage: firmly compress the wound without releasing until the emergency services arrive.
- Cardiac arrest: cardiac massage (100-120 compressions/min) + defibrillator if available.
- The defibrillator can be used without training: it guides by voice and only shocks if necessary.
- Never: give a drink, remove a helmet, move an injured person (unless immediate danger), transport an injured person yourself.
- Cover the injured person and talk to them to reassure them while waiting for the emergency services.
- Stay at the scene of the accident if you are a witness.
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Unlock with the PassSources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.