Question

: Define first aid.

Answer 1

Hint:-As the term itself suggests, first aid is the first immediate help or assistance provided in case of any minor or major injury or illness. It may be looked upon as the preliminary needed assistance and process before the professional medical assistance. It may also be some complete treatment given in cases of minor injury such as putting a bandage on a simple cut. Let us know more about first aid.

Complete Answer:-
As said above, first aid is the primary required assistance provided in case of minor or major injury or illness before the professional medical help is taken, such as giving CPR while waiting for an ambulance. It ensures the prevention of the condition to worsen or promotes recovery. Anyone with basic medical training or knowledge can perform first aid. Many countries have specific guidelines and legislation regarding the minimum level of first aid provision in circumstances where first aid is applicable. They entail basic training in schools or basic first aid cover in public places. It also ensures the availability of specific training or any relevant equipment at the workplace, such as automated external defibrillators.
If we talk about the underlying aims of first aid services, the three Ps’ summarises the aims of first aid. They are as follow-
1. Preserving life- to save life and minimizing the death threat are the overriding aims of medical care involving first aid.
2. Prevent further harm- to address external factors such as removing the cause of harm and applying first aid to avoid the worsening of condition. For example, to prevent excessive blood loss, we apply pressure at the bleeding site.
3. Promote recovery- to start the recovery process from some illness or injury or complete treatment in case of small injury, such as putting plaster to a small wound.

Note:- It is noteworthy to mention that the first aid is not comparable with the medical treatments provided by trained medical professionals. It is just a service aiming to assist in the betterment or reducing the chances of worsening of injured persons.
Mental first aid covering mental health is an extension of the first aid concept.
People at the risk of developing PTSD are given psychological first aid as an early treatment.