Principles of First Aid outlines the role and responsibilities of a first aider. The three aims of first aid are to preserve life, prevent worsening, and promote recovery. A first aider must first ensure the safety of the situation and not endanger themselves or others. Their role is to provide initial care until emergency medical help arrives through actions like controlling bleeding, treating for shock, and calling for an ambulance. A first aider must protect the casualty's privacy and document their care provided. They should be aware of potential environmental and human dangers at the scene like broken glass or risk of infection from bodily fluids.

1. Principles of First Aid
What is first aid?
The initial help or care given to a person who is suddenly sick or
injured. It is the care given as soon as possible after an accident or
illness prior to the arrival of expert medical help. First aid can
sometimes save a person’s life.

2. Role of a first aider
Aims of first aid – The 3P’s
Preserve Life
Prevent Worsening
Promote Recovery

3. Preserve Life
• Your first aim is to preserve life by carrying out emergency first aid procedure.
• Preserving life is the ultimate aim of a first aider which also includes your own life,
you should never put yourself or others in danger.
• The first stage in a first aid situation is to do a risk assessment and check for any
danger to yourself or others.
• If the situation is too dangerous, stay back and call for professional help.

4. Prevent Worsening
• Second aim of a first aider is to prevent the casualty's condition form worsening
any further.
• Prevent further injuries.
E.g. Dress wounds, Support fracture, make the area safe and removing the casualty
from danger.

5. Promote Recovery
• Final aim is to promote recovery by arranging prompt emergency medical help.
• Perform simple first aid to avoid any long term risk.
E.g. Reassure, Monitor airway, breathing and circulation.

6. Role of a first aider
Responsibilities of a first aider
• Protect from danger.
• Identify the illness or injury.
• Decide on priorities of care.
• Ensure dignity of the patient.
• Transportation as appropriate.
• Good communication to the patient.
• Good documentation.

7. Role of a first aider
Risks in a first aid setting
First aiders should be aware of the potential danger to themselves when entering a situation to perform
first aid.
You have to consider two types of danger
Environmental danger
• Such has falling masonry, chemicals, broken glass or fast moving cars.
Human danger
• Danger from the people at the scene including the victim, mostly risk of infection.
• One of the main danger is bodily fluids – They can carry infection and deceases and pose a risk of
cross contamination
How to minimise risk
• Always be aware of your surroundings and be alert for any change around you.
• Approach the victim with your gloves on.