---
title: "First Aid Glossary | Australia Wide First Aid"
description: "Every important first aid term explained in plain language."
canonical: "https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary"
---

# First Aid Glossary

Every important first aid term, explained in plain language.

## A

- [Abdominal Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/abdominal-injuries)
- [Absence Seizures](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/absence-seizures)
- [Advanced Care](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/advanced-care)
- [Advanced Care Directive](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/advanced-care-directive)
- [AED (Automated External Defibrillator)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/aed)
- [Agonal Breathing](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/agonal-breathing)
- [Airway](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/airway)
- [Airway Obstruction](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/airway-obstruction)
- [Allergic Reactions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/allergic-reactions)
- [Anaphylaxis](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/anaphylaxis)
- [Angina](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/angina)
- [Antiseptic](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/antiseptic)
- [Artificial Respiration](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/artificial-respiration)
- [Aspiration](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/aspiration)
- [Asthma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/asthma)
- [Asthma Action Plan](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/asthma-action-plan)
- [Asthma Inhaler](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/asthma-inhaler)
- [Asthma Puffer](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/asthma-puffer)
- [Australian Resuscitation Council](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/australian-resuscitation-council)
- [Automated Voice Prompts](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/automated-voice-prompts)

## B

- [Back Blows](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/back-blows)
- [Bandages](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/bandages)
- [Barrier Device](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/barrier-device)
- [Basic Life Support (BLS)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/basic-life-support)
- [Bites and Stings](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/bites-and-stings)
- [Bleeding Control](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/bleeding-control)
- [Blisters](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/blisters)
- [Bloodborne Pathogens](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/bloodborne-pathogens)
- [Body Mechanics](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/body-mechanics)
- [BPC Wound Dressing](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/bpc-wound-dressing)
- [Breathing Difficulties](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/breathing-difficulties)
- [Bronchitis](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/bronchitis)
- [Burns](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/burns)
- [Bystander](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/bystander)

## C

- [C.O.W.S](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cows)
- [Calm Reassurance](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/calm-reassurance)
- [Cardiac Arrest](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cardiac-arrest)
- [Cardiac Conditions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cardiac-conditions)
- [Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cpr)
- [Chain of Survival](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/chain-of-survival)
- [Chemical Burns](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/chemical-burns)
- [Chest Compressions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/chest-compressions)
- [Chest Thrusts](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/chest-thrusts)
- [Childcare First Aid](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/childcare-first-aid)
- [Chin Lift](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/chin-lift)
- [Choking](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/choking)
- [Circulation Problems](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/circulation-problems)
- [Cold Related Emergencies](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cold-related-emergencies)
- [Complex Partial Seizures](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/complex-partial-seizures)
- [Concussion](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/concussion)
- [Conforming Bandage](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/conforming-bandage)
- [Consent](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/consent)
- [Contusions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/contusions)
- [CPR Flowchart](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cpr-flowchart)
- [Crepe Bandage](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/crepe-bandage)
- [Crush Injury](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/crush-injury)
- [Crush Syndrome](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/crush-syndrome)
- [Cut](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cut)
- [Cyanosis](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/cyanosis)

## D

- [Debriefing](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/debriefing)
- [Defibrillation](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/defibrillation)
- [Defibrillator](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/defibrillator)
- [Diabetes](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/diabetes)
- [Diabetic Emergency](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/diabetic-emergency)
- [Dislocations](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/dislocations)
- [Dizziness](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/dizziness)
- [Dressings](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/dressings)
- [Drowning](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/drowning)
- [DRSABCD](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/drsabcd)
- [Drug Overdose](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/drug-overdose)
- [Duty of Care](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/duty-of-care)

## E

- [Ear Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/ear-injuries)
- [Electric Shock](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/electric-shock)
- [Electrode Pad](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/electrode-pad)
- [Emergency Contact Numbers](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/emergency-contact-numbers)
- [Emergency Plan](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/emergency-plan)
- [Emergency Rescue Blanket](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/emergency-rescue-blanket)
- [Emergency Services](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/emergency-services)
- [Emergency Worker](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/emergency-worker)
- [Emotional Support](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/emotional-support)
- [Epilepsy](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/epilepsy)
- [Epileptic Seizure](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/epileptic-seizure)
- [Epipen](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/epipen)
- [Eye Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/eye-injuries)
- [Eye Pad](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/eye-pad)

## F

- [Fainting](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/fainting)
- [Febrile Convulsions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/febrile-convulsions)
- [First Aid Certification](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/first-aid-certification)
- [First Aid Kit](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/first-aid-kit)
- [First Aid Officer](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/first-aid-officer)
- [First Responder](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/first-responder)
- [Fracture Immobilisation](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/fracture-immobilisation)
- [Fractures](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/fractures)
- [Frostbite](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/frostbite)

## G

- [Gauze](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/gauze)
- [Gloves](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/gloves)
- [Good Samaritan Law](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/good-samaritan-law)
- [Grief Counseling](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/grief-counseling)

## H

- [Haemorrhage](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/haemorrhage)
- [Hand Hygiene](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/hand-hygiene)
- [Hazard](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/hazard)
- [Hazard Assessment](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/hazard-assessment)
- [Head Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/head-injuries)
- [Head Tilt](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/head-tilt)
- [Heart Attack](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/heart-attack)
- [Heart Conditions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/heart-conditions)
- [Heart Failure](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/heart-failure)
- [Heart Rate](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/heart-rate)
- [Heat Stroke](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/heat-stroke)
- [Heat-Related Emergencies](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/heat-related-emergencies)
- [High Blood Pressure](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/high-blood-pressure)
- [Hydrogel](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/hydrogel)
- [Hygiene Procedures](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/hygiene-procedures)
- [Hyperventilation](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/hyperventilation)
- [Hypothermia](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/hypothermia)

## I

- [Immobilisation Techniques](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/immobilisation-techniques)
- [Incident Report](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/incident-report)
- [Ineffective Breathing](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/ineffective-breathing)
- [Infection Control](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/infection-control)
- [Infection Signs](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/infection-signs)
- [Injury Prevention](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/injury-prevention)
- [Insect Bites](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/insect-bites)
- [Intoxication](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/intoxication)
- [Irrigation Solutions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/irrigation-solutions)

## J

- [Jaw Thrust](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/jaw-thrust)
- [Joint Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/joint-injuries)

## L

- [Lacerations](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/lacerations)
- [Legal Considerations](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/legal-considerations)
- [Life-Threatening Conditions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/life-threatening-conditions)

## M

- [Manual Handling](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/manual-handling)
- [Medical Alert Bracelet](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/medical-alert-bracelet)
- [Medical Emergency](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/medical-emergency)
- [Medication Management](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/medication-management)
- [Mental Health First Aid](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/mental-health-first-aid)
- [Minor Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/minor-injuries)
- [Multiple Injury Management](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/multiple-injury-management)
- [Muscular Sprains](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/muscular-sprains)

## N

- [Nasal Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/nasal-injuries)
- [Nausea](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/nausea)
- [Needlestick Injury](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/needlestick-injury)
- [Negligence](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/negligence)
- [Neurological Assessment](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/neurological-assessment)
- [Nosebleed (Epistaxis)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/nosebleed)

## O

- [Obstructed Airway](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/obstructed-airway)
- [Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/occupational-health-and-safety)
- [Overexertion](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/overexertion)
- [Own Skills and Limitations](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/own-skills-and-limitations)
- [Oxygen Administration](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/oxygen-administration)

## P

- [Paediatric First Aid](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/paediatric-first-aid)
- [Pain Management](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/pain-management)
- [Paracetamol](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/paracetamol)
- [Paramedic](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/paramedic)
- [Pathogens](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/pathogens)
- [Penetrating Trauma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/penetrating-trauma)
- [Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/personal-protective-equipment)
- [Poison Control](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/poison-control)
- [Poisons](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/poisons)
- [Poisons Information Centre](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/poisons-information-centre)
- [Post-Incident Debrief](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/post-incident-debrief)
- [Primary Survey](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/primary-survey)
- [Privacy and Confidentiality](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/privacy-and-confidentiality)
- [Prosthetic Device](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/prosthetic-device)
- [Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/psychogenic-non-epileptic-seizures)
- [Psychological First Aid](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/psychological-first-aid)
- [Pulse Oximetry](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/pulse-oximetry)
- [Puncture Wounds](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/puncture-wounds)

## R

- [Radiation Exposure](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/radiation-exposure)
- [Regurgitation](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/regurgitation)
- [Rescue Breaths](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/rescue-breaths)
- [Respiratory Arrest](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/respiratory-arrest)
- [Respiratory Distress](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/respiratory-distress)
- [Respiratory Rate](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/respiratory-rate)
- [Resuscitation Mask](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/resuscitation-mask)
- [Risk Assessment](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/risk-assessment)

## S

- [Saline Solution](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/saline-solution)
- [Secondary Survey](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/secondary-survey)
- [Seizure Management](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/seizure-management)
- [Seizures](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/seizures)
- [Shock](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/shock)
- [Skin Integrity](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/skin-integrity)
- [Sling Application](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/sling-application)
- [Snake Bite](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/snake-bite)
- [Soft Tissue Injuries](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/soft-tissue-injuries)
- [Spacer (for Asthma Puffers)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/spacer)
- [Spinal Injury](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/spinal-injury)
- [Splinter](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/splinter)
- [Splinter Probe](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/splinter-probe)
- [Splinting](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/splinting)
- [Spontaneous Breathing](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/spontaneous-breathing)
- [Standard Precautions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/standard-precautions)
- [Steps to Place a Casualty in the Recovery Position](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/recovery-position)
- [Sterilisation](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/sterilisation)
- [Strain](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/strain)
- [Stroke](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/stroke)
- [Substance Misuse](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/substance-misuse)
- [Sunburn](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/sunburn)
- [Swelling](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/swelling)
- [Syncope (Fainting)](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/syncope)

## T

- [Tachycardia](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/tachycardia)
- [Tetanus](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/tetanus)
- [Thermal Burns](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/thermal-burns)
- [Tonic-Clonic Seizures](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/tonic-clonic-seizures)
- [Transient Ischaemic Attack](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/transient-ischaemic-attack)
- [Trauma](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/trauma)
- [Triage](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/triage)
- [Triangular bandage](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/triangular-bandage)
- [Tuberculosis](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/tuberculosis)

## U

- [Ulcer](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/ulcer)
- [Universal Precautions](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/universal-precautions)
- [Unresponsive](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/unresponsive)

## V

- [Venomous Bites](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/venomous-bites)
- [Ventilation](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/ventilation)
- [Vital Signs](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/vital-signs)
- [Vomiting](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/vomiting)

## W

- [Waterborne Diseases](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/waterborne-diseases)
- [Wound Care](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/wound-care)
- [Wound Dressing](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/wound-dressing)

## X

- [Xiphoid Process](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/xiphoid-process)

## Y

- [Yellow Fever](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/yellow-fever)

## Z

- [Zoonotic Diseases](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/resources/glossary/zoonotic-diseases)

## Ready to get certified?

Nationally accredited first aid courses with same-day certificates. [Find a course and check live session availability](https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com/#find-course).

---

**Australia Wide First Aid** · RTO 31961

- Phone: (07) 3437 7500
- Email: info@australiawidefirstaid.com.au
- Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 7pm (AEST)