First aid is the emergency care and treatment of a sick or injured person before professional medical services are obtained. First aid is the assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and/or promote recovery. The purposes of first aid are (1) to save life, (2) prevent further injury, and (3) to minimize or prevent infection. Everyone must know how and when to render first aid and be prepared to provide competent assistance to the sick and injured in all circumstances.