The 3 key points of first aid are to preserve life, prevent deterioration, and promote recovery.
Understanding the Core Principles of First Aid
First aid is all about providing immediate care to someone who is injured or ill. To effectively help, you need to focus on these three crucial aspects:
1. Preserve Life
- The Highest Priority: This is your number one objective. The immediate threat to life needs to be addressed first.
- Examples:
- Checking if someone is breathing.
- Performing CPR if needed.
- Controlling severe bleeding.
- Ensuring the airway is open.
- Reference: As a first aider, your first priority is to preserve life.
2. Prevent Deterioration
- Stopping Things From Getting Worse: This means preventing further harm to the casualty and minimizing the impact of the injury or illness.
- Examples:
- Moving someone to a safe location.
- Applying a bandage or splint to stabilize an injury.
- Keeping the person warm.
- Preventing the spread of an infection if there is one.
- Reference: The second step is to prevent deterioration.
3. Promote Recovery
- Supporting the Healing Process: This involves taking actions that will aid the casualty's overall recovery and make sure they are comfortable.
- Examples:
- Providing reassurance.
- Monitoring vital signs while waiting for professional help.
- Helping someone get comfortable, like positioning them in a stable position.
- Providing comfort and care.
- Reference: The third and final responsibility is to promote recovery.
In summary, first aid aims to stabilize the casualty, minimize any further issues, and support their recovery until professional medical help arrives. These three principles should be the base of all your actions when delivering assistance.
