First Aid First aid is emergency care for a victim of sudden illness or injury until more skillful medical treatment is available. First aid may save a life or improve certain vital signs including pulse, temperature, an unobstructed airway, and breathing. In minor emergencies, first aid may prevent a victims condition from worsening and provide relief from pain. First aid must be administered as quickly as possible. In the case of the critically injured, a few minutes can make the difference between complete recovery and loss of life. First-aid measures depend upon a victims needs and providers level of knowledge and skill. Knowing what not to do in an emergency is as important as knowing what to do. Improperly moving a person with a neck injury, for example, can lead to permanent spinal injury and paralysis. Despite the variety of injuries possible, several principles of first aid apply to all emergencies. The first step is to call for professional medical help. The victim, if conscious, should be reassured that medical aid has been requested, and asked for permission to provide any first aid. Next, assess the scene, asking other people or the injured persons family or friends about details of the injury or illness, any care that may have already been given, and preexisting conditions such as diabetes or heart trouble. The victim should be checked for medical bracelet or card that describes special medical conditions. Unless the accident scene becomes unsafe or the victim may suffer further injury, do not move the victim. First aid requires rapid assessment of victims to determine whether life-threatening conditions exist. One method for evaluating a victims condition is known by the acronym ABC, which stands for: A- Airway: is it open and unobstructed? B- Breathing: is the person breathing? Look, listen, and feel for breathing. C- Circulation: is there a pulse? Is the person bleeding externally? Check skin color and temperature for additional indications of circulation problems. Once obvious injuries have been evaluated, the injured persons head should be kept in a neutral position in line with the body. If no evidence exists to suggest potential skull or spinal injury, place the injured person in a comfortable position. Positioned on one side, a victim can vomit without choking or obstructing the airway. 1. It is very important in first aid to A) move the injured person from the scene of accident immediately. B) spend a few minutes for making the difference between recovery and death. C) know what to do and what not to do according to the condition of the victim. D) remove the medical bracelet or card from the victim. 2. One of the following practices is NOT right in the first aid, that is, A) to check whether the victim is breathing. B) to let the victim lie on one side. C) to telephone a hospital at once. D) to wait patiently for more skillful medical treatment before carrying on first aid. 3. The article implies that the provider of first aid should be especially careful A) in handing the victim only if he learns that the victim has both diabetes and heart trouble. B) in handing the victim if he learn that the victim has diabetes or heart trouble. C) not to move the victim if he finds a medical bracelet on the victim. D) not to move the victim if he finds the accident scene to be unsafe. 4. According to this article, first aid is usually provided by A) professional doctors. B) the victims family members. C) the victims friends. D) those people who are not necessarily professional doctors. 5. This article can be said to be one to A) give basic knowledge about how to practice first aid. B) give a brief introduction to the history of first aid. C) give some knowledge to anyone who may be injured in an accident. D) give warning that first aid is dangerous to those who do not know to do it. Key: CDBDA