Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

1 Introduction to First Aid

No matter what the situation, the objectives of first aid are the three P’s.

• Preserve life – Identify and treat life-threatening conditions. • Prevent further harm – Don’t let the patient’s condition become worse through your actions. • Promote healing and recovery – Provide care that will give the best chance for a healthy recovery.

As you will learn, there is more to first aid than just providing aid to a person who is ill or injured. Unexpected or sudden emergencies are by nature a frightening experience for many people. They may be upset and confused. People may be willing to help but are not sure how. Learning to ensure safety and taking control of a scene are the first steps in any care you provide. (See PREmergency Scene Management, Chapter 2).

Some important steps in first aid include: The activation of 911 Safety to yourself, the patient, and others at the scene.

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