First Aid Glossary Editorial Team

The First Aid Glossary Editorial Team produces plain-English explanations of first aid and emergency terminology for Australian readers. Articles are reviewed against recognised Australian guidance, including ANZCOR, Healthdirect Australia and Triple Zero, and are updated as guidance changes.

Joined: January 28, 2026
Articles: 246

Assessment Terms

Glasgow Coma Scale

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a way to score how responsive a person is after a serious illness or injury. Learn what it measures and why it matters.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 22, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Chest Thrusts

Chest thrusts are a lifesaving first aid technique that can quickly clear a blocked airway when someone is choking and struggling to breathe. Knowing how to perform chest thrusts gives you the confidence to act fast and help open the airway so the person can breathe again.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 20, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Chin Lift

Chin lift means lifting the chin to help open the airway. Learn what the term means and when to use the main practical first aid pages instead.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 18, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Head-Tilt Chin-Lift

Head-tilt chin-lift is the standard first aid manoeuvre for opening the airway in an unresponsive person. Learn when to use it and when jaw thrust may be safer.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 17, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Jaw Thrust

Jaw thrust is an airway-opening manoeuvre used when neck injury is a concern. Learn what jaw thrust means and how it differs from head-tilt chin-lift in first aid.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 15, 2026

Body Systems, Medical Conditions

Aspiration

Aspiration happens when food or liquid accidentally enters the lungs instead of the stomach, which can cause coughing, choking, or even serious lung infections. Understanding aspiration and how to respond quickly is key to keeping yourself and others safe.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 13, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Artificial Respiration

Artificial respiration means giving breaths or breathing support when a person is not breathing properly. Learn what the term means and where to find the main practical first aid pages.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 12, 2026

Injuries

Muscle Strain

A muscle strain happens when fibers in your muscle stretch too far or tear, causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling. Understanding muscle strain is key to giving proper first aid and getting you back to moving comfortably sooner.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 12, 2026

Injuries

Joint Stabilization

Joint stabilization is key to protecting injured joints like knees or elbows, helping to reduce pain and prevent further damage by keeping them steady until medical help arrives. Whether it’s a sprain, dislocation, or fracture, supporting the joint properly can make all the difference in recovery.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 12, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Limb Elevation

Flat illustration of a first aider elevating an injured leg on cushions.

Limb elevation is a simple yet effective first aid technique that involves raising an arm or leg above the heart to reduce swelling and pain. Whether at home or on the go, this easy step can speed up healing and make injuries more manageable.