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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• first-aid
  adjective
• first-aider
  noun

Etymology

Origin of first aid

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The trial had heard Roberts briefly lost consciousness in the collision, but when he came to he offered first aid to the Pinkneys until an ambulance arrived.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Crew members tried to give him first aid, but to no avail, said Alok Singh, the late captain’s brother-in-law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

I immediately fell into this trap, assuming I could simply grab my first aid kit and tent and run to the hills, only for Leigh to tell me this was the biggest mistake people make.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Its curriculum ranges from basic first aid to countering Chinese information warfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“Right then, Potter, the first aid tent, please . . .” said Professor McGonagall.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling