What is one of the fundamentals of first aid?

One of the fundamentals of first aid is artificial respiration. This technique is critical for providing immediate assistance in situations where a person is not breathing or their breathing is inadequate. Artificial respiration involves methods such as mouth-to-mouth ventilation or using a bag-mask device, which can help deliver oxygen to the lungs and maintain vital functions until professional medical help arrives.

The importance of artificial respiration lies in its ability to preserve brain function and overall survival rates in cases of respiratory arrest. Promptly restoring a person’s breathing can greatly increase their chances of recovery and is a fundamental skill taught in first aid training. It equips responders to act effectively in emergencies, making it a foundational component of first aid practices.

The other options, while important in certain contexts, do not align as closely with the immediate responses needed in critical situations that first aid training emphasizes. For instance, medication administration typically requires more advanced training and a clear understanding of medical guidance, making it less of a fundamental first aid skill. Crisis counseling, on the other hand, focuses on emotional support rather than physical interventions in emergencies. Patient transport is crucial in some situations but generally occurs after initial first aid measures like artificial respiration have been administered.