First Aid Decision Tree
Symptom-based first aid guidance using the Red Cross Check-Call-Care framework.
Follow the steps below. Always call 911 for serious emergencies.
Select a symptom category above to get started.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the First Aid Decision Tree
In an emergency, clear thinking saves lives. This tool walks you through the Red Cross "Check-Call-Care" framework: check the scene and the person, call 911 if needed, then provide care while help is on the way.
- Select the symptom. Choose the category that best matches the emergency: bleeding, choking, burns, allergic reaction, hypothermia, heat stroke, suspected fracture, unconscious person, chest pain, or poisoning.
- Answer the questions. The decision tree asks yes/no questions to assess severity. Answer honestly based on what you observe.
- Follow the steps. The tool provides clear, numbered first aid instructions. Red emergency boxes indicate when to call 911 immediately.
- Share or copy. Copy the steps to your phone or share the link so others can reference the same guidance.
This tool does not replace professional medical training. We strongly encourage everyone to take a certified first aid and CPR course from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
About the First Aid Decision Tree
This guide is based on the American Red Cross "Check-Call-Care" framework and generally accepted first aid principles. It covers when to call 911, basic wound care (clean, apply pressure, bandage), the Heimlich maneuver for choking, burn treatment (cool water, never ice or butter), recognition of hypothermia and heat stroke, and tourniquet placement guidance. It intentionally does not include medication dosing, medical diagnosis, spinal injury management, wound closure, or fracture reduction, as these require professional medical training. All guidance is educational and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call 911?
Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency: unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding that won't stop, chest pain, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), severe allergic reactions, suspected poisoning, and any situation where you are unsure of the severity. It is always better to call and not need help than to not call and need it.
Can this tool replace a first aid course?
No. This tool is a quick reference guide, not a substitute for hands-on training. A certified first aid course teaches you to practice techniques like CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and wound care under supervision. Muscle memory from practice is critical in real emergencies when stress impairs thinking. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer courses nationwide.
What is the Check-Call-Care framework?
Check-Call-Care is the American Red Cross approach to emergency response. CHECK the scene for safety and check the person for responsiveness. CALL 911 or your local emergency number if the situation is serious. CARE for the person by providing appropriate first aid until professional help arrives. This simple framework helps you respond systematically instead of panicking.
What if I make a mistake while providing first aid?
Good Samaritan laws in most U.S. states protect people who provide reasonable first aid in good faith during an emergency. The most important thing is to act: call 911 and do your best. Doing something is almost always better than doing nothing. If you are unsure, the 911 dispatcher can guide you through basic steps over the phone until paramedics arrive.