What is the definition of first aid?

First aid is defined as the immediate care provided to a person before professional medical help arrives. This initial assistance is crucial in situations such as injuries or medical emergencies, as it can significantly influence the outcome for the individual affected. It encompasses a range of practices and techniques aimed at stabilizing a patient's condition, preventing further harm, and providing relief from pain until qualified medical personnel can take over.

The emphasis on immediate response is essential because timely first aid can prevent complications and improve recovery chances. This type of care can include actions like performing CPR, controlling bleeding, treating burns, and managing choking incidents. Such interventions are often straightforward enough that they can be performed by individuals without formal medical training but with adequate knowledge of first aid principles.

In contrast, professional medical treatment given in a hospital involves more comprehensive care delivered by trained healthcare providers and is not classified as first aid. Self-care methods for minor ailments might address small, non-critical health concerns but do not qualify as emergency first aid. Long-term rehabilitation is focused on recovery and reintegration after severe injuries or illnesses, far beyond the immediate response that first aid represents.