First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor can be trained to perform in medical emergency situations, before the intervention of emergency medical technicians or doctors. It is best to obtain training in first aid before a medical emergency occurs. Supplies useful in giving first aid are often kept together in a first aid kit.

Applying a dressing is a first aid skill, although many people undertake the practice with no training - especially on minor wounds. Modern dressings will almost all come in a prepackaged sterile wrapping, date coded to ensure sterility, this is because it will come in to direct contact with the wound, and sterility is required in order to fulfil the 'Protection from infection' aim of a dressing

An "ideal" wound dressing is one that is sterile, breathable, and encourages a moist healing environment. This will then reduce the risk of infection, help the wound heal more quickly, and reduce scarring