What is First Aid?

When hearing the words Firs Aid, many of us picture emergency drills, bandages on kids’ knees or only something only doctors, nurses and parents need to know, but first aid is actually a life skill for everyone across the globe to be aware of.

First Aid is in no way a replacement of a paramedic or doctor; it is about keeping an individual or victim safe, alive and as comfortable as possible until professional medical help arrives. First aid is the temporary care immediately given to a person who has been injured or just suddenly becomes ill before advanced care or help takes over.

What is the Purpose of First Aid?

The purpose of first aid is simple but very vital, it would be:

• To preserve life
• Prevention of the condition getting worse
• Promotion of recovery

Who may give First Aid?

Anybody may administer First Aid.

Basic first aid does not always necessarily need specialist training but many formal courses (such as First Aid at Work in the UK) can give individuals knowledge as well as confidence to act safely while doing first aid.

First Aid actions:

The list of what can be done as a first aid action is not limited to the below:

• Performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if somebody’s breathing or heart stops
• Treatment of burns with cool water
• Helping someone who is choking
• Control bleeding of an injured person with pressure and bandages
• Placing a person in the recovery position if they are unconscious but breathing
• Being able to use an adrenaline auto-injector for an individual who experiences an anaphylaxis episode

When is World First Aid Day?

World First Aid Day is observed yearly on the second Saturday of September, with this year being held on the 13^th September 2025.

Why does First Aid matter in healthcare?

• Life Saving and Stabilising response
  • a swift first aid response may save lives, notably in any emergencies such as choking, severe bleeding, cardiac arrest or when an individual experiences anaphylactic shock
  • deterioration may be prevented if a victim is stabilized before professional help arrives
• Reduces impact and enhances recovery
• Prompt care may reduce ease of pain and suffering as well as recovery time
• Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction
• When first aid duties are fulfilled, it helps employers comply with legal obligations and the avoidance of potential lawsuits
• Improved outcomes and System Efficiency
  • Empowerment from first aid training not only benefits healthcare workers and staff but all non-healthcare individuals
• Boost of confidence and workplace culture
  • Training can foster a culture of safety which may lead to an increase in confidence levels to act in emergencies and support the overall well-being of staff

Fun Facts about First Aid in UK Healthcare:

• It has been the law since 1981: every employer should have appropriate and adequate first aid under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, including care homes and hospitals.
• Sugar can be a lifesaver: in cases of an individual with low blood sugar, a glucose tablet or fruit juice can be a quick fix.
• First Aid is on the school curriculum: in England, first aid has been part of the schooling curriculum since 2020.
• CPR doubles your chances: after cardiac arrest, if CPR is started immediately, their chances of survival is double and can be done by anyone, not just healthcare professionals.

Just a note:

By doing a First Aid at Works including Burns Online training module with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD point. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate thereof.