b'What is First Aid?ChapterFirst Aid is providing aid first.You are the first person on the scene and you provide assistance as best you can before medical help arrives.First Aid is the immediate emergency care or treatment given to someone injured or suddenly taken ill before the arrival of an Ambulance, a doctor or another appropriately qualified person.As first aiders we do not treat injuries, we treat patients.Aims of First AidTo ensure the environment or scene is safe.To preserve life as the greatest gift you can give anyone is their life.To protect the unconscious.To prevent the injury or illness from becoming worse.To provide comfort and help to promote recovery.To phone for Ambulance or medical assistance.Almost any first aid emergency causes nervous anxiety, stress and tension. If you can adopt a calm, reassuring and comforting manner, you will help ease the emotion and fear.The psychological value of comfort and reassurance to the patient is as important in first aid as the treatment you provide.As a first aider you will help recovery of an injured patient by:Lowering the heart rate (pulse).A lowered heart rate will help slow and minimise blood loss.Minimised blood loss will help reduce the shock process.As a first aider you can reassure the patient by:Being calm and in control.Being gentle, kind and respectful.Quietly talking and explaining the situation.Keeping the patient warm and comfortable.12 Introduction to First Aid'