First Aid
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, FACP, FACR
First aid is the assistance given to an injured or sick
person in need of urgent medical assistance. First aid applies to a broad range
of medical situations and consists both of specific knowledge and skills (e.g.,
what to do for each type of injury or illness) and the ability to assess a situation and
make appropriate decisions (such as when to call for emergency medical
assistance).
Preparedness is a key element of first aid. While every home, auto, and boat
should be equipped with a basic emergency kit that includes first aid supplies
and a first aid manual, special circumstances may necessitate more advanced or
specific degrees of preparation for an emergency. For example, residents of
certain geographic areas where natural disasters (such as hurricanes,
earthquakes, tornados, floods, landslides, or tsunamis) may occur should prepare
for emergencies by assembling disaster preparedness kits such as
earthquake
kits, flood kits, and
evacuation kits.
Travelers should also prepare to administer first aid in
the region they plan to visit. In many developed countries, this may amount to
packing a standard first aid kit and manual with your belongings. Medicines to
prevent motion sickness and advanced awareness about the management of traveler's diarrhea are
also helpful to travelers. In the developing world or in remote regions, a
travel medicine kit should include medicines and supplies that may not be
available for purchase as well as any specific products (such as
insect
repellant to prevent mosquito and
tick bites) needed for your destination. It's also important for travelers in
foreign countries to learn how to access emergency
services by telephone.
Being prepared to administer effective first aid can also involve learning
specific skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or abdominal thrusts to assist choking victims. First
aid may be required for medical emergencies such as heart attack, stroke, or
seizures as well as for
minor medical conditions like nosebleed and mild allergic reactions. Environmental
injuries (sunburn, poison ivy,
heat exhaustion, frostbite,
bee or insect stings)
and traumatic injuries (strains, sprains, burns,
puncture wounds, and cuts as
well as more severe internal injuries) are other situations where first aid
skills can be invaluable.
Regardless of your level of skill or degree of first aid training, if you
find yourself in a true medical emergency, always call 911 for emergency medical
assistance immediately. Likewise, if you are involved in any medical situation
that is beyond your personal abilities to provide first aid, you should never
hesitate to summon emergency medical assistance right away.
Last Editorial Review: 9/28/2007
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