First Aid
Life happens. Someone slips on the stairs at work or chokes on a hot dog. First aid is any emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be administered. Some first aid techniques like CPR require training, but most first aid can be administered by an average person with basic equipment.
Be sure to keep a first aid kit at home and in your car. The kit should include a first aid guide with instructions on how to use the various tools.
Primary Goals for First Aid
- Preserve life
- Prevent further injury
- Promote recovery
Primary First Aid Tactics
- Prevent heavy blood loss
- Maintain breathing
- Prevent shock
- Get the victim to a physician or Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
Tips for First Aid Providers
- Avoid panic
- Inspire confidence
- Do only what is necessary until professional help arrives
Sources: KnoWhat2do.com, Texas A&M University, U.S. National Library of Medicine