What is the primary purpose of first aid?

The primary purpose of first aid is to save lives, prevent further injury, and prevent infection. This foundational aspect of first aid is critical, as timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcomes for an injured or ill person. By addressing life-threatening situations, such as controlling bleeding or performing CPR, first aid can help stabilize a person's condition until professional medical help arrives.

Additionally, first aid involves measures that prevent further damage to a person’s health or well-being, such as immobilizing an injury to prevent movement that could exacerbate it. It also includes techniques to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in cases of wounds or open injuries, through proper cleaning and bandaging.

While comfort can be an aspect of first aid, it is not its primary purpose. Diagnosing medical conditions typically requires specialized training and is not the focus of first aid, which is meant to provide immediate care. Administering medication may be appropriate in some first aid scenarios, but it is not a primary goal. Instead, first aid emphasizes immediate care to stabilize the individual and mitigate risks while waiting for professional medical assistance.