First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person suffering from either a minor or serious
illness or
injury,[sup]
[1][/sup] with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery. It includes initial intervention in a serious condition prior to professional medical help being available, such as performing
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for an
ambulance, as well as the complete treatment of minor conditions, such as applying a plaster to a
cut.