First aid is the initial assistance or care given to someone who is injured or suddenly taken ill before professional medical help arrives. It generally consists of simple and often life-saving techniques that most people can be trained to perform with minimal equipment.

The aims of first aid include:

• Preserving life
• Preventing the condition from worsening
• Promoting recovery
• Providing comfort to the injured or ill person

First aid can involve a wide range of actions, such as:

• Administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• Controlling bleeding
• Treating burns
• Splinting fractures
• Providing care for choking victims
• Managing medical emergencies like heart attacks or strokes

Learning basic first aid skills can empower individuals to respond effectively in emergency situations and potentially save lives. Training is widely available through organizations like the Red Cross and other providers. American Red Cross First Aid Training