What does first aid primarily involve?

First aid primarily involves the immediate treatment of injuries by non-medical personnel. This includes offering initial care and support to an injured or ill person during the crucial moments before professional medical assistance arrives. The goal of first aid is to stabilize the individual, prevent further harm, and address life-threatening conditions, all of which can often be managed by someone without formal medical training.

While medical personnel, surgical procedures, and transporting individuals to hospitals can be essential components of overall emergency care, they do not define the scope of first aid itself. First aid is fundamentally about the timely actions taken to assist someone in distress until the appropriate help is available. Hence, the emphasis on non-medical personnel is key, as first aid often relies on bystanders or individuals trained in basic life-saving skills to intervene quickly in emergencies.