How is first aid defined?

First aid is defined as the emergency treatment provided to an individual at the scene of an injury or medical emergency. This initial care is crucial in stabilizing the person's condition and can involve a variety of actions, from basic life support techniques to the treatment of wounds and the management of shock, depending on the situation.

Option C is correct because it encapsulates the essence of what first aid entails: immediate, basic care administered during emergencies before professional medical help arrives. The goal is to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery.

Advanced medical treatment, ongoing monitoring of vitals, and referral to a healthcare provider, while important aspects of healthcare, do not fall under the definition of first aid. They involve higher levels of medical care and ongoing assessments that typically occur after the immediate response at the scene.