USCG Lifeboatman Practice Exam 2026 - Free Lifeboatman Practice Questions and Study Guide

First aid refers to the immediate and emergency treatment provided at the scene of an injury or medical incident before professional medical help can take over. This includes assessing the situation, providing necessary interventions such as controlling bleeding, performing CPR, and comforting the injured until help arrives. The emphasis is on prompt action to stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further harm, which directly aligns with the definition of first aid.

While preventive care for injuries is important, it occurs before an injury happens and does not fit the direct response to an injury or emergency situation. Long-term medical care and referrals to a hospital involve providing treatment beyond the initial emergency response and are carried out by trained medical professionals in structured environments, which is outside the scope of what first aid encompasses.