What is the meaning of the term "first aid"?

The term "first aid" refers to the immediate care provided to an individual who has sustained an injury or experienced a sudden illness, typically administered before professional medical help becomes available. This type of care plays a crucial role in stabilizing the person's condition, preventing further injury, or even preserving life until advanced medical assistance can take over. It is often performed by bystanders or non-medical personnel who are trained in basic emergency responses.

The other options describe different concepts unrelated to the core definition of first aid. Long-term treatment plans are structured medical programs designed for ongoing care and rehabilitation, distinct from the immediate response of first aid. Advanced medical procedures involve a higher level of medical intervention usually carried out by healthcare professionals in clinical settings, diverging from the basic and accessible nature of first aid. Finally, programs for mental health support focus on psychological well-being rather than physical injuries or medical emergencies, making them a separate domain entirely from the immediate physical care that first aid represents.