first aid

NOUN

[/ˈfɜːrst eɪd/]

emergency medical care given immediately to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical treatment is available

💡 Concept

A hiker performs first aid on his friend's twisted ankle using a trail kit.

🎵 Rhyme

When pipes burst and someone's paid, first aid comes in every grade!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈfɜːrst eɪd/

🇬🇧 UK/ˈfɜːst eɪd/

🌳Etymology

Rootfirst aid

Origin

This compound term emerged in the late 19th century from military and medical contexts, combining 'first' (foremost in order) and 'aid' (assistance). It originally referred to immediate medical help provided to injured soldiers by fellow combatants before the arrival of military surgeons on the battlefield.

Breakdown

first (foremost in sequence or time) + aid (from Old French 'aidier', to help or assist).

🎵Rhyme

burst paidthirst madeworst grade

burst paid

thirst made

worst grade

🔗Collocations

first aid kit

give first aid

first aid training

basic first aid

first aid course

administer first aid

first aid station

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The hiking club leader always carries a first aid kit, just in case someone gets attacked by a particularly aggressive butterfly.”

😄 Fun example

“Learning first aid is essential for teachers, especially when dealing with dramatic teenagers who faint at the sight of a pop quiz.”

“The company requires all employees to complete first aid training before starting work.”

“Quick first aid prevented the minor cut from becoming infected.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

emergency caremedical aidemergency treatmentimmediate care

Antonyms

neglectabandonment

CPRbandageemergencyrescueparamedicmedicaltreatment

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first aid — emergency medical care given immediately to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional medical treatment is available

Example Sentences