first aid

American  

noun

1. emergency aid or treatment given to someone injured, suddenly ill, etc., before regular medical services arrive or can be reached.

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first aid British  

noun

1. 1. immediate medical assistance given in an emergency

   2. ( as modifier )

      first-aid box

2. (in Barbados) a small shop that sells domestic items after hours

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Other Word Forms

• first-aid adjective
• first-aider noun

Etymology

Origin of first aid

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Its curriculum ranges from basic first aid to countering Chinese information warfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which specialises in the rescue and protection of marine wildlife, says extra volunteers are needed to assess, give first aid and refloat stranded animals.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

The Unite union said workers lacked kit such as restraints, had inadequate first aid training and no risk assessments.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

It has declared 2026 its “Total Defense Year” and urged participation from Norwegians across the spectrum, from fishermen training to spot suspicious ships to schoolchildren learning first aid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

He would get out the first aid kit and put some disinfectant on Abby’s scrapes, and on his own scratched arms and legs.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret