first aid [AS, fyrst + Fr, aider, to help] , the immediate care that is given to an injured or ill person before treatment by medically trained personnel. Attention is directed first to the most critical problems: evaluation of the patency of the airway, the presence of bleeding, and the adequacy of cardiac function. The patient is kept warm and as comfortable as possible. The conscious patient is reassured and queried for significant details of his or her medical history, such as diabetes, a known heart condition, or allergic reactions to drugs. If the patient is unconscious, a medical identification card, bracelet, or necklace is sought. The patient is moved as little as possible, particularly if there is a possibility of fracture. If vomiting occurs, the patient’s head is moved to a position for the vomitus to exit easily to prevent aspiration. See also cardiopulmonary resuscitation, control of hemorrhage, emergency medicine, emergency nursing.
