What are the 3 P's of first aid?

• A. Preserve life; Prevent further injury; Promote recovery
• B. Preserve life; Prevent further injury
• C. Promote recovery; Provide comfort
• D. Preserve life; Promote recovery; Provide comfort

Answer: (A)

The three aims guiding first aid are to preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery. Preserving life focuses on immediate life-saving actions—keeping breathing and circulation going, controlling serious bleeding, and getting professional help as soon as possible. Preventing further injury means protecting the person from additional harm and hazards, moving them only if it’s safe, and taking steps to stop conditions that could worsen, like shock or exposure to danger. Promoting recovery covers care that supports the body toward healing and stability while awaiting advanced care, such as monitoring, keeping them comfortable, and preventing complications.

This combination is best because it covers the urgent need to save lives, stops the situation from getting worse, and supports healing—something a plan that leaves out any one of these elements would fail to address.