First Aid: Primary Aims—Preserve Life, Prevent Harm, Promote Recovery

The core aims of first aid:

1. Preserve life: Ensure airway, breathing, circulation; perform CPR if needed.
2. Prevent further harm: Control bleeding, immobilize fractures, protect from environmental dangers.
3. Relieve pain and comfort: Positioning, cold/heat, reassurance, appropriate analgesia.
4. Promote recovery: Clean wounds, prevent infection, support healing.
5. Facilitate medical transport: Prepare for EMS handoff with vital info.

First aid is immediate, temporary care—not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Always seek definitive care promptly.