The First Aid skills people often forget

First Aid skills are designed for emergencies - moments that are unexpected, stressful and emotional. Because of that, it’s completely normal for people to forget details or doubt themselves when something suddenly happens.

This doesn’t mean you wouldn’t care or wouldn’t want to help. It simply means your brain is dealing with pressure.

Below are some of the First Aid skills people most commonly feel unsure about, along with calm reminders of what to do - and why these steps matter.

1. What to do first when someone collapses

When someone collapses, people often feel a strong urge to do something immediately. That can lead to rushing, guessing, or missing the most important checks.

The first thing to do is always to check for a response and breathing:

• Speak to the person and gently tap their shoulders

• Look, listen and feel for normal breathing

• If they are unresponsive or not breathing normally, call 999 straight away

You don’t need to diagnose what’s wrong. You don’t need to know their medical history. Your role is simply to recognise that something is wrong and raise the alarm quickly.

Emergency services would always rather be called early than late.

2. CPR - when to start and what really matters

One of the biggest worries people have is: “What if I start CPR when I shouldn’t?”

The guidance is clear: If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should be started.

CPR keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives.
It doesn’t restart the heart - but it buys time.

You don’t need to worry about perfect technique. What matters most is:

• Hands in the centre of the chest

• Push hard and fast

• Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions

If you call 999, the call handler can talk you through exactly what to do and stay with you on the line.

3. The recovery position - and why it’s used

Many people remember that the recovery position exists, but feel unsure about when or why to use it.

The recovery position is used when someone is:

• Unresponsive

• But breathing normally

Placing them on their side helps:

• Keep the airway open

• Reduce the risk of choking if they vomit

• Allow fluids to drain safely

Once someone is in the recovery position, it’s important to keep monitoring their breathing and responsiveness until help arrives. If their breathing changes or stops, you should reassess and be ready to act.

4. Choking - knowing when to step in

Choking situations are often frightening, especially because they happen so suddenly.

If someone can still:

• Cough

• Speak

• Breathe

Then encourage them to keep coughing - this is often enough to clear the obstruction.

However, if they cannot cough, speak or breathe, you need to intervene:

• Give 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades

• Follow with 5 abdominal thrusts

• Alternate between the two until the blockage clears or help arrives

Hesitation is common, but acting promptly can prevent the situation from becoming life-threatening.

5. Using a defibrillator (AED)

Defibrillators can look intimidating, but they are designed specifically for members of the public to use.

An AED:

• Gives clear spoken instructions

• Analyses the heart rhythm automatically

• Will only deliver a shock if it’s needed

You cannot accidentally harm someone by using one. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, an AED should be used as soon as one is available.

The sooner defibrillation happens, the greater the chance of survival.

Why these skills matter

In emergencies, it’s rarely about doing everything. It’s about doing a few simple things well and calmly.

First Aid doesn’t require medical knowledge or perfect memory. It relies on recognising danger, staying as calm as possible, and taking clear steps.

Even reading reminders like this can help your brain feel more prepared.

A gentle final thought

If this article has made you realise that some of your First Aid knowledge feels a little hazy, that’s very common. Skills fade when they’re not used - and that’s nothing to feel embarrassed about.

The most important thing is being willing to help and knowing where to start.

If you would like to talk about attending an Emergency First Aid training course, or even setting up your own refresher training, please get in touch and we can run through my Harrogate Training Course dates.