first aid

noun

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

first aid

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

• first-aid adjective
• first-aider noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of first aid¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

A woman, who told the BBC she helped administer first aid to the teenager, said there had been "shock and panic" at the scene.

From BBC

Police officers helped ambulance staff to administer first aid in the house.

From BBC

Calling the situation "catastrophic", she said there was a shortage of medicines and first aid kits.

From BBC

Officers arrived at the scene and began providing first aid until she was rushed to the hospital, along with her severed arm, which was recovered nearby, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

After Walker was shot, officers dragged him out of the house before taking him to the police station, where he was given first aid.

From BBC