Many injuries and events require basic first aid, but some also require additional assessment and special care. A small cut is relatively easy to take care of, but a serious life-threatening wound such as a gunshot wound has other critical considerations. On any given day you may be the first to happen upon a motor-vehicle accident, you may witness an accident that may have caused a spinal injury, or you may see a family member having a stroke. It's critical to know how to recognize the seriousness of all injuries, and to respond quickly, carefully, and efficiently in order to prevent further injury and to help save lives.