Accidents are a major public health problem globally leading to injuries, lifelong suffering, death and major economic loss. Emergencies occur every now and then, thereby exposing individuals to potentially dangerous situations that may threaten or cause injury to people as well as to have a considerable economic impact on society.

First aid is an important tool in quickly responding to accidents to ensure that injuries can be efficiently and promptly dealt with before a trained medical professional arrives to administer more specialized treatment.

First aid in community is especially helpful as people often get into accidents that can need swift care in order to prevent things from escalating. Whether it’s a minor injury or something more serious like a fracture, preventing further complications is paramount.

The importance of first aid to the community or school cannot be overemphasized, as basic first aid care can make a lot of difference between life and death. A lot of death from injuries could be prevented if initial basic first aid is given before the emergency services arrive.

Also read: What are the golden rules for first aid?

6 importance of first aid

The following are some of the importance of first aid:

1. It helps to save lives: First aid if properly administered saves lives. A trained first aider in most cases are more confident, reliable and in control of themselves during any emergency. These first aiders are more likely to take action immediately an emergency arises/occurs.

2. It allows the first aider to provide the casualty comfort: Having a first aider in an emergency situation could bring immediate relief to the casualty. Therefore, when a good first aider is called upon to take care of the casualty, he/she must think of his/her safety first before assessing the situation. By being calm while assessing the emergency situation would help the casualty relax while they are being treated and stabilized until emergency services arrive.

3. It helps to prevent the emergency situation from becoming worse: First aid care helps to ensure that the right methods of giving medical assistance are provided. Knowing what to do and how to help a casualty is very important in an emergency situation. In some cases, if a casualty does not receive basic first aid care immediately, their conditions will deteriorate, often very fast.

4. First aid relieves pain: Typically, acute pain starts suddenly as a result of an injury, a cut, burn, broken bone, bruise or even a pulled muscle. For example, a sports injury that is not properly managed could lead to long term pain, certain injuries could cause damage that leads to ongoing pains. A casualty that received a basic first aid treatment is likely to get his or her pain alleviated.

5. It encourages healthy and safe living: Presently in Nigeria, many multi-national companies are beginning to realize the importance of first aid training as their obligation to the employees. For example, if there is a medical emergency that happens at their workplace, employees may be able to prevent any further injury to the casualty.

6. First aid training in the workplace can actually promote a safer practice among employees: Knowledge of first aid promotes a sense of safety and well-being among persons.