What does first aid provide to a victim immediately after an injury?

First aid provides immediate help to a victim right after an injury, serving as a crucial initial response that can stabilize their condition and prevent further harm while waiting for professional medical assistance to arrive. This immediate care is essential because it can significantly influence the outcome of the injury, particularly in critical situations where time is of the essence.

In providing first aid, responders may address life-threatening issues such as severe bleeding, respiratory distress, or shock, which can make a profound difference in the victim’s chances of recovery. First aid can include measures such as applying pressure to a bleeding wound, performing CPR, or ensuring the victim is comfortable and not in danger of further injuries.

While psychological support can be a part of first aid, it is typically not the immediate goal. Long-term care and insurance evaluations are processes that occur after the initial response and are not the focus of first aid; hence they are not the immediate help that first aid aims to deliver.