Why is First Aid Important?

First aid refers to the initial medical attention given immediately after an injury or an accident. It’s a short-term treatment that doesn’t require special training or technology to administer.

The bad news is that not many people know the importance of first aid because they think it’s a job exclusive to medical professionals. In fact, it’s a life skill we all should try to learn.

So, why is first aid important? Stick with us as we discuss 10 reasons why first aid is crucial knowledge for professionals and non-professionals alike.

1. First Aid Can Save Lives

According to The Guardian, over 150,000 people sustain grave injuries or die yearly because of people’s lack of first aid knowledge. That’s a tall number considering we live in the modern age.

Quick and proper administration of first aid can mean life or death to those involved. Thus, more people must know what to do in case of accidents or medical emergencies.

Heart attacks and choking endanger thousands of lives on a yearly basis. We can reduce these life-threatening situations by learning the prompt care needed in such situations.

2. Accidents Can Happen at Any Time

Whether we like it or not, accidents and emergencies can happen at any time. It’s a part of our reality that we must always prepare ourselves for.

In the USA alone, over six million people are involved in traffic accidents each year. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 54.

That said, no one can predict when or where disaster may strike. These accidents can happen at home, at work, or while in transit. That’s why basic first aid skills like CPR, disinfecting wounds, and learning to stop bleeding can go a long way. 

3. Every Second Counts

The first few minutes are the most critical in the case of a medical emergency. It’s a vital step that prevents injuries from worsening until full medical help arrives. 

For instance, when a person experiences cardiac arrest, they only have 3 to 4 minutes before the brain is deprived of oxygen. What you do in these minutes will impact the patient’s condition.

Calling for an ambulance is, of course, your priority. However, if you can administer CPR, it could mitigate the damage and significantly increase the victim’s chances of survival.

4. First Aid Reduces Victim’s Recovery Time

First aid is important because it can save lives, but it does more than that. It can also significantly reduce the time the victim spends in healing.

For instance, if an injured, bleeding victim receives no help stopping the blood loss before medical aid arrives, it’ll lead to severe problems like hemorrhagic shock by severe blood loss.

Such problems will result in a longer recovery time. It can even result in short-term or permanent issues, such as tissue and organ damage.

5. It Relieves Pain and Discomfort

Most injuries and accidents involve a lot of pain. Even incidents that aren’t necessarily life-threatening can bring a lot of discomfort.

Alleviating this pain and discomfort is another primary reason prompt aid is important. 

A medically trained person will immediately assess the pain and provide pain relief and ensure that the victim is comfortable until help arrives.

6. It Can Save Your Own Life

Perhaps the most compelling reason you should master first aid is that it can save your life (or that of a friend or a family member), especially if your line of work comes with significant health risks.

With proper knowledge, you’ll learn how to remain calm and collected if any accident happens. You can also teach the nearest person what to do if you’re ever in a life-threatening scenario.

It’s particularly crucial for people with illnesses like diabetes, epilepsy, or narcolepsy. Educating themselves and the people around them is vital to avoid situations that endanger their lives.

7. It Reduces Medical Expenses

If patients fail to receive immediate and proper first aid care, their condition can easily deteriorate—often quickly. Such cases breed more health issues and, consequently, expenses.

On the other hand, if you know what to do during medical emergencies, you’ll reduce the risk of exacerbating the problem. So, you’ll save yourself from a lot of hassle and bills.

For example, if you know how to disinfect an open wound, you’ll lower the risk of contracting infections. Although it still requires professional care, treatment likely won’t cost as much.

8. It Opens Job Opportunities

Some jobs require a first-aid certificate. Positions like electricians, personal trainers, firefighters, social workers, and flight attendants require adequate first-aid training.

So, in addition to having the knowledge that can save lives, you’ll also widen the number of jobs you can take. Keep your training up to date, and you won’t have problems landing jobs.

9. It Encourages Confidence and Security

Knowing first aid can encourage confidence in yourself and the people around you. Life is full of unexpected events, so preparing for the worst can ease your anxiety.

In addition, learning first aid will make you more aware and vigilant of potential risks and hazards. More awareness means more security for your home, workplace, and community.

Finally, you’ll be able to assess situations, act accordingly, and help when necessary. You can also help raise awareness for issues concerning your community’s safety.

10. Few People Know First Aid

It might sound disheartening, but only a handful of people know how to administer first aid. Many have experienced training, but only a tiny portion of the population is up to date.

According to research by the Red Cross, only 5% of adults have the skills and confidence to administer first aid in emergencies. Only 1 in 20 people are willing to help if the situation calls.

In addition, 71% of adults admit not knowing what to do if a person collapses in their presence. So, if you’re looking for reasons to undertake first aid training, this is it.

Bottom Line

A prompt first-aid response can mean life or death for those who need it. It helps alleviate pain, reduce injuries, and can prevent permanent damage.

First-aid attests to how basic medical knowledge can go a long way to help people in cases of accidents and medical emergencies. It can even save your and your loved one’s life.

So, go and get your first-aid training today!

Our free online first aid courses are a great way to learn basic lifesaving skills. After completing this, we’d also recommend signing up for a practical first aid course in your local area so you can have some hands-on practice of lifesaving first aid techniques.