How Would You Define First Aid?

It's time to get down to brass tacks. This entire site is dedicated
to first aid and "first aid" is one of those terms thrown around like
everyone out there knows what you're talking about.

Do they?

First aid is a double-duty term. It requires context to
really understand what is being talked about since first aid can be the
lowliest bit of medical minutia or a truly life-saving intervention.

Cleaning up your kid's skinned knee: first aid.

Reviving Grampa's stopped heart with CPR: also first aid.

How seriously you might take the notion of first aid depends on the
type of aid you're referring to. Look up from your laptop and scan the
rest of the coffee shop. See the mom sitting at the next table over?
Ask her what she would expect to learn if she took first aid training.

Don't tell me. I'm guessing her answer is something about CPR and what to do if you get into a car wreck.

Now turn to your left and ask the guy with one of those blended
smoothie things what kind of treatment he would be seeking if he went
to the first aid station at a theme park.

Yeah, I know. He said he'd go if he needed a Band-Aid -- or maybe a Rolaid.

So, why do we care? First aid encompasses the front line of every
medical condition, big or small, emergent or mundane. It's a good idea
to broaden your own definition of first aid when you're thinking about
needs and plans.

Seek out first aid training that covers more than emergencies. Plan
for medical emergencies by starting with 911, because whatever first
aid treatment you perform in a medical emergency, it will need to be
followed by professional medical care. Learn to recognize emergencies
and to deal with non-emergencies in the most efficient possible way.

• What is first aid? 
• First Aid Training

By Rod Brouhard