What is First Aid?

First-aid is the immediate and temporary care given to the victim of an accident or sudden illness. Its purpose is to

(1) help preserve life,

(2) prevent the victim's condition from becoming worse, and

(3) promote the victim's recovery.

Any lab is a potentially dangerous workplace, but serious injuries are rare. It is advisable to know how to provide first aid depending on the nature of the injury. Remember that first aid is a skill which can be learnt only by proper training and practice. St. John Ambulance Association which has Headquarters in New Delhi and has around 650 branches all over the country is offering first aid programmes at different levels and offers certificates to those who complete the particular programme successfully. It is advisable to remember that first aid is limited to the assistance rendered at the time of emergency with such material as may be available. The direct responsibility of the person giving first aid ends as soon as the victim is handed over to a doctor; but he/she should give a complete report to the doctor.