What Is First Aid

temporary temporal until hasta stricken afligido

remote remoto comfortable cómodo

First aid may be defined as the immediate and temporary care given to a victim of an
accident or serious illness until the help of a physician can be obtained. First aid
commences with the steadying effect upon the stricken person when he realizes that
competent hands will help him. The emergency situation of-ten causes confusion in the
mind of the victim. Things seem un-real and remote, and he often cannot think clearly
and rationally for some time. The emotional reaction which results from a serious accident
takes time to subside. Therefore, first aid is more than the physical attention dressing his
injuries or making him comfortable. It is the general mental effect that the well-selected
word of encouragement, the expression of willingness to help, the uplifting effect of the
first aider's evident capability can be given. The thoughtful suggestions made to solve
immediate problems, the information given concerning nearby physicians and ;hospitals,
the telephone call to summon medical help or an ambulance or to notify a relative, these
too are first aid. The good first aider deals with the whole situation, the person and the
injury. He knows what not to do as well as what to do. Thus, he avoids the error so
commonly made through well-meant but misguided efforts. He confines his procedures
to what is necessary, keeping the handling of injured part to a minimum.