First aid is typically the first care provided to a critically injured or ill patient. This can include controlling substantial bleeding, providing CPR or maintaining the airway of an unconscious patient.
First aid is emergency care or treatment given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury. It can be practised alone as a layperson or in team by trained professional or volunteers.
The purpose of first aid is to preserve life, to prevent worsening, and if possible to promote recovery.
Examples:
- Performing CPR while awaiting for a professional medical help,
- "ABCDE", bodycheck, prior calling the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (team first-aid context),
- Bandaging wounds,
- ...
