Why should the injured area be kept still during first aid?

Keeping the injured area still during first aid is crucial primarily to prevent further injury and reduce pain. When a person is injured, any movement can exacerbate the injury or lead to new damage, especially if fractures, sprains, or soft tissue injuries are involved. Immobilizing the affected area helps stabilize the injury, allowing the body's natural healing processes to begin without additional stress or strain.

In addition, restricting movement can significantly reduce pain. Many injuries involve inflammation and swelling, which can be exacerbated by movement. By minimizing motion, you provide the injured individual with a level of comfort that can help to manage pain and reduce anxiety associated with the injury.

While observing healing progress and allowing for quick recovery are important considerations in the overall management of injuries, stabilizing the injury is the immediate priority in first aid to ensure that no further harm is done. Applying ice is also a supportive measure but is secondary to the necessity of immobilization in acute injury management.