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Emergency Medicine & First Aid vocabulary · Emergency Assessment (ABC)

First aid

Meaning in emergency medicine & first aid, with examples

/ˌfɜːrst ˈeɪd/nounCore term

In emergency medicine & first aid, first aid means: The help given straight away to someone who is injured or suddenly ill, before a doctor, nurse or ambulance crew arrives and takes over.

In Turkish: ilk yardım

How it is used

Used for the help itself, the training and the equipment. People give first aid, take a first aid course and keep a first aid kit at work. Employers, schools and sports clubs often need staff with a valid first aid certificate.

Example sentences

  1. Two of our warehouse staff are trained in first aid, so call them first if someone gets hurt.

  2. A passer-by gave first aid until the ambulance arrived.

Common collocations

  • give first aid
  • first aid kit
  • first aid course
  • first aid certificate
  • basic first aid
  • first responderA person trained to reach an emergency quickly and give early care before or alongside the ambulance, such as a police officer, firefighter, lifeguard or volunteer.
  • bystanderA member of the public who happens to be present when someone collapses or is hurt, and who is not part of the emergency services.
  • emergencyA sudden, serious situation, such as an accident, a fire or a sudden illness, that needs help or action immediately.
  • CPRShort for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: chest compressions, often with rescue breaths, given to someone whose heart has stopped, to keep blood and oxygen moving to the brain.

More terms: Emergency Assessment (ABC)

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.