What Are the 3 P's in First Aid? (And Why They Matter in NSW Workplaces)

Brent Lethbridge
May 26
2 min read

3P's of First Aid — The 3 P's of First Aid

Introduction

When someone collapses on a job site or suffers an injury at home, knowing what to do in those first critical moments can make all the difference. At SALT Training Academy, based in Port Macquarie and serving the Mid North Coast NSW, we’re passionate about empowering locals with life-saving knowledge. One of the most fundamental concepts in any first aid course is understanding the "3 P's" of first aid.

So, what are the 3 P’s in First Aid?

The 3 P’s stand for:

Preserve Life
Prevent Deterioration
Promote Recovery

Let’s break each one down with some real-world relevance to NSW workplaces and communities.

1. Preserve Life

The first priority is to keep the person alive. This may involve calling emergency services, performing CPR, or stopping severe bleeding. Whether you're working in construction, hospitality, education, or caring for a loved one, knowing how to act quickly can save lives.

2. Prevent Deterioration

After preserving life, the next step is to prevent the casualty’s condition from worsening. This could mean immobilising an injured limb, ensuring a person is breathing properly, or keeping them calm until help arrives.

3. Promote Recovery

This involves doing what you can to aid recovery — both physically and emotionally — until professional medical help is available. It may include reassurance, monitoring vital signs, or applying dressings properly.

Why It Matters in NSW Workplaces

In NSW, especially in industries like construction, childcare, and hospitality, SafeWork NSW mandates that employers provide adequate first aid training and facilities. Knowing the 3 P’s isn’t just good practice — it’s part of building a compliant, safer work environment.

Whether you’re a sole trader, site manager, or local business owner, having your team trained in first aid improves community safety and meets compliance obligations.