Healing in the Beginning: First Aid in Ancient Civilisations
Long before first aid kits or training manuals, ancient peoples were already practising lifesaving techniques. The origins of first aid stretch back over 5,000 years to the banks of the Nile and the plains of Mesopotamia.
In Ancient Egypt, healers used plant-based poultices, honey as a natural antiseptic, and linen wrappings to treat wounds. A clay tablet from around 2200 BCE refers to the “three healing gestures”: wound cleansing, plaster application, and bandaging—a remarkably timeless approach still reflected in modern first aid.
The Sumerians and Babylonians of Mesopotamia used beer, clay, and herbal remedies to clean and dress injuries. They recorded recipes for treating everything from snake bites to broken bones on clay tablets.
These early practices show us that even ancient civilisations recognised the value of timely, hands-on care—and laid the groundwork for the principles we follow today.
Why It Matters Today:
At Puzzled Training, we honour these ancient beginnings by ensuring that modern first aid remains accessible, practical, and grounded in evidence. Everyone deserves the knowledge to act in an emergency.