We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Medical First Aid?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,412
Share

Medical first aid refers to the treatment and care of a person suffering from illness or injury. First aid measures range from the application of bandages to the administering of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Any person can be taught to perform first aid techniques that can potentially save lives.

Religious knights were the first to perform medical first aid. During the 11th century, these knights would tend to sick and injured warriors, and they later taught other knights how to care for those around them. These lessons proved to be invaluable, since many knights would die on the battlefield from simple injuries that could have been, and later were, easily prevented.

Throughout history, various people formed medical first aid groups that were developed to treat common injuries. However, it was not until a nurse named Clara Barton began to treat United States soldiers during the Civil War that the American Red Cross was formed. Today, the Red Cross still exists, though there are many other organizations that have been formed in order administer first aid to those that need it.

With the advancement of technology, medical first aid has also advanced. It is not uncommon for a portable medical kit to contain breathing barriers, medicines, and equipment that can be used for resuscitation purposes. Medical first aid programs teach students three basic goals that include: preserve life, promote recovery, and prevent further harm.

Anyone who has been taught how to apply medical first aid is also taught the mnemonic "ABC," which stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. In all cases, first aid should be applied in this order. If a person cannot breathe, it is the responsibility of a first aid administrator to clear air passageways. When passageways are cleared, a person should be encouraged to breathe. Lastly, circulation should be stimulated.

Keeping these three main steps in mind, anyone performing first aid should be able to help a person in need. In most cases, first aid is highly successful, though it may not help during life threatening situations. First aid certificates are issued different from country to country. In some countries, community organizations may be able to administer first aid, though this may not be the case in all countries.

In order to learn more about first aid, contact your local Red Cross, or similar, organization. First aid should not be administered unless you have been properly trained. Attempting to help someone suffering from a life threatening ailment without first aid knowledge can be extremely dangerous. Thus, it is a good idea for all people to gain basic first aid training.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-medical-first-aid.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.