What is the definition of first aid?

• A. The immediate medical care given to an accident victim before professional medical help arrives
• B. Professional medical treatment provided after arrival at a hospital
• C. Long-term rehabilitation after injury
• D. Emergency medical diagnosis performed by a doctor

Answer: (A)

First aid is the immediate, initial care given to someone who is injured or suddenly becomes ill at the scene, before professional medical help arrives. It focuses on keeping the person safe and stable, preserving life, and preventing the condition from getting worse while waiting for trained responders or medical services. This includes actions like calling emergency services, checking the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation, controlling bleeding, applying bandages, and providing basic life support if needed. It’s about stabilizing the situation and bridging the time to professional care.

The other descriptions describe care that comes later or is more specialized: hospital treatment after arrival of professionals, long-term rehabilitation after injury, or medical diagnosis performed by a doctor. Those are not first aid because they happen after the initial scene management and professional care have begun.