first aid

American  

noun

1. emergency aid or treatment given to someone injured, suddenly ill, etc., before regular medical services arrive or can be reached.

---

first aid British  

noun

1. 1. immediate medical assistance given in an emergency

   2. ( as modifier )

      first-aid box

2. (in Barbados) a small shop that sells domestic items after hours

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• first-aider
  noun
• first-aid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of first aid

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

"In simple terms, he would not have survived, however quickly he received first aid, CPR or expert medical treatment," the judge added.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Over the year-long course, she studies topics including autism, first aid and dementia and has placements at a childhood diabetes unit, St John Ambulance and in a care home.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Staff at the site and teachers gave the boy first aid, with a mountain rescue team member also involved, before paramedics arrived.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Page also wants more people to learn resuscitation skills, either through first aid training or even at home.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Cara stands in front of him with a first aid kit.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth