Introduction to First Aid

The goal of first aid is to save life, to prevent an injury or illness from worsening, or to help speed recovery. First aid for choking, internal bleeding, minor wounds, and minor soft tissue injuries is discussed in this chapter. Other chapters discuss first aid for the following:

• Cardiac arrest and CPR

• Drowning

• Heatstroke

• Low body temperature (hypothermia)

• Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

• Spinal cord injuries

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

• Poisoning

• Seizures

• Stings

• Bite wounds

• Burns

• Chemical burns of the eyes

• Fractures

• Frostbite

• Nosebleeds

• Sprains

• Fractured, loosened, or knocked-out teeth