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First Aid Manual: The Authorised Manual of St John Ambulance, St. Andrews Ambulance Association and the British Red Cross

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From first-aid essentials to life-saving procedures, it's worth having someone who knows what they are doing to cope with life's little (and big) emergencies. The latest edition of this best-selling manual, published in association with the UK's three leading first-aid providers, St John's Ambulance, St Andrew's Ambulance Association and the British Red Cross, gives you the knowledge you need instantly if someone falls ill or gets hurt.

Live-action step-by-step photographs show you how to treat casualties and over 100 medical conditions and injuries, from minor burns to heart attacks. Find information on the latest life-saving procedures and resuscitation guidelines as well as basic first aid techniques, like bandaging and applying dressings. Plus, chapters explain what it's like being a first aider, what to do in an emergency situation and how to look after a casualty. Keep it handy - for home, for work and for leisure.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

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St. John Ambulance Association

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5 stars
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100 (27%)
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50 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for John.
667 reviews29 followers
November 29, 2008
This manual is a classic and is regularly updated.

Every household should have a copy, just as eveyone should be taught basic First Aid.

There is stuff in here that can save lives... not bad for a few pounds.

Do your family a favour... get one today.

Even though First Aid advice changes all the time, there is stuff in here that will last you forever.
Profile Image for Sophie Crane.
5,206 reviews178 followers
September 6, 2020
My mum was Given this by my late Nan Jen Crane Gurney & it's been very useful in our household from time to time.
Profile Image for Sam.
3,454 reviews265 followers
February 13, 2019
This is a clearly written and comprehensive guide used by St John's and others as part of their first aid training courses (mine was picked up during my requalification training, worrying that I'm trained to look after others...). The guide is packed with information but is clear in the advice given from the signs and symptoms to what to do, from the basics such as CPR to the more complicated such as dealing with open breaks, collapsed lungs and strokes. It even has various summary pages detailing the biological systems behind the various illnesses, injuries and other issues which is a handy reminder for those of us who have started to forget our school biology lessons.
Profile Image for Dan Stern.
952 reviews11 followers
July 23, 2019
Make sure you get the most up to date version (and take the training) as their procedures get updated almost every year.
Great pocket resource. This is something everyone should read and own
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
1,769 reviews
June 24, 2017
Home School and First Aid At the beginning of this month, we were staying in Virginia in a hotel (we were visiting family) and on the last morning of our stay, the fire alarm went off and taught us that our Fire Plan was good for the house, but not for a 6 story hotel with fire alarms blaring at an ungodly hour ("I only recognize on 5 o'clock a day" Hawkeye from M*A*S*H) and the kids were just unable to function...they went on remote to the elevators with us yelling at them (to be heard over alarms) to come to the stairs and then to the nearest exit (they were headed for the main exit). We made a plan for traveling and have followed it since. 
 
So when I was at the library checking out books for my summer of books (I start planning school for next year over the summer) and I found this book. I remember that every time I go to get my certification from the Red Cross, there have been changes. Most things stay the same, but there are many things that are changed, so I think this book is going to be part of our school this year. 
Profile Image for Ryan Fohl.
637 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2019
A mediocre slap dash text book. But it is simple to search and there are lots of pictures. It does that thing general text books do where it doesn’t know how to organize itself or have any idea what the reader might know. For example before this book defines the word “angina” it defines “lighting!” I think most people know the concept of lighting before they can read? Or is this book targeted at people who are skeptical that Benjamin Franklin proved lighting is electricity?

What I learned: How to make some nifty improvised arm slings. Secondary drowning is where the lungs are irritated by the water that was in the lungs and then the lungs fill with fluid as an immune response. How to remove a bee stinger with a credit card. Hypothermia looks different in babies.
1 review
December 27, 2024
This book serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to learn essential First Aid techniques. Its step-by-step approach is easy to follow, even for beginners.

If you’re looking for hands-on training to complement these books, Give First Aid(https://www.givefirstaid.au/) offers exceptional courses that equip you with real-world skills. Their programs are designed to build confidence and competence, ensuring you’re prepared to act during emergencies.
Profile Image for Elisa.
67 reviews3 followers
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February 9, 2025
I decided to refresh my first aid knowledge after neglecting it for decades. First aid is something everyone should keep up to date with, as it can make a real difference in emergencies. This book provides both background information and concise, practical guidance. I haven't read it all in one go, but I've covered several sections so far.
Profile Image for Mirela.
37 reviews
October 5, 2019
Lots of useful information, clear pictures. It gets very repetitive, but I found that a positive thing as the information stuck better.
Profile Image for Nathan Hodgson.
96 reviews
September 2, 2022
Great companion to my First Aid at Work course - the Red Cross also had an app which is worth downloading
10 reviews
February 5, 2023
Really useful guide. Hope I don’t use it but an amazing resource. Every workplace and bookshelf needs a copy!
Profile Image for Clout Syder.
23 reviews
March 28, 2025
I got given this on a first aid course and it was a chill time.

Thank you St John and Redderick Cross for getting me out of work for 3 days.
Profile Image for Azmi.
71 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2019
First aid is an practice, not a classroom subject, and I'm so glad they choose hands-on approach in preparing this book.

Very straightforward and practical handbook, this makes it easy for anyone to provide first aid. Every chapters contain information relevant to the real world situation. This book covers pretty much everything that may require first aid, starting with managing the scene then assesing the casualty. It teach the steps for treating respiratory problems, wounds and bleeding, bone, joint and muscle injuries, effects of heat and cold, foreign objects, poisoning, bites stings. The writers also go further to include a chapter specifically for first aiders needs (mind preparation, communication with casualty and protection from infection). Other useful informations are special requirements for certain medical conditions, child and infant.

However some guides are written half-heartedly such as vaginal bleeding or difficult to understand eg. tying a reef knot.
Profile Image for Jin Kok.
97 reviews9 followers
September 16, 2013
A must read. A life saver. I respect those who are first aider: as an aider it just may help someone who is on the brink of life and death. And you being there could influence, such as person that's having a heart attack, or a stroke, or even having fits, being stung by a poisonous creature? What should you do? If someone has been impaled by a sharp object, what should you do? Read it or better still attend a first-aider course. You may just save someone's or your own life.
Profile Image for Samantha.
124 reviews58 followers
October 25, 2011
clear and well written, good pictures and step by step instructions. Has been useful in helping me remeber important parts of first aid and is going to be very useful when I take my first aid training.
Profile Image for Annabel.
334 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2015
A fantastic comprehensive manual with everything you need to know about first aid. ESSENTIAL reading (and re-reading), an absolute must have for the home.
St.John Ambulance are a fantastic organisation, incredibly knowledgeable, professional and up-to-date.
Profile Image for AB.
51 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2010
This book took a looooong time for me to finish, cause it really needs concentration. I think everybody should read a first aid book. This First Aid Manual is well-organized.
Profile Image for Glenn.
4 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2012
Whether you know your way round first aid or not, this book is an absolute must have on anyone's book list. It saves lives, or at least helps you to, get it now ;o)
Profile Image for سارة  ..
21 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2013
an amazing book with a lot of pictures to describe things about first aid.
Profile Image for TyCobbsTeeth TyCobbsTeeth.
Author 2 books163 followers
August 10, 2015
Make sure you get the most up to date version (and take the training) as their procedures get updated almost every year.
Great pocket resource. This is something everyone should read and own.
Profile Image for Feldie.
41 reviews
March 7, 2017
Helpful, with some local knowledge for treating FA situations in the UK
Profile Image for Vijay.
328 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2017
A must in your reference library. Keeps you in the know whenever there's an issue you need to deal with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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