What is the primary purpose of first aid?

The primary purpose of first aid is to offer initial care for acute illness or injury. First aid is designed to be a quick and effective response to emergency situations where immediate attention is necessary to stabilize the patient's condition before more advanced medical treatment can be administered. This initial care can make a significant difference in outcomes, preventing further injury, alleviating pain, and addressing life-threatening issues until professional medical help arrives.

In the context of first aid, the focus is on assessing the situation, providing immediate interventions (such as CPR, controlling bleeding, or treating shock), and ensuring the safety of the individual in distress and others around them. This foundational role underscores the importance of first responders being trained to administer first aid effectively, as these initial actions are crucial in managing the situation until emergency services can take over.