From minor injuries to major emergencies a knowledge of first aid can really help the victim - and with Collins Gem First Aid you can have that knowledge in a compact and portable form. Collins Gem First Aid is clear, informative and user-friendly. It covers a wide variety of injuries and conditions, and enables even the most inexperienced person to provide victims with immediate preliminary aid. Emergency situations require immediate action and the inexperienced first aider can easily find him - or herself at a loss to know what to do. This book has been designed to help the first aider cope with such situations. Major injuries are clearly distinguished from minor ones; guides to action are distinguished from explanatory information; and 'dos' and 'don'ts' are clearly marked, so that even the lay person can, at a glance, know what to look for and ensure that the best possible preliminary treatment is given to the victim. From removing splinters to coping with heart attacks, from treating headaches to dealing with victims with suspected spinal fractures, Collins Gem First Aid will be an invaluable companion in the home, office or when travelling. However, a full First Aid Training Course is recommended for everyone and this guide purely assists in situations when no other help is available. The book is clearly designed for safe and speedy reference. The text shown in coloured panels gives step by step instructions of what to do when a particular injury or condition is encountered. / Each set of instructions is accompanied by photographs and diagrams. / The text not in coloured panels provides explanatory information about the injuries and conditions, including causes, diagnostic features and information on how the body functions. / Key information is highlighted by symbols. The text has been written by Dr Robert Youngson, author of the Collins Dictionary of Medicine and the Royal Society of Medicine Encyclopedia of Family Health with advice from trainers from the ambulance service.