What are the three aims of first aid?

There are three main aims of first aid: Preserve Life, Prevent worsening and Promote recovery.  Collectively, these aims are known as the ‘three Ps’ of first aid.

Preserve Life

Not only the casualty’s life but your own as well. Far too often only one person’s life is in danger when the emergency services are called, but by the time they arrive there are more. If you put your life in danger, you can end up fighting for your OWN life instead of the victim’s.

Prevent Worsening

The skilled first aider must take action to prevent the whole situation from becoming worse (e.g. removing dangers such as traffic or fumes), as well as acting to prevent the casualty’s condition from deteriorating.

Promote Recovery

The actions of a first aider should, after preventing things from getting worse, help the casualty to recover from their illness or injury. Simple first aid measures such as cooling a burn can have a dramatic impact on improving the long term recovery from the injury.