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First aid

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

First aid is the immediate help given to someone during a medical emergency.

A first aid box
A first aid box

The main goal is to preserve life and keep a person from getting worse. It also aims to promote recovery by starting the healing process.

A skateborder falls off his board and cuts his hand
A skateborder falls off his board and cuts his hand

This care is not the same as professional medical treatment. Instead, it is a way to help until doctors or nurses arrive. People with basic training often provide this vital assistance.

US Navy 030322-M-6270B-010 A U.S. Navy Corpsman assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) gives first aid to an injured Iraqi citizen
US Navy 030322-M-6270B-010 A U.S. Navy Corpsman assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) gives first aid to an injured Iraqi citizen

There is a specific way that first aid works. First, you must assess the area to make sure it is safe. You should move to a safe spot if you are in danger. Next, you call for professional help and nearby people. Then, you perform the right care for the specific injury. For example, you might use chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR.

Resusci Anne - CPR dummy
Resusci Anne - CPR dummy

Finally, you evaluate the person to see if they need more help. This follows a logical order to handle the biggest threats first.

Helping people in need has a very long history. Ancient Greek pottery shows people bandaging wounds from battles. The Roman army even had special soldiers called capsarii.

Esmarch original
Esmarch original

These men were the early versions of modern combat medics. In the 11th century, the Knights Hospitaller cared for pilgrims in the Holy Land. Later, in 1859, Jean-Henri Dunant saw the results of a battle in Solferino. His work helped lead to the creation of the Red Cross. This group is still one of the largest providers of aid today.

Many important people helped make first aid a formal system. In 1774, the Royal Humane Society was formed to help people who had drowned.

Tongue blocking airway
Tongue blocking airway

In 1870, a surgeon named Friedrich von Esmarch used the term "erste hilfe," which means first aid. He even designed a special bandage for soldiers. In England, the St John Ambulance Association began training people in 1877.

First aider in parade
First aider in parade

The first recorded first aid training in the United States happened in 1899 in Pennsylvania. These steps helped move care from battlefields to everyday life.

Today, we see first aid used in many common situations. It can help with bleeding, choking, or even a heart attack.

"Get First Aid at Once" (15868018799)
"Get First Aid at Once" (15868018799)

It is also used for people with diabetes or those who have had a stroke. You might even see first aid kits in schools or workplaces. Some places even require special tools like an automated external defibrillator. This device helps the heart work again during a cardiac arrest. Knowing these basics helps keep communities safe and healthy.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:ISO 7010 E003 - First aid sign.svg
ISO 7010 E003 - First aid sign.svg
File:A skateborder falls off his board and cuts his hand.jpg
A skateborder falls off his board and...
File:US Navy 030322-M-6270B-010 A U.S. Navy Corpsman assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) gives first aid to an injured Iraqi citizen.jpg
US Navy 030322-M-6270B-010 A U.S. Navy...
File:Esmarch original.jpg
Esmarch original.jpg
File:"Get First Aid at Once" (15868018799).jpg
"Get First Aid at Once" (15868018799).jpg
File:Tongue blocking airway.svg
Tongue blocking airway.svg
File:A first aid box.jpg
A first aid box.jpg
File:Suicide-prague.jpg
Suicide-prague.jpg
File:Resusci Anne - CPR dummy.jpg
Resusci Anne - CPR dummy.jpg
File:First aider in parade.jpg
First aider in parade.jpg
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