CPR + First Aid + BBP Certification Manual: First Aid Introduction

Understanding First Aid

First aid is the immediate, basic care provided to a person who becomes injured or ill until professional medical care is available or the condition improves. First aid may help preserve life, prevent an injury or illness from worsening, and support recovery.

First Aid Priorities

During an emergency:

1. Ensure the scene is safe
2. Protect yourself from blood, body fluids, traffic, fire, electricity, chemicals, or other hazards
3. Check the person's responsiveness and breathing
4. Call 911 for serious or potentially life-threatening conditions
5. Address immediate life threats first
6. Provide care within your level of training
7. Continue monitoring the person until professional help arrives

Consent

If a responsive adult is able to communicate, identify yourself and ask permission before providing first aid. For a person who is unresponsive or unable to provide consent during a serious emergency, provide appropriate emergency care while professional assistance is being arranged.

Call for Help Early

Call 911 promptly for serious conditions such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe allergic reaction
• Suspected heart attack or stroke
• Severe bleeding
• Significant burns
• Serious head, neck, or spine injury
• Unresponsiveness
• Prolonged or repeated seizures
• Poisoning with serious symptoms
• Any rapidly worsening condition

Know Your Limits

First aid does not replace professional medical evaluation or treatment. Do not attempt procedures beyond your training. When you are uncertain about the seriousness of an illness or injury, seek professional medical guidance.