What is first aid?
• What first aid is
• The aims of first aid
• Why first aid is essential in the workplace
Definition of First Aid
First aid is the initial care and assistance given to a person who is injured or suddenly taken ill, before professional medical help is available.
It involves recognising an emergency, assessing the situation, and taking appropriate action to protect life and reduce harm.
The Aims of First Aid (The 3 P’s)
Preserve life
Take immediate action to save life
Prevent worsening
Stop the condition from getting worse
Promote recovery
Support healing and comfort
First Aid in the Workplace
In the workplace, first aid is a legal requirement. Employers must ensure:
- A suitable first aid needs assessment is carried out
- Adequate first aid equipment is provided
- Trained first aiders or appointed persons are available
- Employees know who the first aider is and where equipment is kept
These requirements are based on the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
What First Aid Does NOT Involve
✔ First aid involves
- Immediate care
- Basic life-saving actions
- Acting within training
✖ First aid does not involve
- Diagnosing conditions
- Advanced medical treatment
- Replacing emergency services
The role of the first aider is to support the casualty until professional help takes over.
In a workplace incident, a trained first aider may be the first person on scene.
Early first aid can prevent a minor injury becoming a serious one while emergency
services are on the way.
Why do you think first aid knowledge is important in your own workplace?
First aid is the immediate care given to preserve life, prevent worsening,
and promote recovery until professional help is available.