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What are the five functions of first aid?

Published in First Aid Basics 3 mins read

The five primary functions of first aid are to assess the situation, protect from danger, reassure the casualty, prevent infection, and assess the casualty.

Here's a more detailed look at each of these functions:

Five Functions of First Aid

Function Description
Assess the Situation Quickly and calmly evaluate what has happened to understand the incident, enabling you to make informed decisions on how to help effectively. This includes understanding how it occurred.
Protect from Danger Ensure the safety of yourself, the casualty, and others by removing any hazards or moving to a safer location if needed. Your safety always comes first!
Reassure the Casualty Calm the casualty by providing comfort and support, while keeping them informed about what's happening and the actions being taken. This helps reduce their anxiety.
Prevent Infection Take precautions to avoid the introduction of germs, for example, by using gloves, cleaning wounds, and using sterile dressings. This helps to prevent worsening of injuries by infection.
Assess the Casualty Closely examine the casualty to find all injuries and to establish the extent of those injuries. Use this to determine what first aid is required for the casualty.

Further explanation:

  • Assessing the Situation:

    • Observe the scene for clues to understand what happened.
    • Identify any potential dangers.
    • Gather information from witnesses if available.

  • Protecting from Danger:

    • Move the casualty away from immediate hazards (e.g., traffic, fire).
    • Shield the area from further risks.
    • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves if available.

  • Reassuring the Casualty:

    • Speak calmly and reassuringly.
    • Explain what you are doing and why.
    • Maintain eye contact when possible.

  • Preventing Infection:

    • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after providing first aid, when possible.
      • Use sterile dressings to cover wounds.
      • Avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids, when possible.

  • Assessing the Casualty:

    • Check for responsiveness (using the AVPU scale – Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive).
    • Check the casualty's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC).
    • Look for any visible injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises, fractures).

By understanding and applying these five functions, you can provide effective and safe first aid until more advanced medical help arrives.

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