What are the 5 questions to ask first aid?

First aid is the immediate assistance given to someone who has been injured or suddenly becomes ill before professional medical help is available. It can mean the difference between life and death in serious emergencies, and in minor cases, it can provide comfort, reduce pain, and prevent conditions from becoming worse.

One of the most important parts of providing first aid is communication. Knowing what to ask a casualty can help you understand their condition, identify risks, and decide on the right action to take. If you are trained in first aid, you may already know some of the key questions, but even without formal training, remembering these questions can help you act quickly and responsibly.

In this article, we will look at the five essential questions to ask in first aid, why they matter, and how they can guide your actions.

Why Asking Questions in First Aid is Important

When people think of first aid, they often imagine bandaging wounds, stopping bleeding, or performing CPR. While these skills are crucial, the ability to gather information is just as important. Asking questions gives you insight into the situation, helps you avoid mistakes, and provides valuable information for emergency responders when they arrive.

Consider this: if someone collapses in front of you, your instinct might be to call an ambulance. But before paramedics arrive, the information you gather by asking the right questions can help them act faster and more effectively. If the casualty can speak, you have an opportunity to learn directly from them about their condition.

Now let’s explore the five questions that every first aider should know.

1. What happened?

This is always the starting point. Asking what happened gives you context for the emergency. Was it a fall, a car accident, a sudden collapse, or perhaps an allergic reaction? Understanding the cause of the injury helps you know what dangers may still be present and how best to respond.

For example:

• If the person says they slipped and fell, you will focus on checking for broken bones or head injuries.

• If they explain they suddenly felt dizzy before collapsing, you may suspect a heart problem, low blood sugar, or dehydration.

• If they mention being bitten by an insect or animal, you will know to look for signs of allergic reaction or infection.

The answer to “What happened?” is often the key to preventing further harm.

2. Where does it hurt?

Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. By asking where the pain is, you can narrow down the possible injuries and give more targeted help.

For instance:

• If the person points to their chest, you may be dealing with a heart attack or breathing difficulty.

• If they complain about sharp pain in the abdomen, it could be appendicitis or internal injury.

• If they indicate pain in their leg after a fall, it could be a fracture or sprain.

This question also reassures the casualty that you are paying attention to their needs. Even if you cannot provide full treatment, showing concern and acknowledging their pain makes a big difference.

3. Are you allergic to anything?

Allergies are common, and in emergencies, they can be life-threatening. Some people are allergic to medications like penicillin, while others may react to food, insect stings, or even certain medical supplies. Asking about allergies is vital before offering any form of help.

Imagine you are about to apply antiseptic cream or give the person aspirin for chest pain. If they are allergic, your well-meaning action could make things worse. By asking this question, you avoid unnecessary risk and protect the casualty from further harm.

In addition, if paramedics need to administer medication, knowing about allergies can save valuable time and prevent dangerous reactions.

4. Are you taking any medication?

Many medical emergencies are linked to existing health conditions. A person with diabetes, epilepsy, or high blood pressure may already be on daily medication. By asking this question, you gather crucial details about their health history.

For example:

• A diabetic person may suddenly collapse due to low blood sugar. If you know they are diabetic, you can quickly give them something sweet while waiting for help.

• Someone with asthma might be carrying an inhaler. If you know they are on asthma medication, you can assist them in using it.

• A person with heart disease may have nitroglycerin tablets. Recognizing this can help you support them until professionals arrive.

This question not only helps in giving immediate aid but also ensures that you can relay useful information to doctors or emergency staff.

5. Do you have any medical conditions?

This final question covers everything else that may not be obvious. Some people have chronic illnesses like epilepsy, heart disease, or clotting disorders that increase their risk in emergencies. Others may have hidden conditions that aren’t visible but are extremely important.

For instance:

• A person with epilepsy who collapses may be experiencing a seizure.

• Someone with a history of heart problems may show early signs of cardiac arrest.

• A person with hemophilia may bleed more heavily from small injuries, requiring urgent care.

Knowing about medical conditions also helps you remain calm and realistic about what to expect. It prepares you to provide the best possible support without guessing.

Putting It All Together

When faced with an emergency, these five questions act as a quick assessment tool. They are simple, direct, and cover the most important information:

1. What happened?

2. Where does it hurt?

3. Are you allergic to anything?

4. Are you taking any medication?

5. Do you have any medical conditions?

By asking them, you gain insight into the person’s needs, avoid dangerous mistakes, and provide vital details to emergency services.

Final Thoughts

First aid is not just about physical treatment; it is about awareness, communication, and care. By remembering these five questions, you put yourself in the best position to help someone in need. They take only a few seconds to ask, but the answers could save a life.

If you are serious about helping others, consider taking a certified first aid course. Training will give you practical skills like CPR, wound care, and recovery positions, but it will also reinforce the importance of communication. In emergencies, asking the right questions is just as valuable as knowing how to perform the right actions.

✅ Next time you find yourself in a first aid situation, keep calm, think clearly, and start with these five simple but powerful questions.