First aid is the immediate treatment given to a person who is suffering from an injury or illness until advanced care is accessed.
The aims of first aid are to:
- preserve life
- prevent illness or injury from becoming worse
- relieve pain, if possible
- promote recovery
- protect the unconscious.
- The provision of prompt and appropriate first aid can reduce the severity of an injury or illness; and in extreme cases, could mean the difference between life and death.