First Aid: Definition, Importance, Functions, and First Aid for Major Diseases
Introduction
Accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies can happen at any time — at home, school, workplace, or on the road. In such situations, the immediate help provided before professional medical assistance arrives is known as First Aid.
First aid is a life-saving skill that everyone should know. It reduces pain, prevents the condition from worsening, and can even save lives.
This article explains the meaning, objectives, functions, uses, and importance of first aid. It also provides a detailed guide on first aid for major diseases and medical emergencies.
What is First Aid?
First Aid is the immediate care and assistance given to a sick or injured person before professional medical help is available.
It includes simple medical techniques and basic procedures that can help stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent further harm.
Definition of First Aid
“First Aid is the immediate assistance or treatment given to someone suffering from either a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life and prevent the condition from worsening.”
Need and Importance of First Aid
The need for first aid arises because emergencies can occur suddenly, and medical help may not always be immediately available.
1. Saves Lives
Quick and correct first aid can mean the difference between life and death. For example, performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) during cardiac arrest can restore breathing and heartbeat.
2. Prevents Condition from Worsening
First aid prevents minor injuries from turning serious — for example, cleaning and covering a wound helps prevent infection.
3. Reduces Recovery Time
Timely care minimizes tissue damage and speeds up recovery.
4. Provides Confidence and Safety
Knowing first aid helps people stay calm and act confidently during emergencies.
5. Promotes Community Health
Widespread first aid knowledge creates a safer environment in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Functions of First Aid
The main functions of first aid are often summarized as the Three Ps:
1. Preserve Life – Save the victim’s life through timely and correct measures.
2. Prevent Deterioration – Prevent the condition from worsening (e.g., control bleeding, immobilize fractures).
3. Promote Recovery – Provide comfort, reassurance, and assistance in recovery.
Uses of First Aid
• To stop bleeding and prevent shock.
• To help in cases of burns, poisoning, fractures, or fainting.
• To maintain breathing and circulation.
• To reduce pain and anxiety.
• To prepare the patient for transportation to a hospital.
• To provide psychological comfort.
Areas and Scope of First Aid
First aid applies in many settings and situations:
1. Home
Common injuries like cuts, burns, choking, and falls can be treated immediately with first aid.
2. Workplace
Industrial accidents, electrical shocks, or chemical burns need prompt first aid action.
3. School
Children often suffer from falls, nosebleeds, or fainting during activities.
4. Roadside
Accidents may cause bleeding, fractures, or unconsciousness requiring emergency care.
5. Sports and Outdoor Activities
Athletes may suffer sprains, dehydration, or heatstroke needing instant care.
6. Natural Disasters
During earthquakes, floods, or fires, first aid helps manage injuries before emergency teams arrive.
Qualities of a Good First Aider
A trained First Aider must be:
• Calm and confident
• Quick and observant
• Gentle and reassuring
• Trained in CPR and wound care
• Aware of emergency contact numbers
• Ready to provide both physical and emotional support
First Aid Kit – Essential Components
A First Aid Kit is a collection of medical supplies and tools for emergency treatment.
Basic Items Include:
• Adhesive bandages and sterile gauze
• Antiseptic lotion or cream
• Cotton balls and adhesive tape
• Scissors and tweezers
• Thermometer
• Disposable gloves
• Safety pins
• Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Burn ointment
• CPR face shield or mask
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
First Aid for Major Diseases and Medical Emergencies
Below are common medical emergencies and their first aid management:
1. First Aid for Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
Causes: Cuts, wounds, accidents, or trauma.
First Aid Steps:
• Apply direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth.
• Raise the injured part above heart level.
• Do not remove any deeply embedded object; instead, apply pressure around it.
• If bleeding continues, apply a bandage and seek medical help.
2. First Aid for Fractures (Broken Bones)
Causes: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
First Aid Steps:
• Do not move the injured part.
• Support the limb with a splint or firm material.
• Apply cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Keep the patient calm and transport carefully to a hospital.
3. First Aid for Burns
Causes: Fire, hot liquids, electricity, or chemicals.
First Aid Steps:
• Cool the burn area under running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Do not burst blisters or apply greasy substances.
• Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing.
• Seek medical care for severe or large burns.
4. First Aid for Fainting (Syncope)
Causes: Low blood pressure, dehydration, fear, or heat.
First Aid Steps:
• Lay the person flat with legs raised.
• Loosen tight clothing.
• Ensure fresh air.
• When conscious, give water slowly.
If unresponsive for more than 1 minute, seek medical help.
5. First Aid for Heart Attack
Signs: Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea.
First Aid Steps:
• Call for emergency medical help immediately.
• Make the person sit in a comfortable half-sitting position.
• Loosen clothing.
• If available, give aspirin (150–300 mg) to chew.
• If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR.
6. First Aid for Stroke
• Signs: Weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, facial drooping.
First Aid Steps:
• Check the FAST signs (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).
• Call emergency services immediately.
• Lay the person on their side with head slightly raised.
• Do not give food or water.
• Keep the airway clear and monitor breathing.
7. First Aid for Choking
Causes: Food or object stuck in throat.
First Aid Steps:
• Encourage the person to cough forcefully.
• If unable to breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts).
• For infants, give five back blows followed by five chest thrusts.
• Seek immediate medical help.
8. First Aid for Poisoning
Causes: Ingesting chemicals, medicines, or contaminated food.
First Aid Steps:
• Identify the poison type.
• Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a doctor.
• Remove contaminated clothing if poison is on the skin.
• Rinse mouth with clean water.
• Take the person and the substance container to a hospital.
9. First Aid for Snake Bite
Symptoms: Swelling, pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing.
First Aid Steps:
• Keep the victim calm and still.
• Immobilize the affected limb below heart level.
• Do not cut or suck the wound.
• Remove tight items like rings or bracelets.
• Take to hospital immediately for anti-venom treatment.
10. First Aid for Electric Shock
Steps:
• Turn off the power supply first.
• Do not touch the victim directly if still connected to electricity.
• Check breathing and pulse; perform CPR if needed.
• Treat burns with clean cloth.
• Seek medical care immediately.
11. First Aid for Epilepsy (Seizures)
Signs: Sudden loss of consciousness, jerking movements, foaming at mouth.
First Aid Steps:
• Move dangerous objects away.
• Place something soft under the head.
• Do not put anything in the mouth.
• After seizure stops, lay person on side (recovery position).
• Call for help if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
12. First Aid for Asthma Attack
Symptoms: Wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness.
First Aid Steps:
• Help the person sit upright and stay calm.
• Assist them in using their inhaler (usually a reliever like salbutamol).
• If no improvement after repeated inhaler use, call emergency help.
• Do not lie the person down.
13. First Aid for Diabetic Emergency (Hypoglycemia)
• Signs: Sweating, dizziness, trembling, confusion.
First Aid Steps:
• Give sweet drinks or glucose tablets if conscious.
• If unconscious, do not give anything orally.
• Place in recovery position and call for medical help.
14. First Aid for Heat Stroke
• Causes: Overheating due to sun or high temperature.
First Aid Steps:
• Move to a cool area and remove excess clothing.
• Apply cold wet cloths or ice packs.
• Give cool water if conscious.
• Seek medical attention immediately.
15. First Aid for Drowning
Steps:
• Remove the person from water safely.
• Check for breathing and pulse.
• If not breathing, start CPR immediately.
• Keep the person warm and get emergency help.
Principles of First Aid
1. Stay calm and assess the situation.
2. Ensure your own safety first.
3. Do not move the injured unnecessarily.
4. Call for professional medical help early.
5. Provide reassurance and comfort.
6. Keep observing vital signs until help arrives.
First Aid Training and Education
Learning first aid is an essential life skill. Many organizations like the Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conduct training programs in schools, offices, and communities.
These courses teach:
• CPR and wound management
• Handling fractures and burns
• Managing unconscious patients
• Emergency evacuation techniques
First Aid in Schools and Workplaces
Educational institutions and companies should:
• Have a designated first aid room.
• Keep a well-equipped first aid kit.
• Train teachers, students, and employees in basic first aid.
• Display emergency contact numbers clearly.
Conclusion
First aid is not just a medical skill — it is an act of compassion and responsibility.
Immediate care during emergencies can prevent death, reduce pain, and promote faster recovery.
Every individual, whether at home, school, or workplace, should have basic first aid knowledge.
Remember: “Timely first aid saves lives.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main purpose of first aid?
The main purpose is to save life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery until professional help arrives.
2. What are the 3 basic principles of first aid?
Preserve life, prevent deterioration, and promote recovery.
3. What should every first aid kit contain?
Essential items like bandages, antiseptic, gloves, scissors, gauze, painkillers, and ORS.
4. Can first aid prevent infection?
Yes, proper cleaning and dressing of wounds can prevent infection and promote healing.
5. Why should everyone learn first aid?
Because emergencies can happen anytime, and immediate action can save lives before medical help arrives.
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)