What is the primary purpose of first aid?

The primary purpose of first aid is to save life and alleviate suffering, which encompasses a range of immediate actions taken to address medical emergencies. First aid aims to provide initial assistance to someone who is injured or ill, ensuring their safety and well-being until professional medical help can arrive. This urgent care can significantly impact the outcome for the injured person, preventing further harm or complications, and may even be life-saving.

First aid involves recognizing critical conditions, performing essential life-saving techniques such as CPR, controlling bleeding, and providing comfort and reassurance to the injured. The goal is to stabilize the person and address immediate needs rather than providing definitive treatment or a thorough diagnosis, which is why the other options do not accurately reflect the fundamental objectives of first aid.