Page 235 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

10.1 Methods and Ways of First Aid

Meaning of First Aid

An accident may occur at any time and place to any person. An immediate treatment
is needed to the victim before taking him/her to the hospital. Such immediate care or
treatment is called first aid. Thus, an immediate care or treatment given to the victim or
ill person before taking him/her for medical treatment is called first aid. In this sense, first
aid is the spot care provided to the injured person just after the accident in order to keep
him/her safe until the medical treatment is provided. First aid helps reduce the risk of
further complications in the injured person before getting medical treatment. First aid is
not a medical treatment as such.

Objectives of First Aid
The main objectives of first aid are given below:

a. To prevent the victim from further
complications before getting medical
treatment.
b. To provide care, rest and consolation to
the victim.

c. To take the victim for the medical treatment
safely. Fig: 1

d. To save life of the victim.
e. To reduce physical and mental pain of the victim.

Importance of First Aid
Despite of adoption of various safety measures, accidents can happen suddenly. If an
accident happens, immediate care and treatment is essential to the victim before providing
him/her medical treatment. For this purpose, first aid is necessary. The importance of first
aid are pointed out below.
a. First aid reduces psychological fear as well as physical and mental pain of the victim.

b. It saves victim’s condition from further complications.
c. It helps save victim’s life in some cases.
d. It helps doctor to go for medical treatment of the victim/patient.

e. It helps doctor to know history of the accident and victim.
f. It helps the patient be safe to respond doctor’s inquiry.
g. It develops confidence in the victim.

GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 235