Meaning of first aid
First aid is the immediate, temporary care given to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical help is available. A first aider should remain calm, protect the scene, obtain help, and avoid causing further harm.
General responsibilities
- Check that the scene is safe.
- Assess responsiveness and breathing without unnecessary movement.
- Call emergency services or arrange transport to a health facility.
- Control serious bleeding with firm direct pressure where appropriate.
- Keep the person warm, reassured, and monitored until help arrives.
Specific situations
- Snake bite: keep the person still, immobilise the affected limb, and seek urgent medical care. Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, or apply a tight tourniquet.
- Epileptic seizure: protect the person from nearby hazards, cushion the head, do not restrain them, and do not put anything in the mouth.
- Broken bone: keep the injured part still in the position found and seek medical care.
- Electric shock: switch off the power before touching the person and call for emergency help.
- Poisoning: obtain urgent professional advice, keep the container or substance information, and do not induce vomiting unless directed by a qualified professional.
Revision questions
- Define first aid.
- State four responsibilities of a first aider.
- What should be done first in an electric-shock emergency?
- State two actions to avoid during an epileptic seizure.
