What is the primary purpose of first aid?

The primary purpose of first aid is to stabilize the patient until professional help arrives. This involves assessing the situation, providing immediate care, and addressing life-threatening conditions to prevent further injury or deterioration. First aid serves as a critical bridge between the moment an injury occurs and the time that trained medical professionals can take over.

While actions such as diagnosing medical conditions and performing surgeries may be part of broader medical practice, they are not the scope of first aid, which focuses on immediate interventions. First aid skills are designed to manage acute situations effectively, ensuring the patient's safety and well-being until advanced care can be administered. This is why the emphasis is placed on stabilization rather than longer-term care or invasive procedures.