Tag emergency response

Assessment Terms

Unconscious

Unconscious means a person is not awake and cannot respond. Learn how this term relates to unresponsive, recovery position, and CPR in first aid.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 9, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Recovery Position

Recovery position means placing an unresponsive person who is breathing normally onto their side to help protect the airway. Learn when to use it and when CPR is needed instead.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 9, 2026

First Aid Procedures

Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are the main pumping action used during CPR. Learn when to start chest compressions, why they matter, and how they fit into the early emergency response.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 9, 2026

Body Systems

Breathing

Breathing means moving air in and out of the lungs. Learn what normal and abnormal breathing can look like in first aid and what to do next.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 9, 2026

Medical Conditions

Stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Learn the warning signs and what to do in first aid.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 7, 2026

Acronyms

DRSABCD

DRSABCD is a first aid memory aid for early emergency steps. Learn what each letter means and how DRSABCD connects to primary survey, CPR, and recovery position.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 7, 2026

Equipment & Supplies

Automated External Defibrillator

An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a device used during cardiac arrest. Learn what it does, when it is used, and how it fits with CPR.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 7, 2026

Acronyms, First Aid Procedures

CPR

CPR means cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Learn when to start CPR, how it fits into DRSABCD and basic life support, and when unresponsive people need urgent action.

First Aid Glossary Editorial Team
February 7, 2026