How to Perform Basic First Aid

Basic first aid is the initial care provided to someone who is ill or injured, before professional medical help arrives. It bridges the gap between an emergency occurring and advanced care beginning — and in certain situations, it is the difference between life and death. The most critical first aid skills — controlling severe bleeding, recognizing heart attack and stroke, performing CPR, responding to anaphylaxis — take minutes to learn but can save lives in moments of crisis.

The General Principles Of First Aid

Scene safety first: Before approaching any emergency situation, assess whether the scene is safe for you. A rescuer who becomes a second victim helps no one. Check for ongoing hazards: traffic, fire, toxic fumes, electrical hazards, structural instability, or violent individuals.

Call for help: In life-threatening emergencies, call 911 (or have someone else call) before or while beginning first aid. Emergency dispatchers provide real-time guidance, and professional help should be summoned as early as possible.