What is the goal of first aid in emergency situations?

The focus of first aid in emergency situations is to stabilize the individual and prevent further injury until professional medical help can be obtained. This initial response is critical, as it addresses immediate threats to life or health. First aid includes assessing the situation, ensuring the safety of the rescuer and the injured person, providing basic life support measures if necessary, controlling bleeding, and immobilizing injuries.

While long-term care and advanced medical interventions are important, they fall outside the scope of what first aid is designed to accomplish. First aid is not meant to provide comprehensive medical treatment but rather to be a temporary measure that can help maintain the person’s condition. The aspect of transporting someone for surgery is also not a primary goal of first aid itself, as first responders typically focus on managing the situation on-site. Thus, the goal is very much about immediate stabilization and prevention of further harm.