First aid

First aid is the assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury,^[1] with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery. It includes initial intervention in a serious condition prior to professional medical help being available, such as performing CPR while awaiting an ambulance, as well as the complete treatment of minor conditions, such as applying a plaster to a cut. First aid is generally performed by the layperson, with many people trained in providing basic levels of first aid, and others willing to do so from acquired knowledge. Mental health first aid is an extension of the concept of first aid to cover mental health.

There are many situations which may require first aid, and many countries have legislation, regulation, or guidance which specifies a minimum level of first aid provision in certain circumstances. This can include specific training or equipment to be available in the workplace (such as an Automated External Defibrillator), the provision of specialist first aid cover at public gatherings, or mandatory first aid training within schools. First aid, however, does not necessarily require any particular equipment or prior knowledge, and can involve improvisation with materials available at the time, often by untrained persons.^[2]

First aid can be performed on all mammals, although this article relates to the care of human patients.

First aid is the help that you give someone quickly after they have hurt themselves or have had an accident . It can stop a person from becoming more ill. In some cases, it can even save a person’s life.

Only someone who knows first aid well should try to treat an injured or sick person. Usually, you give first aid until a doctor or an ambulance arrives. Never try to give someone first aid unless you know what to do. The wrong actions can do more harm than good.

When someone has been hurt or has had an accident, the first thing to do is get help.  When you call for help you should be able to give correct information. An ambulance needs to know where the injured person is locatedand what exactly has happened. In some cases, you will be given instructions on what to do until a doctor or ambulance arrives.

Sometimes you cannot wait until help arrives. You must begin helping a person at once, especially if the victim is bleeding strongly, has been poisoned or if breathing has stopped. Even if you wait for a short time this can be fatal . Here are some important rules forimmediate help

• Do not move a person who may have a broken bone , internal injuries or an injured spine unless you really have to.
• If the victim is lying down, keep the person in that position. Do not allow them to walk or stand up.
• Never give food or liquid to a person who may need an operation.
• If the victim is unconscious turn the head to one side to keep the person from choking . But do not move the head of a person who may have a spinal injury .
• Never give water to a person who is unconscious .
• Make sure that the victim has an open airway . The nose, mouth and throat should be clear in order for them to breathe .
• Make the victim comfortable, but touch a person only if you have to.
• If necessary move the victim away from the sun or put them into the shade .
• Remain calm and talk to the injured person. Explain what is being done and say that help is on its way.