First aid is immediate assistance given to someone who is injured or suddenly ill. It aims to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery until full medical treatment is available. Certain skills are essential for first aid, including maintaining an open airway and breathing, stopping bleeding, treating burns, and caring for fractures. While basic first aid principles can be acquired through life experiences, effective life-saving interventions require training. Specific types of first aid training exist for situations like aquatic environments, wilderness areas, or mental health crises.